Control of bridge distractions
What is being checked
The inspector is checking whether the bridge remains a controlled navigation workspace where visitors, alarms, administration, phones and non-essential tasks do not impair lookout or decision-making, and whether plans, records and interviews demonstrate that the procedure is applied during real voyages rather than completed only as paperwork.
Ready onboard
0/6 completePractice questions
Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.
1What is the operational purpose of control of bridge distractions?
The bridge remains a controlled navigation workspace where visitors, alarms, administration, phones and non-essential tasks do not impair lookout or decision-making.
2Show how the procedure was applied on the last voyage.
Observe actual bridge practice and use logs or recent high-workload events to confirm that administrative and visitor demands were deferred or delegated.
3Which decision requires the Master's judgement?
The Master or OOW decides when sterile-bridge conditions begin and has authority to remove or stop any distraction immediately.
4What happens if the planned control becomes invalid?
Stop the distracting activity, re-establish lookout and shared awareness, call support and reassess position and traffic before continuing normal workload.
5How are changes communicated and recorded?
Brief the affected bridge and machinery personnel, amend the controlled plan or record, obtain required approval and retain the reason and revised limits.
Where an observation may arise
Records exist but the bridge team cannot relate them to the actual voyage or operation.
A material change is not reassessed, approved, briefed or recorded.
The OOW performs paperwork or email during a critical navigation period.
A personal device is used on watch or left as an uncontrolled alert source.
Conversation or hospitality reduces monitoring and communication.
Master's practical note
Observe the bridge rather than relying only on the policy. Distraction is revealed by who interrupts the OOW, what screens are open and whether the team can stop non-essential demands.
Equipment boundary and references
Equipment boundary: Necessary operational communication is not a distraction when controlled and role-allocated. The procedure should avoid both uncontrolled interruption and a silence rule that blocks essential challenge.
References
- OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 1, Version 1.0, Question 4.3.4
- STCW Code section A-VIII/2
- ICS Bridge Procedures Guide
- ISM Code section 7
Last reviewed: 2026-09-11