Gangway Watch Duties

Overview

Gangway watch duties are crucial for maintaining security and order on naval and maritime vessels. These duties, typically associated with the role of a sentry or watchman, involve overseeing the boardings and departures on a ship, ensuring the vessel’s safety, and monitoring any suspicious activities. In South Africa, the execution of gangway watch duties is typically regulated by maritime authorities and follows established protocols to maintain international maritime safety standards.

Duties and Responsibilities

Gangway watch personnel are primarily responsible for overseeing the entry and exit points of a vessel. This includes:

• Monitoring Access: Ensuring only authorized personnel board or disembark from the ship. They check identification and cross-reference with the passenger or crew manifest.

• Security Surveillance: Vigilantly observing the surrounding area for any suspicious activity or unauthorized individuals. This can involve working with surveillance equipment to maintain a secure perimeter around the vessel.

• Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication with the ship’s security team or bridge personnel to report any incidents or irregularities. This is crucial for quick response times in case of emergencies.

• Emergency Procedures: Being trained and prepared to implement emergency protocols if a security threat is detected. This can include raising alarms, securing the gangway, and assisting with evacuation procedures if necessary.

Requirements and Eligibility Criteria

To perform gangway watch duties, individuals must meet certain criteria:

• Training and Certification: They must have completed relevant maritime security training and hold necessary certifications, such as the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) requirements.

• Physical and Mental Fitness: Personnel must be physically fit to stand long watches and mentally alert to react appropriately to various situations.

• Security Clearance: Depending on the jurisdiction, a specific level of security clearance might be necessary. In South Africa, this would require compliance with local laws and potentially a background check.

Procedures and Processes

Executing gangway watch duties involves several key steps:

1. Briefing and Assignment: Watch personnel are briefed about their specific duties, including any relevant security updates or changes in procedures.

2. Positioning and Equipment Check: Individuals take their assigned positions, ensuring that all necessary equipment, such as radios or security devices, are in working order.

3. Continuous Monitoring: Maintaining vigilance throughout the watch, which typically lasts between 4 to 6 hours shifts, ensuring that all activities are logged for security records.

4. Incident Reporting: Any security breach or unusual activities must be immediately reported to superior officers and documented as per the ship’s security protocol.

Practical Tips

• Stay Informed: Always be aware of any updated protocols or threats specific to the port or region.

• Maintain Vigilance: Constantly scan the environment, looking for any anomalies that could indicate a security threat.

• Effective Communication: Ensure all communication devices are functional and that there is a clear understanding of codes and signals used for security alerts.

• Documentation: Keep detailed and accurate logs of all entries, exits, and incidents during the watch.

Additional Notes for South African Users

In South Africa, where ports and maritime activities are crucial to the economy, adhering to international maritime security standards is essential. Gangway watch duties must conform to both international guidelines and local regulations set by South African maritime authorities. For more information on legal requirements and maritime laws, checking with the South African Maritime Safety Authority is advisable.