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Collisions at Sea Assisted by Computer Games

Ilyan | 25.05.2006 09:29 | World

Lloyds List reports "Investigator whips up a storm over watch duty"

"SLACK watchkeeping practices — including playing computer games on duty — contribute to many casualties, according to the head of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch."

Ten years or so ago there were stories of shipwrecked mariners being picked up at sea by merchant ships from third world countries. And there used to be complaints that they had not been seen by ships from rich countries. Are third world watchkeepers now rich enough to have their own computer games?

Are there raftloads of shipwrecked negligent watchkeepers unseen by negligent watchkeepers on passing ships?

Or is this story a cover for manning levels being cut below the safety limits.

Ilyan