FALL 1998 SEMINAR
"Electronic Charts"
The British Columbia Branch held their Annual Fall Seminar on Saturday, December 5, 1998 at the Pacific Marine Training Campus in North Vancouver.The topic being "Electronic Charts".
It was a dismal day with very high winds, heavy rain, at times mixed with snow. The turn out, given the conditions, was excellent, with 38 attendees. Unfortunately our Vancouver Island members were restricted from attending due to the Fact the British Columbia Ferry Corporation had to cancel their sailings from the island due to high winds in the Gulf of Georgia. If they had been able to attend it would have placed the numbers over 50
Captain Stan Bowles, our Chairman, opened the session with a well versed aspect of the day's events and his perspective on the integration of electronic charts into the marine community.
This was followed by a presentation from OceanVision Systems Incorporated, represented by Terry McLeod and Tom Boulet. They explained the application and integration of electronic charts into the navigation systems and, while they stressed that this is in the future, they also felt very strongly that paper will always maintain some form of presence in the wheelhouse.
Two displays were set up in the back of the room for a 'hands on' feel to some of the programs presently available.
The next presenters were Barry Peterson and Michael Botting from Offshore Systems Ltd. who described "Automated Information Systems" (AIS). Barry explained where we are now and where we are going with relation to traffic management, the inclusion or weather systems that can be overlaid into the displays and exactly how the AIS call be used for a multitude of navigational aids.
The next presenter scheduled was Transas who were going to give a presentation on electronic chart systems into the future however they were one of the victims of the inclement weather and could not make it from Vancouver Island. In lieu of this Captain Bowles showed a short film identifying the pros and cons as they relate to some of the present day users of electronic charts. The film included comments from Masters on the Great Lakes and Port Managers and was very educational.
Next up was one of our members, Captain Cal Smith, who regaled us with his own experiences. He also stressed the reluctance of many mariners to change and how the level of acceptance is still not at a high rate. Being able to trust another electronic aid that depends on a display on a machine creates a certain level of discomfort for many seafarers "Get your head out of the radar and into the window" was one comment that was expressed rather loudly.
The last presentation was given by Patti Parkhouse and Peter Willis from I.O.S. and, while they both appeared to be the youngest people in the room by a large stretch, they were both very knowledgeable and have worked for the Canadian Hydrographic Service for ten years. Their program was excellent and very informative. It allowed us to see exactly where we are today on the West Coast and exactly where we are going, also what to expect in the coming months and years.
Captain Bowles, as usual, organized and gave us a leading edge seminar. Congratulations Stan!
The B.C. Branch would like to express their great appreciation to Captain Bob Kitching, the Associate Dean of the Pacific Marine Training Campus for allowing us to hold this event at this facility.
We are looking forward to our Spring event when, hopefully, the weather will cooperate in more friendly terms.
Captain Dave Miller
Honorary Treasure