Mars Report 2012 – Experience Feedback
The Nautical Institute has issues Mars Report 2012 -47 on Failure to Anticipate Currents as follows:
As a fairly experienced Chief Mate onboard a handy size product tanker I was standing the 04:00 – 08:00 watch as we steamed Eastward along the South coast of a large island chain, expecting to make arrival at the pilot station at 09:00. The morning watch was uneventful and in fact quite delightful as we were facing the sunrise in this tropical location. We were monitoring our position on a regular basis as we ran about three miles from land and about two miles parallel to a hazardous reef.
During the first few hours of the watch the ship tracked well with no sign of set or drift. At 07:00 the Master arrived on the bridge and we chatted casually over coffee, discussing details of our arrival and port call. As we chatted and enjoyed the sunrise our ship continued its pace along the coast in autopilot. For a half hour, as I chatted to the Master and the AB prepared the bridge for the next watch, I failed to plot regular positions as the visibility was fine, I could see the coast, and had no reason to suspect that the ship might drift off course.
You may find out more information at the Mars Report 2012-47 Failure to Anticipate Currents
Source: Mars/Nautical Institute
