I have worked as an able bodied seaman and third officer.
The normal watch on the bridge is one licensed deck officer,
in heavy traffic, an AB on the helm, and one lookout either on the bridge or on the bow (either an AB or Ordinary Seaman).
If there is heavy traffic, the licensed deck officer (first, second, or third mate) will call the captain to the bridge who may or may not take the conn but at least will be an extra pair of eyes and monitor the radars and/or collision avoidance system.
Good insights.
I’m a ground pounder. What is the difference between an Able Bodies Seaman vs. an Ordinary Seaman?
How do these collisions happen? I don’t get it.