“Most of the time you’ll get away without a proper plan… until you don’t.”
Returning to the DSNM sofa for this episode of On The Bridge is Captain George Mills, DSNM’s in-house Master Mariner.
George breaks down some of the most misunderstood areas of bridge management and navigation. From SOLAS regulations and maritime governance to the daily realities of passage planning, George brings practical advice to topics that are too often treated as “tick-box” exercises rather than safety-critical processes.
Exploring the fine line between luxury service and professional responsibility, George shares his perspective on building safer habits in an increasingly automated environment.
We explore –
● Breaking down SOLAS and the true purpose of maritime governance.
● Navigating guest expectations, time constraints, and the pressure on the Captain.
● The real risks of treating navigation as a tick-box exercise
● Common mistakes crew can make when planning passages
● Overreliance on ECDIS and GPS systems
● Bridge team communication and leadership dynamics
● Strategies for managing alarm fatigue and preparing for emergency GPS failure.
Whether you’re new to yachting or experienced on the bridge, this is a can not miss episode for operating safely at sea.
Chapters –
00:00 – What are the key layers of governance at sea?
01:20 – What is SOLAS and why is it so important?
02:20 – What is the bare minimum for passage planning on a yacht?
04:20 – What are the most common mistakes crews make when planning passages? 06:10 – Why is passage planning treated as a tick-box exercise?
08:30 – How should crews prepare for risks and contingency scenarios?
11:00 – How should captains handle pressure from owners or guests?
16:10 – What are the risks of overreliance on ECDIS and GPS?
22:00 – How can crews avoid alarm fatigue and common ECDIS mistakes?
28:00 – What defines strong bridge team management and communication?
32:00 – How should crews balance automation with real-world awareness?
36:30 – What should crews do when navigation data is missing or unreliable?
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