Bridge team command and control Managing the navigational plan
In Princess Cruises we have adopted the concept of the pilot/co-pilot model used in aviation, which establishes Navigator, Co-Navigator, Operations Director and Administrator roles within the bridge team. Simplified and specialized task checklists were developed to recognize these changes.
In Princess Cruises we have adopted the Bridge Team Command and Control concept of the pilot/co-pilot model used in aviation, which establishes Navigator, Co-Navigator, Operations Director and Administrator roles within the bridge team. Simplified and specialized task checklists were developed to recognize these changes.
Perhaps the most important relationship is between the Navigator and Co- Navigator. The Navigator is responsible for the conduct of the vessel and executing the passage plan, while the Co-Navigator, who is the second officer of the watch in all phases of navigation, handles other functions and checks the Navigator’s actions. When operating with a pilot, the pilot communicates his intentions directly to the Navigator. All communications within the team utilize closed loop communications. When an order or any vital navigation information is passed, the initiator issues the command, the receiver repeats the order, and the initiator then closes the loop with a verbal affirmation, ensuring every opportunity to catch a human error.
The Operations Director and Admin- istrator functions are added as the vessel enters more restrictive environments to handle additional duties. The new protocols do not preclude the Master from acting to ensure safety, but mandate a uniform framework for all officers to safely conduct a watch. Each role is assigned by the Master at a briefing held prior to each manoeuvre.
Bridge Team Command and Control has been fully implemented and will be practiced in the company’s new simulator facility, which consists of two full-mission bridge simulators for procedural and human factors training, and six part-task simulators dedicated to Integrated Bridge System (IBS) training. The simulators will use the same IBS and Emergency Management Systems equipments found on the newest vessels in the fleet.
A longer version of this article can be downloaded below:
HE00815 - Bridge team command and control - managing the navigational plan