30/10/2025
Basic things to know about LOOKOUT β
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Purpose of Lookout
The main purpose of a lookout is to detect and report anything that may affect the safety of navigation, such as:
-Other vessels
-Floating objects or debris
-Land or navigational hazards
-Lights, buoys, or signals
-Sound signals (fog horns, whistles)
-Changes in weather or sea conditions
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Responsibilities
A good lookout must:
β’ Maintain a continuous watch β never leave the post unattended.
β’ Report immediately any sighting or sound to the officer on watch (OOW).
β’ Use all available means (eyes, ears, radar, AIS, binoculars).
β’ Remain alert and avoid distractions (no sleeping, no phone use).
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Tools Used by a Lookout
β’ Eyes: Most important tool for visual detection.
β’ Ears: Listen for ship signals or alarms.
β’ Binoculars: For sighting distant objects or lights.
β’ Radar and AIS: Support tools to confirm and identify targets.
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Proper Lookout Positions
Lookout may be posted:
β’ On the bridge (normal operations).
β’ At the bow or forecastle (especially at night, in restricted visibility, or when entering port).
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Lookout in Different Conditions
β’ Daytime: Focus on identifying vessels, land, and floating objects.
β’ Nighttime: Watch for navigation lights, shore lights, or unlit objects.
β’ Restricted visibility (fog, rain): Rely more on hearing and radar.
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Rule Reference
Under Rule 5 of the COLREGs (Rules of the Road at Sea):