The safety and efficiency of the maritime transport industry is dependent on the exchange of information. With the rapid advance of satellite and electronic communications, ‘port community systems’ operated by a variety of organizations that make up a seaport community will see enhanced electronic links between all parties involved in port activities including customs, port authorities, coastguard and others, as well as between the ship and port authority.
The Harbour Master plays a vital role in this system and increasingly may find him or herself taking on the role of an information manager at the interface between ship and shore-based operations. With increasing frequency, ships can log onto port and terminal websites, feeding into electronic reporting systems and may plan a port visit whilst still at sea. |
