IALACOLREG
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.

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

A proper look-out is not just "someone on the bridge". It means a continuous, attentive watch using sight, hearing and all appropriate aids such as radar, ARPA and AIS if fitted, while remembering that electronic aids support rather than replace human appraisal.

The purpose of the look-out is twofold: to detect hazards early and to build an accurate understanding of what those hazards mean for the ship's safety and for collision risk.

STCW Bridge Watch Lens

1

Decide applicability before manoeuvring: Rules 4-10 apply in any visibility, Rules 11-18 only when vessels are in sight, and Rule 19 governs radar-only encounters in restricted visibility.

2

A proper look-out means a person who can give full attention to the task and a bridge team using all appropriate means without over-reliance on one sensor.

3

After manoeuvring, keep monitoring bearing, range, CPA/TCPA and passing distance until the other vessel is finally past and clear.

Exam Focus

1

Start every scenario by classifying the encounter: overtaking, head-on, crossing, narrow channel, traffic separation, or restricted visibility.

2

If two rules seem to conflict, check the order carefully: overtaking duties still apply, and Rule 2 still requires ordinary seamanship.

3

Watch for trick answers that replace look-out with AIS, VHF or one quick radar glance. The rule demands a full appraisal of the situation.

Key Takeaways

1

A proper look-out is required at all times, in all visibility conditions

2

Electronic aids support the look-out but do not replace sight and hearing

3

The watch must make a full appraisal of the situation, not just detect targets

4

A distracted or overloaded watchkeeper is not maintaining a proper look-out

Common Mistakes

Relying on radar or AIS instead of maintaining a visual and aural watch

Giving the look-out other duties that break concentration

Relaxing the look-out because the weather appears clear or traffic seems light

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