All at Sea - The Navigator Issue 7
In this issue of The Navigator, we look at the complex subject of how proper Bridge Resource Management can make the most of the people and equipment on the bridge. Here, members of The Nautical Institute’s LinkedIn group share their thoughts on how good communication is key to a successful bridge
To truly change a team, or organisation, training/mentoring/facilitation must start at the top.
Kevin Sorbello
It is very important to have bridge meetings to reiterate information and decision flow channels. Despite emphasising it frequently, I have never had my decisions challenged by an officer. However, I was pleasantly surprised and saved by one helmsman who detected a mistake by the OOW operating the Engine Order Telegraph and spoke up.
Manjit Handa
My background is in the Navy, and though we didn’t call it Bridge Resource Management, that’s certainly what all the training and drills were refining: our ability to work together to produce a result greater than anything any one of us could do individually.
Jeff Joyce
Team members each have their own different tasks, training and culture that can make speaking up an extremely challenging task.
Captain Peter Dann, MNI
One key aspect of Bridge Resource Management is to catch and correct human errors before they lead to casualties. To oblige all team members to SPEAK UP if they are uncertain of the situation, or of another’s actions. I have observed the progress of Bridge Resource Management to be a slow cultural change, that has been evolving for 20+ years. We still have a long way to go.
Captain William Skahan
Bridge Resource Management is an attitude and behaviour tool, which adds to basic competency. It is not a substitute for competency, but assists in the better management and development of teamwork.
Yashwant Chhabra, Capt. AFNI, Fellow CMMI
The more people talk about these issues, the closer we will get to effectively creating a environment that allows ship’s crews to fulfil the roles required of them. With each comment, the puzzle moves a little closer to completion.
Captain Robert Nelson, DTech(Nav), BMS, MBA
We are always interested in hearing your views on the important topics discussed in this publication.
Contact the editor, Emma Ward at navigator@nautinst.org, or look out for the LinkedIn discussion. The next issue looks at electronic charts. Find The Navigator online. You can follow us on Twitter @nauticalinst. Friend us on Facebook, or watch our videos on You Tube.