A roller-coaster ride
Passing the OOW oral examination in June 2004 was the culmination of three years intensive classroom study and 12 months practical experience at sea. The last year serving as third officer with a quality container ship operator has been a roller-coaster ride of nervousness, excitement, fear, monotony, panic, professionalism and pride.
The role of a third officer today is in some respects completely different to that of years gone by. The introduction of integrated onboard vessel monitoring and navigation systems has revolutionised the manner in which ships are operated, necessitating a different set of skills to be required by the OOW. Continuous computerised monitoring of all vessel systems is fantastic; however a constant stream of alarms can prove a great distraction and have the potential to generate extremely hazardous situations.
Ship-to-shore communications are now incredible. Current technologies enable shore-based management to receive near instantaneous information regarding all manner of vessel systems. However, whilst the organisation promotes safe and professional working practices, onboard communication and motivation generally stem from the attitude and behaviour of the master and chief engineer.
Bridge team interaction and communi- cation is very heavily dependent on the master. Almost every time you join a new vessel, the dynamics of individual management style and expectations have to be determined. The behaviour and demands of the master can have massive implications for the rest of the vessel's officers and crew.
Throughout my time, I have served with British officers and Filipino crew. This generally works well when the parameters of one culture are known, understood and respected by the other.
I was serving on a fleet of vessels that had similar operating systems, working routines, policies and equipment. Every ship is however different, even if only subtly. Although I am sure that as your experience increases, you become more adept at managing the transition of joining and learning about a new vessel, as a junior and relatively inexperienced third officer it required careful consideration to ensure that the equipment was being utilised in the correct manner. Also, on today’s technology-based bridge it is possible for an OOW to allow key navigational skills to become dormant due to the relative ease with which navigational requirements can be fulfilled.
It is near impossible not to find areas for improvement within any organisation. However my experiences over the last five years have encompassed a comprehensive and professional training programme with excellent encouragement, motivation and ongoing support from a quality container ship operator.