Int'l Chamber Publishes Bridge Procedures Guide

The International Chamber of Shipping, in an appeal to the world shipping community to cut down on marine pollution and save lives at sea, has published a new booklet to assist in the attainment of these goals.

Called the Bridge Procedures Guide, it is designed to provide masters and navigating officers of vessels of all flags with a description of bridge procedures widely recognized as good international practice.

The simply written publication includes both routine and emergency check lists ranging from procedures for the embarkation and disembarkation of pilots to action to be taken in case of "man overboard." These check lists can be removed from the Guide and mounted on the bridge bulkhead for ready reference, according to H.T. Beazley, chairman of the London, England-based organization representing worldwide shipowner associations.

In announcing the merits of the new Guide, Mr. Beazley said: "This Guide has been prepared by mariners for mariners. It concentrates mainly on basic procedures and measures applicable to all classes of vessels, and is aimed to enhance the overall safety of navigation. It is my firm view that it has been the neglect of such procedures that have been responsible for so many navigational casualties, causing not only pollution but loss of life. Such tragedies could and should have been avoided.

Mr. Beazley noted that an "effective bridge organization" is the main key to the safety of navigation.

It is the duty of shipowners worldwide to insure that its importance is recognized by their masters, he said. Furthermore, he added, the Guide should be equally valuable to deepsea fishing vessels.

"I am convinced that if maximum international support is given to this Guide, an early and significant reduction in navigational casualties can be achieved," he concluded. "This would be greatly in the interest of safety of life at sea and the protection of our marine environment. I therefore appeal to shipowners of all flags to circulate this Guide widely and encourage compliance with its provisions within their own fleets." A single copy costing 4*4 pounds (1 pound equal to roughly $1.75 in U.S. currency) can be purchased from Messrs. Witherby and Co., Ltd., 32-36 Aylesbury Street, London, ECIR OET, England, with multiple copies available at a lower per copy cost.

Maritime Reporter Magazine, page 37, Aug 1977

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