On Sun, 31 Aug 2003 15:50:43 -0400, "Simple Simon" wrote:


"JohnH" wrote in message ...
On Sun, 31 Aug 2003 14:27:02 -0400, "Simple Simon" wrote:

The trouble with one man bridge operation (OMB0) on large ships is
one man cannot possibly pay enough attention all the time he's on watch.

Rather than making navigation safer these integrated bridge systems (IBS)
make it more dangerous. You can have an IBS costing in the millions and
still the weak link in the chain is the human factor. OMBO exists for one
reason and one reason only - to save the shipping company money by
cutting vital personnel.

As demonstrated here in this very group by people such as otnmbrd,
Shen44 and Jeff Morris the weak link can be weak indeed.

Increased safety, increased cost-saving and increased efficiency in
navigation are the major concerns for all vessels so Furuno sells
systems that make Furuno lots of money but actually make navigation
more dangerous because Furuno doesn't recognize the weak link in
the system - the Ocean Master.

S.Simon
(A Captain who takes sailing seriously)

references: http://www.furuno.co.jp/english/mari...r/voyager.html

If it's any consolation, I have problems with OMBO on my little 21' Proline,
occasionally.

Maybe you should consider drinking fewer beers? ;-)

Don't drink - only water. Maybe I need an IBS though.

John
On the 'Poco Loco' out of Deale, MD