Bridge Resource Management (BRM) is a way of using all available resources, including people, equipment and information, to make safe decisions. It was developed because investigations repeatedly showed that technical skill alone is not enough.
Core ideas
- Shared mental model: everyone on the bridge knows the plan.
- Clear communication: use standard phrases, close the loop and confirm orders.
- Challenge and response: any team member should feel able to question a decision, and the Master should welcome it.
- Workload management: avoid overload during critical phases such as pilotage and arrival.
- Situational awareness: keep monitoring position, traffic and weather.
Practical habits
- Brief before every critical manoeuvre. Who does what, what could go wrong, what is the fallback?
- Speak up early. "Captain, I am not comfortable with the CPA" is a professional statement.
- Debrief afterwards. What went well and what could improve?
For Masters
Create a climate where juniors can speak. Authority and openness are not opposites.
Good teams do not depend on one person being perfect. They catch each other's mistakes.