Recommendations for 24 Hour Watch Schedules

Last weekend took me to Newport to bring a boat back to Annapolis.  At this time of year, there are a lot of distance races and deliveries to and from Annapolis.  So, I thought it was worth taking a minute to share some experiences.

This is my third delivery in three years (Bermuda, Charleston, and Newport all back to Annapolis).  One thing I’ve learned is that there is not one RIGHT watch system.  It is dependent on aspects like:

• Number of crew members on board
• Experience and capability of each crew member
• Weather and sea conditions
• Navigational needs and skill

A quick Google search will result in a lot of different watch possibilities.  Wikipedia shares multiple systems; and background about each of them.  It was interesting information and helpful perspective.  However, most of the watches there include three teams.  Most of my delivery experience is with two teams of two people each.

The following table shows a watch schedule that I’ve found really useful.  The watches during the day are longer than the ones at night.  Teams also switch from Watch 1 to Watch 2 every other day.  That way, one team isn’t stuck with all late night watches.  Daytime watches sometimes go more quickly because it’s normal daylight.

Someone once gave me advice that when you’re on watch be on; but when you’re off, make sure you’re off.  Don’t feel the need to stay on deck or help with extra work if conditions don’t demand it. It’s important to get your rest and be ready for the next watch.

On the watch schedule above, we typically have the crew cook the meal or make the coffee before they come on watch.  The crew leaving watch will then clean up the dishes.

Hopefully, these watch options are helpful.  I’m also a big fan of my wrist watch to make sure that I’m ready when my watch comes back up.  Here’s a link if you’re interested…