The first book on this required course of training written especially for officers aboard small ships, which constitute the vast majority of commercial vessels in the U.S. and worldwide.About the Book The modern ship's bridge boasts miraculous resources: GPS, radar, electronic charting, VHF and shortwave radio, phones, electronic sensors, autopilot, and powerful computers to integrate these inputs with visual observations so that the officers on watch can make good navigation and seamanship decisions. Yet still accidents happen, usually because of human error. That's why Bridge Resource Management is a required program of training for watch-standing officers on ships worldwide. BRM teaches officers to integrate their resources efficiently, develop and maintain situational awareness, master passage planning and other best practices, and communicate effectively.BRM training is mandated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and in U.

S. waters by the Coast Guard. Every watch-standing officer aboard ships above 500 tons, and many aboard smaller vessels, are required to complete BRM training. The few other books that teach BRM target officers aboard big ships (1600 tons and up) engaged in transoceanic trade. (One book addresses only the megayacht niche.) Small ships of 500 to 1600 tons (otherwise known as limited-tonnage vessels) have limited staffing and flatter bridge hierarchies and operate in confined, busy, shallow coastal and river waters.Bridge Resource Management for Small Shipsis the first book to address their unique needs, and it will find a ready audience among the thousands of deck officers undergoing BRM training worldwide each year.Key Selling Features Subject is required training for all watch-standing officers on ships worldwide.

The only book on the topic targeted at the needs of officers on tugs, ferries, passenger vessels, and other small ships (500 to 1600 tons), which comprise the great majority of the world's fleet. Each chapter includes case histories to illustrate important points. Offers a complete course in BRM, suited for self-study as well as institutional study. Uniquely targeted at the vast majority of employment situations aboard small ships.Market / Audience There are approximately 750,000 professional mariners in the U.S., of which 150,000 are licensed (i.e.

, officers). Some 11,000 new licenses are issued annually, most for deck officers required to take BRM. Current license holders must complete periodic recertification. Seven maritime academies and 200 other public and private institutions provide this training in the U.S. Since English is the required language for official shipboard communications worldwide, the world market is large.Author Profile Daniel S. Parrott (Blue Hill, Maine)holds an Australian Master Class IV license for coastal trading; a U.

S. Coast Guard license for Master of Oceans, Motor, Steam, and Auxiliary Sail, 1600 tons; and a Third Mate's license for Merchant Ships. He earned a master's degree in Marine Affairs from the University of Rhode Island and accumulated 20 years of experience in tall ships all over the world, including five years as captain of the 158-foot Pride of Baltimore II. He also served as mate aboard a coastal freighter in Alaska. He teaches navigation, seamanship, and Bridge Resource Management to merchant marine cadets at the Maine Maritime Academy and sails as a watch officer and training officer aboard the academy's training ship State of Maine and the schooner Bowdoin. He is the author ofTall Ships Down: The Last Voyages of the Pamir, Albatross, Marques, Pride of Baltimore, and Maria Asumpta.Reviews ofTall Ships Down: "n engaging'”and heartrending'”book."-- Navigator "A fabulous read.

"-- Sailing "A closely reasoned seaman's appraisal."-- SAIL "Endlessly fascinating."'- Baltimo.