Inside this issue

All @ Sea - We welcome your news, comments and opinions on the topics covered in The Navigator

A navigator's guide to visual cues and techniques - As ships get bigger and bigger, and technology becomes ever more advanced, it might seem fair to ask whether there is still a place for ‘old-fashioned’ visual navigation techniques that rely on the human eye. Captain Marso Law AFNI from the Hong Kong Pilots Association argues that there is and shares lessons from his personal experience.

Seeing is believing? - Like any cognitive skill, visual perception skills can vary from person to person. The good news, however, is that, like any skill, it can be improved. Captain Aly Elsayed AFNI, Senior Technical Adviser at The Nautical Institute, explains how.

WATCHOUT - The danger of distractions during lookout - In this series, we take a look at maritime accident reports and the lessons that can be learned

Who's Navigating? A deck cadet's view of life at sea - Brazilian deck cadet and Nautical Institute Younger Member Ambassador Luciana Bezerra discusses her path to her current position, shares her future plans and explains why she uses manual charts to back up electronic navigation methods

WAYPOINT - Lighting the way - George Shaw from the Royal Institute of Navigation asks whether the oldest methods of visual navigation still have a place alongside today’s evolving technology

Take 10 - Ten useful take-aways for tips for improving visual observation and perception skills at sea

 

 

 

27 Jan 2026

Work, rest and port calls

A fundamental skill for any navigator is the ability to maintain situational awareness and make good decisions, both in planning and in carrying out the voyage. That requires good training, and good maintenance and development of knowledge. It also needs sufficient physical and mental rest

The Navigator statement
27 Jan 2026

WAYPOINT - GNSS interference, workload and fatigue

Managing a new addition to the established workload – and what maritime regulation can learn from civil aviation

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27 Jan 2026

Take 10 #41: Managing tiredness and fatigue

Ten ideas to help manage tiredness and fatigue at sea – and how to spot the difference before it’s too late

The Navigator statement
27 Jan 2026

Watchout: Slipping into sleep; drifting into danger

How one Master’s fatigue led directly to the grounding of a passenger vessel

The Navigator statement
27 Jan 2026

NavBrief - The Navigator issue 41

A professional navigator must be able to carry out their duties safely. That means not being fatigued or overworked. Don’t risk dropping off – the safety of the ship depends on it!

The Navigator statement
27 Jan 2026

Who's Navigating? Building resilience, leadership and confidence

Deck Cadet Otari Tvaradze discusses the value of continuous learning and maintaining high standards in the LNG sector

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27 Jan 2026

When tiredness takes over – what next?

We all get tired, but fatigue is a very different matter – and drinking coffee does not help! As a seafarer, I have experienced both. I describe fatigue as being so tired that you cannot think straight and often don’t see the whole picture. It is a debilitating and, at times, dangerous situation. We must recognise the symptoms of fatigue in ourselves as well as in others. The consequences of failing to do so can literally be a matter of life and death. It can be hard to speak up, but you need to recognise when it is time to do so

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29 Sep 2025

Take 10 #40: Managing GNSS

Ten top tips for managing GNSS – and the absence of it

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29 Sep 2025

WAYPOINT - Staying alert to jamming and spoofing

George Shaw from the Royal Institute of Navigation explores how GNSS can become vulnerable to jamming and spoofing and what mariners can do to stay on course

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