NavList:

Byron,

Please don't underestimate the amount of planning that goes into a transit on a merchant ship. Our planning process is extensive when done correctly including "no-go zones" marked on the charts, PI lines, Turn bearing lines, VTS reporting lines, bridge team meetings, etc.

We no longer take traditional visual fixes because we lack the manpower to do so. However, ECDIS will lay position marks on our digital charts every minute. Additionally the mate will take papwer fixes based on radar and/or GPS at fairly regular intervals (6 minutes). XTE is monitored constantly using both GPS and Radar PI lines. Turn bearings are used both on the 3 cm EBL as well as on the azimuth circle.

Pilots are nice, but not universal. My first trip as Master saw me transiting 2 rivers unaided by pilots. My recent anchoring in Singapore was also done sans pilot.

Today on the bridge, I am more worried about the movement of other ships and the effects of wind and current on my ship to get to where I need to go. I am always confident the I know where I am with the combination of seaman's eye and various instruments to tell me.

Jeremy
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