As the heart and mind of the superyacht (I know engineers may - even validly - dispute that last statement and they will I am sure let Joe Hodgson know), it’s appropriate that we start with the Bridge in 2009 and all things related to it. The main tasks carried out on, or related to, the bridge are navigation, communication, manoeuvring and the general operation of the vessel (on larger yachts that latter one may well be from the ship’s office, so for this survey we will include that in the bridge). All this provides wide scope for discussion of issues and I expect strong reader opinion on both hardware software and Wet- or People- ware.
- Communications: what new training is available to Masters to improve their communications and by inference management skills? It’s long been said this is the missing link in deck officer training. It’s not mandatory so is there good uptake of any such continued professional development courses. It would be good to hear from trainers and deck officers here.
- Another non mandatory course I heard of recently was intended to prepare trained and qualified crew approaching their first command for that role. Is this valid or should all that have been passed on by the Captains of their previous yachts and does that still happen? In fact we are sending someone on such a course in January and they will write an assessment of that for The Crew Report.
- Has the world of communication - primarily Satcom – advanced? Or, has it stagnated? It’s long been said (ok actually complained is more apt) that it’s impossible to compare Satcom services. It’s more like comparing kiwi fruit to grapes than the apple to apple that’s needed. In the year since we asked you last, has that improved? If not – providers - why not? I’d like views from both sides of the purchase order here.
- DP is the latest, greatest must have manoeuvring tool. It’s not subject to mandatory training but there are numerous non-mandatory courses on offer – is there an uptake? Or would manufacturers’ courses be more suitable? Are they included in the purchase cost of the kit?
- I recall that a superyacht of a decade or so ago was one of the first to have DP. Thing was it never worked right up until a bridge refit replaced it. Is the yacht use of DP today a mature technology (as it is in the Offshore industry) and is equipment fit for (superyacht) purpose?
- The latest generation of bridge layouts and indeed custom panelling seem to me to make the operation of an Integrated Bridge very much more safe and ergonomic that the older bridge with discrete components. Do you agree?
- As yachts grow in size even in these woeful economic times the operation becomes more and more like commercial ships. Is that a true statement and, if so, in want way does it change? Is it a positive change or is it perhaps a negative one as the crew gets subdivided into departments each with there own identity and, one could argue, agenda. Direction starts at the top; is that still producing a yacht wide team that works and plays together; and - vitally - when there is trouble - pulls together?
And as ever any other comment from readers on the Bridge and its four (or if you think more) aspects are welcome – post directly onto our online forum by clicking here, or alternatively send your comments to survey@theyachtreport.com
Best regards,
Tork Buckley Editor The Yacht Report www.synfo.com (superyacht news and information)
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