What Constitues a "Proper" Lookout?

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TheBoatman

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What Constitues a \"Proper\" Lookout?

Genuine question!
What DOES a proper lookout mean?
Is it someone that has at least 1 eye! Or do they have to have some experience of the vessel they are keeping look out on

Ferinstance, is an experienced, one eyed sailor on a yot better than an in-experienced 2 eyed crew on the bridge of a large ship. Both are to all intents and purposes "look outs"

What does the forum think? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Lets try and define "proper lookout"!
 
Re: What Constitues a \"Proper\" Lookout?

On the basis that the courts would decide an improper lookout was one wearing no clothes or performing certain acts, then any clothed lookout with no part of his or her body in contact with any 'nauti bits' live or dead, human or animal, would be deemed proper.
 
Re: What Constitues a \"Proper\" Lookout?

My cousin who I would class as one of the finest sailors I have ever known has one eye. He lost one eye in a granade blast. He taught me calmness the best words of wisdom were Hey bruce nothing ever happens in a hurry. Mind you he has a temper to go with the eye especialy when changing tack while he is sleeping.
 
Would that be!

The one wearing a bow (nautical pronunciation not the fing that fires arras) tie. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Re: What Constitues a \"Proper\" Lookout?

You can't keep a lookout, proper or otherwise, from the windward side of the cockpit when flying a large genoa.
 
Re: What Constitues a \"Proper\" Lookout?

As you pose a "genuine" question.
I would suggest that, in the event of a death and in a Coroners Court. A proper lookout would be one who could satisfactorily answer the Coroner's questions.

I'll bet that shuts up the comedians!

Regards Briani
 
rule 5

Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight as well as by 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.


So....it's a sensible interpretation, matter of judgement issue, again, innit. Busy area like solent can't have a novice helming whilst all others more experienced kipping below frinstance. Emptier offshore areas in total darkness can have less experinced people on helm with instruction to wake skipper if things turn up on radar.

I reckon it wd be fine be one-eyed - but not blind, frinstance. I reckon big ships have tighter rules, and people lose their jobs if they get it wrong.
 
Re: What Constitues a \"Proper\" Lookout?

A one eyed person only looses about 15% of total vision - laterally on their 'blind side' and may have problems with depth perception - there are worse conditions such as uncontrolled glaucoma or field defecits where 25% or more of vision is lost. Knew a one-eyed surgeon who was good at some bits, less good at others but compensated by specialising!
Richard
 
Re: What Constitues a \"Proper\" Lookout?

I wonder what view the courts would take of the common practice of sticking a head out of the companionway for a scan of the horizon every few minutes. How often have you read the arithmetic of the time taken for an approaching vessel first coming over the horizon and being close enough to require avoiding action?

A lookout every 10 minutes if there is nothing in sight is often considered OK and allows for brewing up but I once nearly ran down another boat (sailing without nav lights) on that regime. I'm sure the courts would have found me not to have kept a 'proper' lookout.
 
Re: What Constitues a \"Proper\" Lookout?

I only have about 10% vision in my right eye. I was born that way, so I don't know anything else.

Took up rifle shooting as a hobby when I was about 15, and still doing it more than 40 years later. Been reasonably succcessful at it as 4 trophys this year prove. I also seem to be able to pick up lights at night fairly well, and I can also pick up small details at long distance.

The down side is that I'm absolutely hopeless at ball games !! I'm lucky if I can hit a tennis ball with a racket one time in ten ! !

/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
 
Re: What Constitues a \"Proper\" Lookout?

A proper lookout is one that identifies all other vessels in good time to assess collision risk and take the required course of action under the colregs.

It's up to you how you achieve that.

If you don't spot a vessel which may be a collision risk, then you're not keeping a proper lookout. If there's no collision as a result, then put it down to experience. If there is a collision, then you're responsible.
 
Re: What Constitues a \"Proper\" Lookout?

i still think you might be fine with even only a half-decent brief. Firstly, in the cold, it was safer to stay warm in the cockpit, and not freeze to death outside which wd've been MUCHmore dangerous. Your vast experience in the circumstances lead ou to belive iot was ok. And note that the other vessel should be able to stop or take avoiding action even if they are stand on (bit desperate this last one)
 
Re: What Constitues a \"Proper\" Lookout?

Don't know about proper, but this is what I ask my crew to look about properly:
- 360 degree look around every 15- 12 minutes AT LEAST..and don't forget to look at the sky for weather.
- keep an eye on electronics data and also engine panel if motoring, at least every time you put an entry on the log book. Change revs +/- 200 rpm every half hour and listen to engine.
- keep an eye on temperature and barometer also every 2 hours.
- check bilge at least every day, more often if passage making
- keep an ocassional eye on rigging and check for chafe signals on running rigging.
- Lookout for ice cubes before departing and proper stock of gin and tonic for arrival.
 
Re: What Constitues a \"Proper\" Lookout?

[ QUOTE ]
I also seem to be able to pick up lights at night fairly well, and I can also pick up small details at long distance.

[/ QUOTE ]

Reminds me of the guy who was finding it hard to spot marks when entering harbour in the dark so went for an eye test. When the optician asked him why he thought he needed glasses he replied "I'm having difficulty picking up buoys in the dark"

(nicked from YM confessions column)
 
Re: What Constitues a \"Proper\" Lookout?

Brian
Those were my thoughts. Proper lookout is the one who missed the collision, an im-proper lookout is one that collided with sumit and couldn't answer the coroners questions.
Saying that "I can't see through a particular sail" is not a defence that I think would stand up in front of the coroner.

Peter.
 
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