The officer in charge of the navigational watch shall notify the master immediately:
- if restricted visibility is encountered or expected;
- if the traffic conditions or the movements of other ships are causing concern;
- if difficulty is experienced in maintaining course;
- on failure to sight land, a navigation mark or to obtain soundings by the expected time;
- if, unexpectedly, land or a navigation mark is sighted or a change in soundings occurs;
- on breakdown of the engines, propulsion machinery remote control, steering gear or any essential navigational equipment, alarm or indicator;
- if the radio equipment malfunctions;
- in heavy weather, if in any doubt about the possibility of weather damage;
- if the ship meets any hazard to navigation, such as ice or a derelict; and
- in any other emergency or if in any doubt.
STCW CONVENTION