Q&A 2: RULE OF THE ROAD

Question:
When approaching a landfall the OOW sights a vessel aground at about 4 points of the compass, off the starboard bow. What action would be expected of the officer?

Answer:
The OOW on sighting the vessel aground would be expected to:
a) Stop the vessel immediately and take all way off the ship.
b) Advise the Master of the situation.
c) Obtain a chart assessment of the situation, to include own ship’s position and the position
at the position of the vessel aground. Note the extend of the shoal and the current under
keel clearance.
d) Switch on the echo sounder.
e) Established communication with station identification, with the vessel aground. (The ship would need to know the draught of the vessel aground and the time of the ship run aground.)

NB: It must be anticipated that the master would take the ‘con’ and navigate the vessel clear of the incident.

Ref : Seamanship Techniques (DJ House)