Acquisitions in Year 2000

  • Malabar Light - Handysize Bulk Carrier

  • Bolivar Light - Handysize Bulk Carrier

  • Pyramid Light - Handysize Buk Carrier

  • E Trader - Panamax Bulk Carrier

  • Spar Ruby - Laker

  • Bahamian Express - 1700 TEU Cellular Container vessel

  • Perth Bridge - 1000 TEU Cellular Container vessel

  • Belgian Express - 1700 TEU Cellular Container vessel

  • Chembulk Shanghai - Type II Chemical Tanker

  • Bermudian Express - 1700 TEU Cellular Container vessel

Proper lookout

Lookout and speed are key factors in most collisions. Their importance is emphasised by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (COLREGS), where reference to these two factors come before all other rules. COLREGS do not lay down exact speed limits or precise levels of bridge manning but COLREGS do give clear and simple guidance which seafarers can easily understand. For COLREGS to work, a proper lookout and a safe speed are essential.

Rule 5 - Look-out "Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision."


The key points of the look-out rule are:
It applies at all times. There must always be someone looking-out. In daylight and in good weather and in open seas then the watch keeper alone may be sufficient but help must always be available in case the situation changes. The helmsman cannot be the lookout whilst he is also steering.

Looking-out is not enough. There must be efficient reporting to the watch keeping officer so that he can make a full appraisal of the risk of collision. The lookout and the watch keeper must be properly equipped (binoculars, radar, ARPA) and taught how to use this equipment. The use and maintenance of equipment are included in the rule.

The provisions of STCW 1978 regarding watch keeping and look-out must also be followed and particularly Section A-VIII/2 Part 3-1. Besides detailed guidance on look-out and watch keeping standards, STCW says that it is the master's responsibility for the ship to be adequately manned and organised so that all watch keepers have reasonable hours of work and sufficient rest between watches.