Tippecanoe Crew Learns to Maximize Bridge Resources
19 August 2021
GUAM --
Despite a busy operational schedule the last few months, USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) carved out time to complete critical training, including bridge resource management.
“BRM is a process by which a bridge crews use all available resources to act efficiently and as a team to safely operate the ship,” according to instructional guides.
In short, the training challenges the master and crew to use all resources – people, training, experience, communication, equipment, anticipation, and big-picture awareness – when facing a situation that may compromise the safety of the crew or the integrity of the ship.
The dynamic BRM training on Tippecanoe, included open-forum instruction, facilitated by veteran captains from the private sector: Capt. Patrick Johnsen, former pilot for the Port of Seattle, and Capt. John Hearn, master of SS El Faro for 14 years. The experienced mariners guided the Tippecanoe crew through engaging case-study discussions and simulated scenarios.
“The course was refreshing as instructors encouraged an open and free flowing dialog for discussion where each individual had opportunities to provide input about their respective individual experiences,” said Capt. Steven Perdue, master of USNS Tippecanoe.
“These candid discussions added greater depth to the course and a better appreciation for everything that a master has to contend with when underway.”
While the training honed skills of the bridge team, others on board were enrolled in the effort as well.
“We included embarked cadets from Maine Maritime Academy and deck officers in the training so they can get a little more insight into our captain’s world,” said Third Officer Alexander Huff.
“It also gave them a chance to get a sense for what other officers do on the ship, specifically the bridge team, and particularly watchstanders.”
To facilitate engaged learning, Tippecanoe’s crewmembers and embarked cadets examined actual incidents from the U.S. Navy and maritime community, including El Faro, a non-governmental cargo ship which sank in 2015 during a hurricane, and at-sea collisions. Together, the crew and cadets explored what caused the incidents, what could have been done differently to avoid them and what they might do in the same situations.
Participants said the training reinforced fundamentals of leadership that help keep the crew and ship safe.
Training and communication are at the top of the list.
“If the watch officer doesn’t take the time to teach their bridge team, then the officer’s job will be all that much harder to accomplish, especially in stressful situations,” said Huff.
“If a master doesn’t communicate effectively with the pilot or officers assigned, cohesion can and will fall apart in the most critical of times.”
One participant echoed that thought, saying that to successfully and safely navigate unanticipated situations, all members of the crew must provide clear and concise information to the conning officer to avoid any mishaps, including a collision.
Another factor that leads to safe, successful navigation is teamwork.
“The simulator brought home the importance of working as a cohesive team, so that whatever the ship has to contend with, it is done successfully and without incident,” explained Huff.
“Teams are made up of individuals, and the collective experience each individual has – and will -- determine the team’s effectiveness.”
Huff added that BRM is often looked at how one might use all the bridge equipment together as one, but the human factor is the determining factor.
Instructors put these key concepts – training, communication and teamwork -- to the test when it came time for the simulated part of the training. During this phase, trainers created simulated environments the ship may encounter, including operating in heavy traffic while underway, what to do during dense fog – also while in heavy traffic – and how to safely approach another ship for an underway replenishment.
The instructors further challenged the bridge team by adding different components to the scenarios, such as a loss of steering, reduced visibility, and the sudden and unexpected appearance of unknown contacts. During the unique simulations, Tippecanoe officers and cadets rotated between the positions of lee helm, radar, lookout, and conning officer.
The training injects and variety of roles each crewmember took on made the training “interesting and exciting” but more importantly effective.
At the end of the training, participants raved about the dynamic and engaging approach, which allowed for free flow of ideas and lessons learned during role-playing scenarios.
"The overall course that the instructors gave us was great. The way the instructors taught and presented the information made the concepts concise, to the point and easy to understand -- much like how BRM is supposed to be," said Huff.
“I believe everyone benefited from this course, especially the cadets since they now know what goes on in the minds of their leadership and what will be expected of them when they become licensed deck officers.”