What is the primary function of the Sideport watch?

The primary function of the Sideport watch is to observe activities in port-side waters. The Sideport watch serves an important role in maintaining situational awareness around the vessel, particularly on the side facing the pier or shore. This includes monitoring vessels entering or leaving the port, watching for any obstacles or hazards, and ensuring that there are no unauthorized craft or personnel approaching the ship. This vigilance is crucial for the safety and security of the vessel and its crew while it is moored. The other functions listed, while important in their own right, do not encapsulate the specific focus of the Sideport watch, which is centrally concerned with visual surveillance and awareness of the immediate surroundings in the water adjacent to the ship.