Distraction of technology

Report says computers are a “recipe for disaster” when used in restricted waters

It is the IT age and computers are supposed to solve our every need. Yet the grounding of a vessel in restricted waters off western Scotland has led to the ship?s owner having all computers removed from the bridges of its entire fleet.

The 4,500g cargo ship ran aground on a clear summer?s morning after its automatic steering failed to implement a planned change of course. The Officer-on-Watch had been left alone on the bridge several minutes before the planned alteration of course as the lookout went to conduct rounds of the engine room and check cargo. The master was asleep at the time and having been woken by the impact made his way to the bridge where he found the OOW holding the steering joystick with the steering switched to manual control. It took four days to refloat the ship and it suffered substantial bottom damage.

A report of the incident, published by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch of the UK government?s Department of Transport, says: “As technology marches on, the number of potential distraction for the OOW seems to be increasing. The use of such equipment for ship?s business might not cause a problem in open water. However, its use in restricted water, or when in close proximity to other shipping, is a recipe for disaster. The decision taken by the ship?s owner to remove computers from the bridges of all their vessels, is seen as a positive step.”