Bridge Resource Management lies at the heart of navigational safety and has been a feature of maritime training for over 25 years. In that time, the technology used on the bridge and our understanding of the human element has changed immensely. In today’s world, it is essential that bridge teams recognise and make the most of the resources at their fingertips, having access to the latest information to help them do so.

The Nautical Institute is acutely aware of the changing demands placed on Masters and deck officers today.  Its brand-new book series, Bridge Resource Management (BRM), has been developed to expand upon, update and replace the original Bridge Team Management book, published in 2003. The first volume in the series, launched during London International Shipping Week, focuses on the human element, and the factors that underpin effective teamwork.

Steven Gosling, Head of Information & Publications at The Nautical Institute explains, “BRM Volume 1 is the result of countless hours of work by multiple maritime experts each sharing what good looks like. And they’ve done so brilliantly, in a language that can be understood by all.”

Complementary to the new IMO Model Course 1.22, the new BRM series takes a holistic view of all aspects of resource management, exploring both human and technical resources on the modern-day bridge. Each volume offers vital lessons and key insights – not simply to avoid accidents but to pursue operational excellence – promoting a practice in which people operate with quiet efficiency, effectively supported and in full control.

The first volume is a multi-chapter, multi-author guide written by experts with distinguished careers at sea and ashore. One of the contributors, Captain Mert Dağgeçen, explains why he was so keen to be involved in the project: “The new BRM book will be read by maritime leaders throughout the world and so provides the perfect vehicle for sharing new knowledge and experiences which will be of particular benefit to younger colleagues. I am passionate about the need to build synergies on the bridge and embrace technology too, optimising the entire range of human, machine, internal and external resources.”

The new series has been enthusiastically welcomed by those serving at sea and supporting those at sea:

“As with most things in life, times change. And in the past 20 years, we have seen a real evolution in bridge operations. Technological changes have driven new ways of working but so too is how we interact and achieve bridge team efficiency with new generations and how we blend navigational technologies and human capital. As a serving Captain, I feel this book can be beneficial in developing efficient and modern bridge resource management.”
Captain Ann Pletschke, Director Trinity Maritime

 “A well judged blend of professional experience, best practice and technical knowledge, this book gives ship crews a clearer view of a pilot’s expectations, supporting seamless cooperation on the bridge.”  
Captain Alan Stroud, UK Maritime Pilots’ Association

“Despite all the technological advances we’ve heard about in recent months — from AI to autonomous vessels, digital navigation to drone based surveys, we know that it is human decisions, human intervention and human capability that ultimately drives good safety, performance and practice at sea.  Let us invest in the human element, respect it, and never underestimate it as we celebrate our seafarers and our latest publication which, like all others, is designed to inform and inspire another generation of maritime professionals.”
Captain Trevor Bailey –  Master, Windstar Cruises and President of The Nautical Institute