Navigation

There is a growing concern within the industry about the large number of claims arising from ship collisions, groundings and contacts. Given the technical and operational developments in recent years relating to navigation systems, we may ask why accidents continue to happen – systems are only as good as the people who operate them.

About 80% of marine casualties are caused, at least in part, by some form of human error.  Therefore, the level of bridge crews' competence, their working conditions on board and their communication and interactions within the bridge team should be main focus areas for Gard's Members and clients. After all, the human being is the only intelligent barrier to avoid navigational error in the overall operation on board a vessel. This topic aims to help by highlighting navigation issues commonly encountered by Gard.