Join our crew and become one of the 104,022 members that receive our newsletter.

ecdis electronic chart display navigation

Recognizing Deck Officer Health Issues Such as Trackline Attachment Syndrome

Editorial
Total Views: 270
February 13, 2015

Recognition and Early Intervention Avoid Previously Undiagnosed Deck Officer Health Issues

By Capt. I.M. Anonymous

Trackline Attachment Syndrome (TAS) is the tendency of navigators, commonly younger mates, but often noted during observation of even seasoned captains, to develop an unhealthy and obsessive need to place and keep a pictorial representation of their vessel upon an arbitrary pixelated line or series of lines presented on a computer monitor, usually positioned directly in their line of vision; often (especially during periods of darkness) obscuring other important aids to navigation such as “wisdom,” “windows” and “RADAR.”

Over long periods of time this syndrome becomes exacerbated by a sometimes complete loss of peripheral awareness known as Cross Track Error Phobia (C-TEP). Left untreated, the combination of the two lead, in 98.5% of cases, to Trackline Separation Anxiety Disorder (TSAD).

TSAD is an emerging disorder, exacerbated by the Manila Agreements, first noted by qualified professional assessors during repeated sessions of simulator navigation assessment of mariners.

Further real-world research has indicated that TSAD is a potentially temporary yet oftentimes permanent disorder brought on by undiagnosed, untreated or improperly treated cases of TAS and TSAD. It has been noted that early intervention prior to the onset of C-TEP is most successful and has a cure rate of nearly 90%. Once the affected navigator develops full-blown TSAD, even with proper intervention the cure rate at present is an abysmal 0.33%.

Early diagnosis is important

Diagnosis of early-onset TAS and C-TEP is simple (by qualified navigators) and misdiagnosis is nearly impossible. Simply place the ECS/ECDIS display power switch in the “OFF” position suddenly and without warning and observe the reaction of the navigator. A yawn or a delayed (more than 30 seconds) recognition of the darkened display indicates asymptomatic response and no presence of the syndrome and no further treatment is required.

Exhibition of immediate stress and panic factors indicates, at the minimum, the presence of TAS and further follow-up in controlled conditions is recommended. Loss of consciousness in extremely advances cases warrants immediate removal of the navigator from the watch rotation and flyers and pamphlets touting the engine department career track should be administered to the patient.

TSAD diagnosis is frequently accomplished at a distance by other vessels in the operating area by monitoring VHF radio. The most common and absolutely unmistakable indicator is the insistence, often in a panic-strike tone, by one vessel (usually the give-way vessel) to another vessel “YOU”RE ON MY TRACKLINE!!”

This I have personally been told in radio traffic originating from Training Ships in both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and my diagnosis of TSAD in both cases was immediate and unarguable. I am confident that the disorder was immediately diagnosed and treatment is ongoing aboard each ship by the licensed officer(s) monitoring the cadet(s).

Proper treatment show promise

There have been many suggestions as to the best treatment methodology. As of yet there is no universal agreement and creative approaches to treatment are emerging in the literature. As an early advocate of proactive intervention, I have used the following strategies:

Placing the ECS or ECDIS display in a position behind the navigator had early success however surreptitious monitoring indicates that most navigators quickly adjust their position on the bridge by rotating their bodies 180 degrees to compensate, rendering this strategy ineffective.

Placing the power switch in the “OFF” position (the so-called “Cold Turkey” solution) is immediately effective however it must be noted that legal issues complicate this approach to treatment and as such it should only be attempted by Masters who carry license insurance and/or choose to remain on the bridge at all times.

Allowing my navigating officers an unlimited cross-track error factor on the ECS/ECDIS systems while assessing, planning, executing, and monitoring appropriate and prudent cross-track error limits on “paper charts” which, depending on the company, are sometimes available in the pilothouse.

Of the three, the last has been the most successful.

My hope is that this short article will raise awareness and help prevent the steady progression from syndrome to phobia to disorder.

Weekly Insights from the Helm

Dive into a sea of information with our meticulously curated weekly “Dispatch” email. It’s more than just a newsletter; it’s your personal maritime briefing.

Sign Up
Back to Main
polygon icon polygon icon

Why Join gCaptain Club?

Be Informed: Stay updated with the latest maritime news and trends.

Connect: Network with a community of maritime professionals and enthusiasts.

Gain Insights: Receive exclusive content and personal perspectives from our CEO.

Sign Up
close

JOIN OUR CREW

Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 104,022 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.

Join Our Crew

Join the 104,022 members that receive our newsletter.