How should the GPOW document incidents that occur during their watch?

The correct approach for the Gangway Petty Officer of the Watch (GPOW) to document incidents during their watch is to fill out an incident report form. This method is essential as it provides a formalized and detailed account of what occurred, ensuring that all necessary information is captured accurately and can be referenced later if needed. Incident report forms are typically designed to collect specific details such as the time, date, individuals involved, and the nature of the incident, which aids in maintaining a clear record for future use.

While updating the ship's logbook is important for general watchkeeping records, it may not provide the level of detail required for specific incidents. Verbal notifications to the crew may result in a lack of formal documentation, leaving room for miscommunication or oversight. Conducting a debriefing with the crew is also a valuable practice for assessing and discussing incidents, but it does not replace the necessity of formally documenting the incident in the report form, particularly for incidents that may require follow-up actions or investigations.