By Mike Pennell
The tragic stranding of Costa Concordia shows how things have changed since I was a junior officer on a 17,000 ton passenger ship in the 1960s. Although I held a 2nd Mates Certificate, I was not allowed to keep a bridge watch alone in confined or busy shipping areas and was always accompanied by one other Officer, plus a helmsman and a lookout.
Accepting that modern steering systems have reduced the need for a helmsman, the lookout is still important when Officers have to go into the Chartroom for navigational checks to be made. Regarding the course taken by a ship of over 100,000 tons, Balmoral cleared Ushant, Cape Finisterre & Cape St Vincent by about 10 miles!
Having cruised recently in Balmoral, before the ship sailed, an evacuation drill for all passengers was held, and any with disabilities noted for crew assistance in the event of having to proceed to lifeboat stations; lifejackets had to be worn & full instructions how to secure them were given & demonstrated. Anyone joining at intermediate ports was taken to a lounge and given similar instructions.
Obviously the 1100 passengers on Balmoral would be easier to deal with than the 4000 on Costa Concordia, but procedures should allow for these numbers. It seems apparent from reports that the Master did not behave in a professional or competent manner, but I am sure that after a full investigation has been concluded, the company will not be found blameless.
It is hoped that this event will not deter any prospective cruise passengers, because that could affect Falmouth.
