Analysis Of The Responsibilities Of Watchkeeping Officers During Cargo Handling Operations On Mv Titanium

Abstract

In maritime transportation services, cargo handling processes involve relatively high risks; therefore, officers are required to have adequate knowledge of watchkeeping duties and to carry out their responsibilities in accordance with the regulations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The objective of this study is to examine the implementation of watchkeeping duties onboard a vessel. This research was conducted onboard MV Titanium during the author’s Sea Project/Sea Practice (PRALA) from September 2023 to September 2024. The data sources used in this study consisted of primary data obtained through direct observation and interviews, as well as secondary data in the form of documentation and relevant literature. The results of this study indicate that several issues were identified during cargo handling procedures, namely that the watchkeeping officer did not provide proper supervision during loading operations on MV Titanium, and that the watchkeeping officer failed to inspect cargo lashing equipment before, during, and after the cargo handling processes.