Inside this issue
All @ Sea - What's next for The Navigator?
Dealing with restricted visibility: What rule when? - Twenty years ago, The Nautical Institute published a survey that showed that there is often confusion over the sections of the Collision Regulations (Colregs) that apply in restricted visibility. The answer may seem straightforward enough - Rules 4-10, which always apply, plus Rule 19. However, the introduction of modern technology an autonomous vessels has added further layers to the question. The Nautical Institute has recently worked with the UK MCA to update their guidance. Here are some of the key points.
Looking beyond the fog? - Navigating in fog or other restricted visibility will never be pleasant, but familiarity with the vessel's procedures, capabilities and equipment will help make the process as safe as possible. Captain Tuuli Messer-Bookman AFNI, an experienced mariner and a professor at the California Maritime Academy in the USA, offers some advice on how to operate when visibilty is low.
WATCHOUT - Close encounter-how inadequate lookouts led to two ships colliding in foggy conditions
Who's navigating? Adventure and aspiration at sea - Chief Officer Sarker Mohiuddin Hasnat Lenin MNI shares how an early love of adventure stories inspired him to follow a career at sea
WAYPOINT - Looking into a future of one hundred eyes - George Shaw from the royal Institute of avigation looks into his crystal ball to explore how innovations in 'panoptic vision' and artificial intelligence might support mariners in the future in navigating areas of restricted visibility
Take 10 - Ten tips for handling restricted visibility at sea, maintaining a good lookout and operating within the relevant Colregs
All @ Sea - Watching out for whales
Whale strikes remain a concern for all seafarers, as does the protection and conservation of these marine giants. Read on for some useful links, tips and resources to help you learn more about avoiding strikes, understanding the habits of whales and factoring their preservation into passage planning. If you spot any broken links, or would like to suggest resources that we have not included here, please do get in touch!
The Navigator statementWATCHOUT - Voluntary whale avoidance routing
In this series, we take a look at issues affecting the safety of mariners and the species with whom we share our oceans and seas.
The Navigator statementWho's Navigating? Stepping outside the comfort zone
Deck cadet Chelsa Maria George Paul talks about her experiences at sea, her ambitions to rise through the ranks and her desire to be a good role model for women all over the world who want to build a career at sea.
The Navigator statementWAYPOINT - Spotting whales from space?
Space and AI technologies are increasingly able to provide information that helps mariners plan routes to avoid whales at sea – but old-fashioned look-out skills are still needed. George Shaw from the Royal Institute of Navigation investigates further.
The Navigator statementProtecting whales from vessel strikes
As mariners, we share the sea with countless marine creatures – yet we often overlook how our vessels impact their lives. As responsible seafarers, this is an issue we can no longer ignore. Captain Aly Elsayed AFNI, from the IWC expert panel on preventing whale strikes, looks at some of the dangers that whales face and how we can help keep them safe.
The Navigator statementTake 10 #39: Safeguard
Ten ways to safeguard whales and plan ahead to avoid vessel strikes
The Navigator statementWhales Superhighways
The WWF and its partners present a global view of blue corridors for whales, combining satellite tracking data from over 1000 tags from 50 researchers. They help uncover the migration pattern of whales and their critical habitats.
The Navigator statementWATCHOUT - Dragging anchor during strong winds leads to collision
In this series, we take a look at maritime accident reports and the lessons that can be learned
The Navigator statementTake 10 #38: Dropping anchor
Ten top tips for safer anchoring, better planning and honing your anchorage skills for the future
The Navigator statement