MARITIME TRAINING THE NAVIGATOR'S TOOL BOX BY LOUISE DEEHAN-OWEN A
s an introduction to a recent topic at the New Zealand Maritime School, I asked the course candidates to list the equipment on the bridge or in the wheelhouse they have available to assist them in the safe navigation of their vessel and collision avoidance. What we were doing was compiling a "navigator's tool box".
The second part to this task was to reflect on how much this equipment was used, and how often it was used during the course of a watch. The results were worth bringing to the attention of all. Most had access to radar, a chartplotter or a GPS display and
a VHF radio. Some had sounders and log displays, and a few mentioned the magnetic compass. No-one referred to any lookouts as a tool or resource, nor to their own eyes. When discussing use, things were pretty clear. Radar ruled supreme, as it was used most of the time for navigation and collision avoidance. The magnetic compass rated midway, with the echo-sounder fairly low on the scale. As we continued further, evidence was presented that the limitations of the radar were demonstrated as "forgotten", or lacking in understanding, and the use of chartplotters without back-up charts was commonplace. Operators had clearly preferred tools and at times had only one tool in play, they were comfortable doing what they were doing, but not in what they could be doing. If we move to reduce and detect error, we should capitalise on all
the tools available to us. By doing so we can prevent over-reliance on one method, cross-check our results, prevent errors going undetected and spot discrepancies before they become an error. As a collective group, we assisted each other to incorporate as many of their tools as possible into their watchkeeping, remembering that people, ways of operating and the equipment have to integrate. For some, the barriers were a lack of familiarity with the equipment, leading to a lack of confidence in its use. For some it was a lack of awareness of the limitations of their electronic equipment and its interpretation, and for others it was a matter of rekindling the need and interest. One skipper, who previously helmed using his radar and visual references, decided he would now put the chart back out on the navigation station, take note of the compass course, bring the deckhand in for lookout duty after dark, switch on the echo- sounder and preset the depth and shoal alarms.
As a bonus, he would have a look at the manuals and show the deckhand what was happening. At the very least we were approaching some of the requirements of the Maritime Transport Act, and at best enhancing the effectiveness of their watchkeeping, reducing the likelihood of an accident or incident. With winter upon us, take a look at your tool box. Pull out those tools that have fallen to the bottom, dust them off, oil them up and put them to work for you.
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