Moonshadow On-Watch Procedure

Every 20 Minutes:

• Scan horizon for other vessels, objects, land or breaking seas. Use night vision scope at night
• Check radar for targets. Monitor anything with constant bearing and decreasing range (a collision course).
• Check engine instruments (if motoring). All readings should be in the green arc. RPM's between 2000 and 2600.
• See that the hatches and ports are closed in the event of rain or boarding seas.

Every Hour:

• Repeat all above items.
• Check the engine room (when motoring) for smoke, oil or excessive bilge water.
• Make the log entry.
• Plot your position on the chart when navigating within 100 miles of land.

At Watch Change:

• All the above.
• Wake the next watch in advance of their watch according to their requested time frame.
• Check all standing rigging, running rigging and sails with your flashlight. Look for chafe, tears, loose fittings, etc.
• Check amp hours on the main electrical panel. A hrs should be greater than -440.

Advise the Skipper/Watch Captain When:

• Cross track error exceeds two miles.
• Average wind speed increases by more than ten knots or consistently exceeds 25 knots.
• The barometer drops by more than one hectoPascal in an hour.
• Any vessel, object or other target with constant bearing and decreasing range (a collision course) comes closer than five miles.
• You come within ten miles of any land, reef or shoal water.
• Any engine gauge readings change significantly from the previous hour (when motoring).
• Any system or gear is damaged or malfunctions.
• You become disoriented, unsure about something, fatigued, seasick or are in any way unable to continue your watch.
• You see any smoke, oil or excessive water in the engine room or anywhere on the boat.
• Boat speed falls below four knots when sailing.
• You are unable to sail the assigned course.
• Amp hours fall below -440.

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