Controlling the Operation of the Ship and Care for Persons on Board
This domain covers watchkeeping, bridge resource management, the ISM Code, rest hours, drills, and crew welfare. It tests whether you can run a safe bridge and a safe ship, not merely recite STCW.
Watchkeeping and rest
STCW requires at least 10 hours of rest in any 24 hours and 77 hours in any 7 days. Rest may be split into no more than two periods, one of at least 6 hours, with an interval of no more than 14 hours. Watch handover covers position, course, speed, traffic, machinery status, and alarms. The master-pilot exchange covers the passage plan, tugs, mooring, and abort points. The pilot advises; the master retains responsibility.
Worked example
A seafarer rests 0800–1200 and 1800–2400. Total rest is 10 hours. The longer period is 6 hours and the interval is 6 hours, so the record is valid. If the rest were 0600–1100 and 1500–2000, total rest is still 10 hours, but neither period reaches 6 hours, so it is invalid. The total alone does not satisfy STCW.
Traps
Counting hours of work rather than rest; failing to record drills and training; assuming the pilot has taken command; not calling the master when in doubt; and allowing paperwork to replace a proper lookout. Fatigue records are examined closely after incidents.