What does SW mean in SHIPPING & SAILING

A Starboard Watch is an area of responsibility that a sailor has while on shore or at sea on a boat. It is to ensure that the ship and its crew are operating safely by monitoring all activities, systems, and emergency procedures. Additionally, they’re responsible for maintaining watch and lookout duties in order to ensure the safety of the ship at all times.

Typically, those assigned to serve in the Starboard Watch team are usually experienced seamen with some level of maritime knowledge and experience who understand how everything operates onboard as well as what protocols must be followed during transit.

Those assigned to be part of the Starboard Watch team must monitor weather conditions and seas state, check navigation instruments for accuracy, maintain visual lookout duties; sound alarms if necessary; report any sightings or observations; map-watch; interpret course and speed orders from the captain or other personnel; make sure logs and records are properly documented; handle minor casualty incidents (if any) and organize evacuation procedures (if necessary); monitoring engines room operations; communicate with other vessels in range over radio etc.

The standard look-out detail requires 4 hours on duty followed by 8 hours off duty. However, this can depend on many factors such as vessel size, crew size/skill level or voyage length so this may vary accordingly.

It's important that members serving in the Starboard Watch are vigilant throughout their time on duty should anything go wrong – it's critical that they report it immediately so appropriate actions can be taken quickly before any further damage is caused.

In addition to their normal duties, members of a Starboard Watch may also have additional responsibilities such as helping out with maintenance tasks onboard or providing assistance with other crew members during their shifts.

The starboard watch team has access to several safety resources which will help them assess potential risks onboard – such as ensuring lifesaving equipment is accessible and functioning correctly, having dedicated fire independent systems ready for deployment etc. Additionally, they will also have access to charts, nautical publications etc which will assist them in plotting various courses when required. These resources should always remain within reach whilst performing duties associated with being part of the starboard watch team so they can respond appropriately should any incident arise during transit.

The standard communication used by those in charge of starboards watches includes both visual signals as well as audio transmissions via radio, satellite phones etc - depending on specific requirements by either port authorities or weather circumstances surrounding transit at any given time. This allows them to remain updated regarding current positions relative to land masses/other vessels/icebergs etc if applicable.

Regularly checking vital equipment throughout designated areas - such as radios/navigation equipment/lights/obstruction lights/radar screen etc- making sure they're all functional; making sure no unauthorized personnel attempts enter restricted zones aboard without permission ; reporting any suspicious activity spotted through binoculars around nearby waters ; staying abreast about relevant information contained inside weather forecasts such as predicted storms warnings near voyage route ; charting progress made using coordinates provided by navigation systems positioned closeby at bridge.

Standard look-out detail requires 4 hours on duty followed by 8 hours off duty, however again this could vary depending on various factors like crew size /skilllevel /distance between ports.