Perhaps if the marine industry followed the airline's example of Crew Resource Management instead of just saying 'we should do this"?
formatting link
JohnOT: ship unstuck
Mar 31, 2021
Last reply: 5 years ago
3 Replies
I'm pretty sure that guy doesn't know what he's talking about. It seems like most big maritime disasters are caused by the captain handing control over to an incompetent while he either turns in for the night or takes care of other business away from the bridge. Here's an example:
formatting link
the two officers left in charge, one had recently flunked his checkout for such duties, and the second was greener than green and way over his head. The El Faro lost its engines in the high sea states in the middle of a hurricane, which will sink a ship every time. They lost engines because a contractor was still in the process of installing an upgrade. Can you imagine the stupidity of heading into a hurricane in that condition?
Ships are different from airplanes in one important aspect: ships are operating 24/7 while most planes have less than an 8 hour flight. And those that have longer flight times have two crews. This means that junior crew are operating the vessel alone. Even the US Navy, which one would think has the best training, has succumbed to this problem:
formatting link
bridge resource management will definitely help, you have to have competent, well-trained and rested crews to make it work.
Join the Discussion
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Didn't find your answer?
Ask the community — no account required