Re -Imagining Maritime Competence

This series of articles from Navguide Solutions, one every month, will focus on Rightship Inspection requirements, eventually going deeper into the subject and helping the industry phase into the RISQ regime.

- Author: Capt. Robert Vaz, Chief Operating Officer, Navguide Solutions

Life is a ship of beautiful dreams, but "Beware of the Propeller"

We have all heard that classic by "ABBA" I have a dream. A song to sing, to help me cope with anything. If you see the wonder of a fairy tale, you can take the future. Even if you fail

Well, life at sea is a dream; everyone involved has a dream.

Ship owners dream that their ships operate efficiently and generate substantial commercial profits.

Ship managers dream that the number of ships they oversee continues to increase and that their ships stay safe, operate optimally, and remain efficient.

Masters and Chief Engineers dream that their contracts are secure, successful, and that the ships operate smoothly.

Ship's officers and ratings dream and aspire to perform their duties well, answer confidently during vetting inspections, receive good appraisals, earn promotions, and receive their salaries on time so they can achieve their dreams.

Vetting inspectors, PSC inspectors, and Flag state inspectors dream and hope that the ships they visit are safe, follow good safety standards, adhere to proper safety procedures, and prioritize the safety of the crew, cargo, and environment.

Inadvertently, everyone in our marine industry shares a dream. However, setbacks, pitfalls, and barriers can arise along the way. Some things we overlook may catch us unprepared. Life is a ship filled with beautiful dreams, but "Beware of the propeller."

Maritime institutes dream and aim to uphold the highest teaching standards, comply with regulations set by authorities, and attract a steady flow of cadets, trainee marine engineers, and ratings.

We've all gained a wealth of experiences, some good, some not so good, but hopefully, many of us have used these experiences as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks.

Often, these dreams are interrupted, and we wake up to the harsh reality at sea.