Boatnerd Discussion Forum

DurIng the '70's the US boats I was on had an AB bow watch in the rivers. Whistle signals were still used for meeting and we would call up on the intercom or hollar loud if the pilot house front window was open enough and confirm 1 or 2.

On Canadian ships we only stood bow watch in limited visibility Fog or snow Even that i think was up to the mate or masters discretion
On the Mississippi the pilots always wanted a bow watch

So not in the rivers? US boats only?

Outside lookout used to be required in reduced visialility or in close quarters (making port, in the rivers, etc.)

I recall that the Kinsman self-unloaders (Paul Thayer and William R. Roesch) had the small cabin on their forward mast when they first came out, but when the vessels went over to Pringle Transit Company, they were soon removed.

- Brian

Guest wrote:Seems like the Canadian boats are much more lax having a watch posted while transiting rivers ?

There is no requirement for a lookout on the bow canada or international except in bad visibility

Seems like the Canadian boats are much more lax having a watch posted while transiting rivers ?

Although they are not 1,000 footers, I’ve been on the H. Lee White and American Mariner and from what I could tell on each one of them, the watch tower in front did not have no heaters just stools for sitting down on at that time. I recall also that you really had to climb up into those watch stands which was a job as well. I don’t recall what was stored in each of them but, I think one had the ASC company flag if I remember back then.

Guest wrote:Are they heated? Seat inside?

I get my ships mixed up but I believe the St Clair lookout box had a seat, heater, and light. Probably a phone too but I don't recall. I do recall not being able to see out the window in December and January due to a covering of ice.

Are they heated? Seat inside?

Scott wrote:I've noticed that on almost every traditional designed footer that at the bow there is a small shack or room. Is this for forward watch duties or is any steering done from there?

for the watch during weather.

That is a tiny lookout station used mainly in cold weather. Small, but so much better than standing outside. I spent many hours in those little boxes and enjoyed them. I did get caught reading a newspaper one time but turns out the mate just wanted to know if I would play poker after watch.

I've noticed that on almost every traditional designed footer that at the bow there is a small shack or room. Is this for forward watch duties or is any steering done from there?