clear water of obstacles and continue navigating a ship

keeping watch / be on the watch / guarding / keeping a lookout / being on the watch / keep a lookout / guard / lookout / be on the lookout / watch / keep watch / being on the lookout

plot / project / plan / design / scheming / planning / scheme / think up a scheme / draw up a plan / make a plan / lay a plan / draw up a project

compare

pass / elapse / go by

be far apart / be different

<<time>> have long passed

pass / passage / lapse / expiration / go by

Time passes

resign / retire from office