Speckles of red, green, and white in pitch-black darkness swallowed the oceans. The stars are brightly shining like diamonds in the skies. The air is dry and warm. I was on a bridgewatch with Captain when a thought caught me unguarded: how amazing are the navigators before! They sailed in wooden vessels, fixed their positions using the stars, and plotted their coordinates in paper charts! They are truly remarkable!

My train of thought was suddenly interrupted when an alarm from my Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) buzzed, alerting me about an area approach. I pressed “acknowledge” after verifying that it was not a safety concern. I continued gazing at my RADAR which is now filling with yellow blips telling me that there are targets in the vicinity. I focus intensely on trying to identify which is going to impede my safe navigation. Thankfully, there is none. 

 

I continued monitoring the traffic with the Captain beside me. As I gazed blankly at the colorful dots from the horizon, my thoughts drifted away. The seafarers of yesterday do not have the technology that I have today. The Global Positioning System (GPS) and other Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) make pinpointing location easy, even on the high seas. ECDISes gradually replace paper charts, compass dividers, and triangles. When I think about it, the seafaring profession has come a long way from where it started to where it is now. It stood its ground yet flowed to wherever the needs of the time go. And now, the industry is faced with another great challenge: decarbonization and the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). What will the future of seafarers look like? 

My focus now shifts from the RADAR screen, the ECDIS screen, and the best screen there is— the window screen. My brain is fed with numerous real-time information which requires my careful evaluation to arrive at a sound decision.

If there is one thing that will remain in the maritime industry is the high need for situational awareness, the ability to make quick decisions taking into account all the available data, its internationally-diverse workplace, and the world’s total dependence on its seafarers.

Much like the adaptability exhibited by the maritime industry, the Royal Institute of Navigation has seen its fair share of innovation and advancement. From its inception on 12 March 1947, the influence of RIN has grown exponentially phenomenal! By 2022, they will be 75 years strong; their diamond anniversary! RIN has continuously led the charge to unite in one body those interested in navigation; advance the art, science, and practice of navigation, and; promote knowledge in navigation and its associated sciences, including positioning, timing, tracking, and conduct of a journey, whether on, in, over or under land, sea, air or space.

As a young seafarer, I am a firm believer that age is not a hindrance to making an impact. Youth are like diamonds in the rough waiting to be discovered if only somebody will be willing enough to pay attention. And RIN did for me. Its statement “working together for a more navigable world” spoke volumes for me. Both the young and the more experienced seafarers need to work together for the maritime industry. The latter spoke from a position of experience and the youth from their education. Change is not something to be frowned upon. It may be daunting to deny and resist at first, but as the maritime industry and the RIN have exemplified we will always emerge stronger and better! As we say in the RIN-Younger Members’ Group, #YouMeGlobal.

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