DISQUS

gCaptain: The Most Dangerous Hour In Shipping

  • John Denham · 2 years ago
    The article incorrectly implies ALL ships at sea are as described whereas many ships (cruise , MM&P manned vessel) frequently have licensed masters as 3rd mates. My experience was that all watch changing times were most exposed to distractions, confusion and misunderstanding. Always of concern was the evening meal relief.
  • John Denham · 2 years ago
    Regarding your article on BRM. See: Naval Institute Proceeding September 1994 pages 111-114.ORGANIZING AND MANAGING THE BRIDGE TEAM. The most important word is organizing. It doesn't just happen. In APL it cost over $1,00,000 in training to convince many experienced , senior captains the bridge watch personnel were not individuals but teams, licensed, unlicensed and pilots. Few ships unmoor with the same people on the bridge as during the transit to or from sea. The article was written after implemenation at APL. The US Navy has a system of assigning duties to persons on the bridge for combat but few recognize the risk in day today navigation. See:" Why Didn't I Slow down." Naval Institue Proceeding January 1966 Page 79-81
  • John · 2 years ago
    John you're absolutely right, changeover is often the most dangerous time... hard to write an article on that though.

    I should have set this part of the post in bold "Not a problem *if* the Third has experience"
  • Patrick · 2 years ago
    A significant number of ships have adopted an alternative watch schedule

    2/m - 00-06, 08-10
    c/m - 06-08, 12-1730
    3/m - 10-12, 1730-24

    This provide 10 to 12 hour rest periods for all involved
  • Scott Kreger · 2 years ago
    Many US Ships, at least the goverment ship's I have sailed on have two 3rd mates in addition to the CM & 2M.