Which watch involves the monitoring of the environment above the gangway?

The topside rover is responsible for monitoring the environment above the gangway, which includes observing any activities or changes in the area surrounding the vessel. This role is crucial for maintaining security and situational awareness, ensuring that no unauthorized personnel or activities occur near the ship while it is at port. The topside rover actively patrols the upper decks and the gangway to assess any potential threats or hazards.

In contrast, the sideport is typically involved in monitoring one specific side of a vessel, focusing on a designated area rather than a broader patrol of the topside. The bag checker generally handles the inspection of bags or personal belongings to prevent unauthorized items from being brought aboard, focusing mainly on security checks rather than environmental observation. The MOOW, or Messenger of the Watch, has various watchstanding responsibilities but does not focus specifically on monitoring the environment above the gangway like the topside rover does. Therefore, the role of the topside rover aligns directly with supervising the gangway area effectively.