Tag: ship bridge

The previous article in our “Bridge Procedures” series focused on the necessary steps required to achieve the effective handover of navigational watch. At this point, it is of essence, to clarify the situations in which the Ship’s Master would take the control of the ship.

ABB released a report analyzing how today’s ships can occasionally sail the oceans with unmanned bridges. The report says that current technology may be able to provide the necessary framework, under which unmanned bridges can become a reality. The reduced workload will reduce fatigue and increase performance.

Watchstanding is a very important operation and one of the many tasks that an Officer of the Watch has to do in a daily basis. The change over has to be done in a short period of time, which is critical for the effective marine watch of the relieving OOW.

Both heavy weather and tropical storms demand of crew’s preparation and immediate response, in order to ensure vessel’s safe passage with no or less harms on vessel’s cargo or even vessel’s personnel.

Ship navigation in restricted visibility doubles the likelihood of a collision or grounding. Such situations call for the use of special equipment and require some actions to be taken by the time the ship’s officer gets information of relevant weather conditions. 

On 27 January 2016, the Maltese-flagged passenger ship 'Azamara Quest' was en route to the port of Picton in New Zealand’s Marlborough Sounds, with 652 passengers and 394 crew onboard, when it hit a rock, causing hull damage. The TAIC issued a report on the accident, highlighting miscommunication issues of the bridge team.

The essence of ship navigation in ocean waters and the role of navigational tools in ensuring a safe sail at the sea explained! The seventh article in our Bridge Procedure Series.

Sometimes, Officers Of the Watch work under restricted visibility and/or navigate in limited sea areas. Preparing passage plan aims to develop a comprehensive berth to berth navigation plan in order to ensure safe voyage

A passage plan aims to develop a comprehensive berth to berth navigation plan in order to ensure safe voyage as it determines a route to be followed. There are four actual stages to be followed when preparing a passage plan.

Safe pilotage demands the effective co-ordination between Maritime Pilot, Master and the other members of the Bridge team. Lack of communication and/or inadequate Harbor Pilot’s knowledge may lead to the reduction of safety of navigation.