Old Dogs And PPU's !

Trust me, Ted, you will love it after you have used it for a while. You are right, though, that you cannot depend on it 100%, just as you can depend on no other aid to navigation 100%. It is an aid and a tool, and a very nice tool. But it does not and cannot substitute for a pilot's knowledge and expertise! As far as the "old-timers" (and let's face it, that's what we are now, like it or not!) accepting it and being able to use it, my experience has been that they love it after a very short trial period. You will, too.

More " Old Dogs "

Greetings From New Orelans !
Bob , you are absolutely right on all the benefits and the " user friendly " use of the PPU's when used correctly in a marine traffic environment . I further agree with you that it does add a new tool in the over all arsenal of aids at our disposal to use in the high traffi areas such as the Lower Mississippi River . I too have come to like and enjoy the benefits and abilities of this little electronic gadget but my point is that it is only an aid and hopfully the powers that be will also view it as only an aid , and NOT even attempt to replace a vertern and experienced pilot with these " Star Trek " devices .
Having said that I am also concerned that the leaders in the marine industry will some day come to the conclusion that any computer geek could do this piloting related work and thus retire the notion of having an experienced and qualfied Pilot stand a square watch between the sticks !
I also agree with you that WE to have become those crusty ol' Pilots that use to haunt the Pilot House of those old steamboats that we and a few others once cut our teeth on so very long ago !
Smooth Sailing !
Ted Davisson

QUOTE=Ted Davisson;24732]Greetings From New Orleans ,
There is a fairly new " Aid To Navigation " on the scene now and it still remains to be seen how well it will be received by the " Old Dogs " of the river ! This new device is what is referred to as a PPU ( Personal Pilot Unit ) . Essentially it is the combination of four already used devices such as a lap top computer , AIS ( Automated Identification System ) and GPS ( Global Positioning System ) and an electronic chart program . These four items have been incorporated and integrated into one portable unit so as to enable the Pilot to bring this with him to the different vessels that he may go on to service . This PPU unit allows the Pilot to both see the profile of the river and the local traffic and to identify the vessels that are coming his way . By simply clicking on a target a box will appear with the all the necessary information on the chosen vessel such as his name , his speed and his course and the type of vessel such as either a tug boat or a ship . Another feature this PPU provides is the Pilots vessels course and speed through the water and assists him in times of poor visibility . One other feature this unit provides is where I and this vessel in question will meet and or over take one another , especially if it appears that we may meet in a tight turn or bend in the river . What I do like about this system is that it will give me the name of the vessel in question when for one reason or another he is not talking on the radio and I need to speak with him .
I remember to this day when Capt. Howard Tate raised a concern when a radar was installed in the Pilot House of the Str. Delta Queen and saying , " Well , H_ _ l Ted , now they will expect us to run in the fog " , and he was right !
Now we all know it is impossible to turn back the hands on the clock and to stop progress but at what cost ?? These new units are all fine and amazing but what happens when they fail to work and the Pilot is forced to rely on his ability and skill or rather his lack of ability and skill due to the fact that he no longer possess the hard earned skill and intestinal fortitude to perform his duties ? One other issue comes to mind as well is the possibility that remote piloting may some day take place when some one in an office hundreds of miles away is remotely piloting these same vessels with simply a computer and a joy stick ! Imagine that on a highly congested and restricted channel such as the Mississippi River .
One other concern for me is the fact that how many old and experienced Pilots that are not " computer savy " will be forced to retire or simply not use these units and then in the event of an accident be held accountable and legally libel for not using ALL his Aids To Navigation including now the PPU . Furthermore , if the PPU unit is not working properly will the Pilot now be expected to NOT move his vessel and ultimately cost the vessel's owners thousands of dollars because ALL his aids are not working properly ??
Go Figure !
Smooth Sailing !
Ted Davisson

Captain, I agree with you, but I still want one.;0)

Which One ????

Greetings From New Orleans ,
Mary , first of all thank you so much for your always insightful posting concerning this thread and topic but I am a bit confused ??
Which is it that you want ? An " Old Dog " or a PPU ?? LOL !
Smooth Sailing !
Ted Davisson

Can I have both? I'll take the dog on the right; just send him with the PPU to my address!

Mary !

Greetings !
Mary , you are so cute ! Sure , you can have both ! I'll give you mine and if I can't do this job after 31 years , Iam not so sure if this PPU gimzo will make a difference ! Sure you want that other " Old Dog " ??
Smooth Sailing !
Ted