What constitutes proper watchkeeping in terms of distress alerts?

Proper watchkeeping in terms of distress alerts requires a thorough and attentive approach to monitoring the frequencies designated for distress communications. This is crucial to ensure that any distress alerts are acknowledged and acted upon swiftly.

Silencing an alarm without further action does not fulfill the responsibilities of watchkeeping, as the potential emergency situation may still require attention. The correct procedure includes not only silencing the alarm but also ensuring that all required frequencies are being actively monitored to catch any further distress messages that could arise after the alarm has been addressed.

Additionally, notifying the Master about any distress alerts is a fundamental part of the process, as they need to be informed to make decisions regarding vessel operations and safety. In this context, ensuring continuous monitoring post-alarm while conveying distress alerts to the appropriate authority fulfills the critical aspects of proper watchkeeping, placing emphasis on vigilance during all times.