Editorial 10/06

October 15th, 2006 by JCB
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Editorial

I decided to make e-Navigation the feature for this quarter because I believe that the subject is going to become one of the key issues for debate in the near future and the outcome will inevitably impact on pilotage. From a Power Point presentation given just one year ago by Trinity House followed by adoption by the Shipping Minister, Dr. Ladyman and our DfT, the idea has gathered momentum and snowballed to such an extent that following keynotes speeches at the IALA / IASM conference in Shanghai in May a seminar dedicated to e-Navigation was held it the Paris headquarters of IALA 18^th – 22^nd September. As I am writing this editorial e-Navigation is forming a key part of conference being held in Seattle and the Maritime Safety Committee at the IMO are developing an e-Navigation strategy to present at the next IMO NAV session. My feature is an attempt to give an overview of the reality of the e-Navigation concept on board the average merchant ship. Although we cannot attend all the conferences and seminars, pilots are represented at IMO and EMPA pilots on the Maritime Navigation and Information Services (MarNIS) working group are well placed to provide informed comment into the debates. With Trinity House already carrying out live trials with “virtual” navigation marks this is a programme that we must follow closely. I will do my best to keep you all informed as this brave new world unfolds or unravels!

John Clandillon-Baker FNI

Tel: 01304 613020

Email: john@pilotmag.co.uk

Canterbury Gate House, Ash Road

Sandwich, Kent CT13 9HZ