Take 10 #20: Navigation assessments
This issue of Navigator explores the different tips for getting the best out of your next assessment
1 Learning opportunity
Onboard navigation assessments are an opportunity to learn and improve. A good assessor should also be a good mentor and help bridge teams find solutions.
2 What’s the difference?
There is a difference between a navigation audit and an assessment. In this issue of The Navigator we discuss the benefits of an assessment
3 Audits
An audit is usually an inspection that targets compliance with a specific process. From a navigation point of view, audits often happen in port when a vessel is moored to ensure that procedures are correct.
4 Assessments
An assessment, on the other hand, is an observation of competency aimed at continuous improvement. Ideally, an assessment should be carried out over a period of days, across a range of navigational experiences
5 Be yourself
Assessments are not a case of ‘pass or fail’. The best environment for an assessment is when the bridge team conducts business as usual. Only then can areas of improvements be accurately identified
6 Beyond the person
Assessments don’t only observe bridge team members’ competency. They also look at procedures and design, allowing recommendations to be made for improving multiple aspects of onboard operations
7 Accidents happen
One of the drivers for the increasing focus on assessments (rather than audits) is that after years of inspections and BRM training, accidents are still happening. Assessments offer an opportunity to identify in real time, with actual bridge teams, where improvements can be made to enhance safety and reduce risk.
8 The view from outside
Bridge teams who work together regularly sometimes develop bad practices that they cannot see themselves. An independent assessor can observe operations in a new light and introduce new techniques and best practices to an existing bridge team.
9 Professional development
You should view an assessment as an opportunity for your personal and professional development. Discuss ways in which you can improve with the assessor and find out if further development or training would be useful to consolidate any new skills.
10 Mentoring moments
Although an assessor can act as a mentor, learning the skills of an assessor can help you mentor others too, continually improving your own bridge team.
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