After a watch frequency lapse of over 90 days, how many watches must be completed at minimum to recertify?

• A. Six watches
• B. Four watches
• C. Eight watches
• D. Five watches

Answer: (A)

When someone has been off watch for more than 90 days, the recertification standard requires completing six watches. This amount provides enough real-time practice across typical duty scenarios so you can reestablish correct procedures, timing, and handoffs, and regain confidence in responding to routine operations and potential emergencies. Four or five watches wouldn’t give you sufficient repetition to verify steady performance after a long absence, while eight watches would exceed the minimum typically required unless a higher standard is specified. So six watches is the appropriate minimum to safely and effectively regain certification after a lapse.