Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW)
The Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW) course is designed to prepare seafarers for certification under STCW Regulation II/4. The training helps participants develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to assist in navigational watch duties on board ships safely and efficiently.
This course is ideal for deck ratings, trainee seafarers, and those who wish to build a career in ship navigation or bridge operations. It combines classroom instruction, simulator-based exercises, and practical demonstrations to ensure trainees gain real-world understanding of bridge routines and responsibilities.
During the course, participants learn about watchkeeping principles, bridge organization, and communication procedures between officers and crew. They are trained in steering the ship manually, following helm orders, and understanding compass systems, both gyro and magnetic. The course also includes practice in keeping a proper lookout, identifying navigational hazards, and reporting to the Officer on Watch accurately and promptly.
Other important topics include basic collision regulations (COLREGs), introduction to bridge equipment, standard marine communication phrases (SMCP), fatigue management, and safety procedures during watchkeeping. Participants also receive guidance on completing their Training Record Book, which is essential for applying for the RFPNW Certificate of Proficiency.
By the end of this preparatory training, candidates will be familiar with the duties of a deck rating, understand how to assist effectively on the bridge, and be ready to demonstrate the practical competence required for certification as a Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch.
This course builds the foundation for a professional seafaring career and ensures safe navigation through proper teamwork, communication, and situational awareness.
What will I learn?
- Introduction to Watchkeeping: Duties of RFPNW; bridge organization; roles under OICNW; bridge communication and teamwork.
- Steering and Helm Orders: Types of steering systems; following helm commands; magnetic vs. gyro compass steering; steering in restricted visibility.
- Lookout and Watch Duties: Visual and auditory lookout; reporting targets; communication with bridge team; night vision and use of binoculars.
- Collision Regulations (COLREGS) – Basics: Lights and shapes; sound signals; responsibilities between vessels; importance of maintaining lookout.
- Bridge Equipment Familiarization: Compass, rudder angle indicator, autopilot, radar display basics, helm alarm systems, and steering gear change-over procedures.
- Watchkeeping Safety and Emergencies: Fatigue management, bridge resource management principles, emergency steering, and response to bridge alarms.
- Communication and Reporting: Use of Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP), phonetic alphabet, and reporting abnormalities clearly and promptly.
- Assessment and Record Keeping: Maintaining training record book, demonstrating competence in steering and lookout under supervision, final practical assessment.
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have completed at least 6 months of approved sea service which includes: Watchkeeping duties under supervision of a qualified officer.
- Documented evidence in a Training Record Book or a recognized maritime administration
- Hold valid STCW Basic Safety Training (as per Section A-VI/1) - PST, FPFF, EFA and PSSR
- Be medically fit for seagoing service in accordance with ILO/IMO medical standards.
- 1. What is Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW)?
RFPNW is an STCW-regulated qualification for deck ratings who take part in a vessel’s navigational watch and assist the officer on watch with safe bridge operations. - 2. What is the STCW regulation for RFPNW?
Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch is covered under STCW Regulation II/4 and Section A-II/4, which sets the required competence for ratings performing navigational watch duties. - 3. Who should take the RFPNW course?
The course is suitable for deck ratings, trainee seafarers and candidates planning to work as part of a ship’s bridge or navigational watch team. - 4. What are the eligibility requirements for an RFPNW course?
Candidates should meet the applicable age, sea-service, medical and STCW requirements. Elite Offshore lists 18 years of age, approved sea service, a Training Record Book and valid Basic Safety Training among its requirements. - 5. How much sea service is required for RFPNW certification?
The required sea service depends on the applicable maritime administration and the candidate’s training route. For Indian certification, the applicable DG Shipping requirements should be checked for the candidate’s specific pathway. - 6. What will I learn in the RFPNW course?
Training covers helm orders and steering, magnetic and gyro compass use, lookout duties, bridge communication, COLREGs, bridge equipment, watchkeeping procedures, emergencies and safe navigation practices. - 7. Is RFPNW required for deck ratings working on navigational watch?
Yes. Ratings who form part of a navigational watch on applicable seagoing vessels must hold the required certification to perform those duties, subject to the rules of the relevant maritime administration. - 8. Does the RFPNW course include practical or simulator training?
Yes. The Elite Offshore course combines classroom learning with practical training and bridge-simulator exercises to help candidates practise steering, lookout and watchkeeping situations. - 9. What certificate do I get after completing the RFPNW course?
Successful candidates complete the required training and assessment for the course and can use the training toward obtaining the applicable Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch Certificate of Proficiency, subject to the requirements of the relevant authority. - 10. Can RFPNW help me progress in a deck career?
Yes. RFPNW provides an important foundation for deck ratings performing navigational watch duties and can form part of the progression toward higher deck-rating qualifications, subject to the required sea service
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