Navigating the Digital Seas: A Conflict between Generations in Marine Digitalisation

In the maritime industry, the ongoing digital transformation has been a catalyst for significant changes in navigation practices. With the advent of sophisticated technologies, traditional navigation methods, such as using a sextant and sight-taking for meridian pass calculations, are facing increasing opposition from the younger generation of mariners advocating for modern digital navigation systems. Let's explore the conflict between these two approaches, highlighting their merits and underlining the need for a balanced integration of both to ensure safe and efficient marine operations using an example of sight-taking.

The Old Way: Sextant and Sight-taking

For centuries, celestial navigation using a sextant was the primary method for determining a vessel's position at sea. The sextant, a precision instrument, enabled mariners to measure the angle between a celestial body, such as the sun or stars, and the horizon. These angle measurements, known as sights, were then used to calculate the vessel's latitude and longitude. One crucial event in celestial navigation was the meridian pass, which provided the observer with the local apparent noon (LAN) or the exact moment the celestial body reached its highest point in the sky.

Meridian Pass Calculation Example:

1. Using the sextant, measure the angle between the celestial body (e.g., the sun) and the horizon.
2. Record the time of the sight (i.e., when the measurement was taken).
3. Determine the body's declination from nautical almanacs (tables containing celestial data).
4. Correct the observed altitude for various factors such as instrument errors, atmospheric refraction, and parallax.
5. Calculate the Greenwich Hour Angle (GHA) of the celestial body at the time of the sight.
6. Determine the Local Hour Angle (LHA) by applying corrections for the vessel's longitude.
7. Calculate the time difference between LAN and the time of the sight.
8. Convert the time difference to degrees, and add or subtract it from the LHA to find the vessel's longitude.

The New Way: Digital Navigation Systems

Digital navigation systems have emerged as game-changers in the maritime world. Global Positioning System (GPS) and Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) have become integral to modern navigation practices. These technologies provide real-time positioning, route planning, collision avoidance, and access to critical navigational data.

Benefits of Digital Navigation:

1. Accuracy: GPS provides highly accurate position data, minimising the risk of human error in celestial calculations.
2. Efficiency: Digital systems offer automated route planning, streamlined voyage execution, and easy access to real-time information.
3. Safety: ECDIS enhances situational awareness, reducing the likelihood of navigational errors and collisions.
4. Time-saving: Digital navigation significantly reduces the time required for obtaining fixes and calculating positions, enabling mariners to focus on other crucial tasks.

The Conflict: Younger Generation vs. Traditionalists

As the maritime industry adopts digital navigation technologies, a divide has emerged between the younger generation of mariners and the traditionalists who advocate for the preservation of celestial navigation methods.

Arguments of the Younger Generation:

1. Embrace of Technology: Younger mariners grew up in the digital age and are comfortable with technology. They believe digital navigation systems offer more accuracy, efficiency, and safety, making them the obvious choice for modern maritime operations.
2. Training and Familiarity: Most maritime academies now focus on teaching digital navigation techniques, leaving younger mariners better prepared to handle modern vessels equipped with advanced systems.

Arguments of the Traditionalists:

1. Reliability: Celestial navigation methods have stood the test of time and are considered reliable, even in the event of electronic failures or cyber-attacks.
2. Backup Navigation: Traditionalists argue that knowing how to use a sextant and celestial navigation is crucial in case of GPS or other electronic system malfunctions, making it a valuable backup skill.

Finding Middle Ground

Instead of viewing digitalisation and traditional navigation methods as adversaries, the maritime industry must find a middle ground that embraces the strengths of both approaches. A balanced integration of traditional and digital navigation can ensure maximum safety and efficiency at sea.

1. Training: Maritime education and training programs should incorporate both digital and celestial navigation training to equip mariners with a comprehensive skill set.
2. Navigational Best Practices: Encourage the exchange of knowledge between generations, fostering a learning environment where mariners can share their expertise and learn from one another.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the conflict between the younger generation's preference for digital navigation and traditionalists' insistence on using celestial methods reflects the broader challenges posed by digitalisation across industries. By acknowledging the merits of both approaches and fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, the maritime industry can navigate the seas of digitalisation while preserving the valuable traditions of celestial navigation. Balancing technology and tradition will ensure that mariners are prepared to handle any navigational challenges, safeguarding the safety and success of their voyages.

Disclaimer: All views, opinions and statements expressed are solely my own and do not reflect or represent the organization I work for.