DISTRACTIONS DURING BRIDGE WATCH

MAIN DISTRACTIONS

Distractions could be caused due to • Workload, stress or fatigue • Unexpected VHF call which occupies the full attention of the OOW and results in the exclusion of more urgent needs • Unexpected calls from engine room, • Inadequacy and confusion due to lack of experience.• Other distractions.• These errors, if not rectified in time, could result in formation of an error chain.

MAIN DISTRACTIONS

An effective way to detect an error is by cross checks. Error thus detected can be eliminated. The effective time to correct such errors is at the time of handing over / taking over watch as the crosschecks can now be carried out by a second person. Check on errors are traditionally explained as ' a stitch in time saves nine" or " but for the horse shoe nail the battle was lost"

WORKLOAD, STRESS & FATIGUE

Lack of sleep: Cumulative; The need to sleep.

Circadian rhythm: Physiological and behavioural process; Ups and downs.

Consequences: Poor judgment; Slower reactions; Forgetting systematic checks; Decrease in problem-solving ability; Withdrawal

UNEXPECTED VHF CALLS

Passing through high traffic zone. Continuous communication noise

on VHF. Unexpected/urgent VHF/distress

call to attended. GMDSS calls.

UNEXPECTED CALLS FROM ENGINE ROOM

Very frequent calls from Engine room for routine operations/ information's during critical navigation passage.

CONFUSION DUE TO LACK OF EXPERIENCE

Insufficient work experience and work knowledge also creates lot of confusion and then distracts the watch keeper from taking right approach/decision during critical times.

UNEXPECTED DISTURBANCE

MASTER: Telephone calls – personal, official, agents, others. Emails: responding to pre-arrival or departure information. Family- WIFE AND KIDS. ( if on board) Ship staff on bridge

NAVIGATING TEAM Engaged in other paper work / Pending job assigned to them. Telephone calls – mostly personal Involves with paperwork, mail, arrival / departure papers or

requisitions etc.

TV, RADIO, NEWSPAPER / MAGZINES, I-PADS ETC.

INEFFICIENT BRIDGE AIRCON / NOISE / GLARE ETC.

HOW TO AVOID DISTRACTION

Adequate rest prior taking over watch. Zero fatigue level. Avoid stress and other work pressure during watch. For unexpected VHF/Distress calls seek additional persons

for handling them. Advise E/R to call bridge only in urgency during critical

navigation. Keep outgoings calls brief and to the point. NO personal phone calls from bridge, TV, Radio or any other

similar equipment should be allowed on bridge. Any extra person, family / other ship staff to present on

board during critical navigation. No meals on Bridge. Avoid idle conversations, jokes with staff / Pilots etc. Avoid mail reception, transmission and other non essential

works. Focus on the job at hand.

THANK YOU

The final piece of advise – Navigation Bridge is to be kept free of clutter and unnecessary visitors during critical periods.