Rob Almeida, sailing across the Arabian Sea in 2006. (2 months after leaving active duty)

10 years ago I remember someone saying that we’re all connected to one another by no more than 7 degrees of separation, but with the advent of Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and all the other social media and networking websites out there, I think that number has dwindled to 5 or 6 since then.

High speed internet has enabled us to build new online communities, friendships, and unite individuals who may never had had an opportunity to talk with one another.  Companies and individuals now have an opportunity to reach out and express themselves to the masses via their own uniquely-designed websites, Facebook pages, LinkedIn groups, Blogs, Twitter accounts, and others.  It’s an amazing situation that we’ve found ourselves in, and one that deserves it’s fair dose of consideration.

When social media first came on scene, many companies were terribly afraid of this new means of communicating.  It was so raw, unfiltered, and at some times, anonymous.  These companies enjoyed their perfect little sphere that they carefully created around them, and the relationships they have cultivated with their trusted news providers.   Their “brand’ was of the utmost importance and everything that ever left the company walls had been filtered through the proper corporate communications channels so that it was as vanilla as possible.   In many cases, these same companies put up firewalls on their company network to block sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, or even gCaptain in some cases.

How dare our employees waste company time with such nonsense, senior executives grumbled.

Facebook was an unstoppable force and finally these executives caved in and gave access to this unfiltered communications platform.  Scary times indeed for these executives, heaven forbid what their employees might spout off about online…

Other companies have not been so cautious and have embraced the fact that business generally happens between people, not companies.  Getting to know people, interacting with them, establishing a repore are all critical factors in successful business.  Online chat, blogging, networking, “Facebooking”, are all part of that.

Sure, having a 3 martini lunch may be another option to get to know someone, but those days are long gone.

Among other things, communicating online allows companies and individuals to “brand” themselves in ways that we’ve never even considered in the past.  It’s a bit like earning a reputation, but different in that it’s not a good or bad thing, it’s more that you’re associated with a particular expertise or genre.  Websites like Klout.com have algorithms that actually measure this branding and online influence in case you’re ever interested in seeing how you measure up.

One of the biggest challenges for companies is online brand building.   As an individual, it’s generally pretty easy because you’re free to say whatever you want online, which essentially forms the basis of your personal brand.  For a company however, posting online about things of interest do nothing for your company brand, nor does it really contribute to your sales objectives.  Press releases go largely unread, and Facebook posts from companies are generally uncreative and most are dismissed quickly.

But why?

Simple reason… people just don’t care that much about the fact your company won some new contract, opened a new office, or hired a new CEO.

Unless…

Someone else tells the story and explains WHY it’s cool.  Social buy-in is a critical factor

If you are trying to communicate something great about what’s going on in your company, having someone else communicate that story and spin it for you is far more powerful that trying to do it on your own.  Individuals and companies who tell everyone how great they are generally lack friends and allies, so just let the news companies do their job and report about it. Successful news companies are successful because they have the proven ability to turn the uninteresting, into something working finding out more about.  That’s their whole reason for being!

Another option is to use the professional news media as a tool to talk about topics as a subject matter expert.  Your employees come from diverse backgrounds, and are experts in their field.  Why not encourage them talk about industry-relevant topics, or write their own blog post?  This greatly supports the brand development of the individual and employer alike.

Industry is also truly ineffective at taking advantage of the communications opportunities it experiences on a daily basis.  Historically, the only medium for sharing and discussing ideas on a broad scale and conversing has been via professional conferences.   They are certainly perfect places to get business done and to get face-time in, but seriously, of all the amazing lectures and presentations that have occurred, how many have been filmed, or shared via social media?  A more important question might be, “What is the potential, for the sharing of these ideas via these mediums?”  Visit www.TED.com if you want an answer to that question.

How about we get ourselves out of the dark ages and realize that the spreading of ideas digitally is THE way to go, not just a way to go.

Look at ExxonMobil for example.  They are excellent communicators, and have a strong brand.  But why?

They communicate in a way that doesn’t sell to their audience.  They teach their audience and help them understand what they do in a way they can relate to.  They do this via paid TV commercials on mainstream television.  Sure, they could buy their own satellite and TV station and promote their message all day long, but infomercials and self promoting gets old quick.

Do individuals “like” companies on Facebook, or visit corporate websites on a regular basis so that they can keep up to date on the latest press releases?  Those who have some sort of vested interest in keeping close tabs on them, such as investors, will for sure, but most don’t.  The news media does though, being in the know about stuff is how we succeed.

So why are companies investing so much effort into this by meticulously tracking Google Adword campaigns, getting crazy with SEO, creating LinkedIn groups, and the such?  Do they really think that the masses care that much and that they can communicate effectively on their own, without the support of the media?

I suppose it’s a good exercise, but seriously, the news media exists to tell your story so that people will want to hear it.  Support them in this effort, it’s good for you, and it’s good for your industry.

• What do you think 2011 will be remembered for within the maritime satellite communications industry?
• What have been the major trends and developments in the maritime satellite communications industry over the last 5 years?
• How do you see the maritime satellite communications industry developing over the next 5 years?
• Will crew retention or business critical applications be the key drivers for technological developments? Why?

Check out the series of videos below and be sure to provide us with your own answers to the above in the comments section.

On this years highlights…

Click here to view the embedded video.

On the trends and developments of the last 5 years…

Click here to view the embedded video.

On the developments over the next 5 years…

Click here to view the embedded video.

On the industries key drivers…

Click here to view the embedded video.

Vroon vessels will be equipped with the award-winning 60 cm TracPhone V7 antenna system, mini-VSAT Broadband service, and the KVH CommBox™ Ship/Shore Network Manager. CommBox provides a suite of network management tools ranging from web compression and acceleration and least cost routing among multiple communication services to pre-paid Internet access and remote access for Vroon’s shore-based IT personnel.

Vroon crews as well as crews from contractors and third-party companies will also be able to take advantage of KVH’s pre-paid crew calling system and, depending on the vessels’ activities, a GSM picocell system that will enable those on board to make calls via their mobile or smartphone from virtually anywhere within the mini-VSAT Broadband coverage area. Technical service needs will be provided by KVH’s exclusive GlobalCare Premium Support Program.

“The changes to maritime satellite communications over the last several years are dramatic as commercial fleets like Vroon move from basic voice and low data rate applications to more demanding business requirements that need affordable, reliable broadband solutions,” observes Martin Kits van Heyningen, KVH’s chief executive officer.

The mini-VSAT Broadband network was designed from the ground up to be the first next-generation maritime satellite communications solution. The global spread spectrum satellite network, built with ViaSat’s patented ArcLight® technology, offers more affordable airtime, voice service and Internet access as fast as 512 Kbps (ship to shore) and 2 Mbps (shore to ship). More than 1,000 TracPhone V7 systems have been shipped in the three years since the product’s introduction, making the mini-VSAT Broadband network the fastest growing maritime VSAT solution.

Based in Breskens, Vroon operates and manages a diverse international fleet of about 150 vessels including tankers, car carriers, dry cargo ships, offshore support vessels and reefer vessels.

“Operating within the offshore and subsea sectors, DOF heavily relies upon high-speed connectivity for an extensive range of applications including efficient transfer of data ashore, increased communication between crew, vessels and shore-based employees and crew welfare. Marlink’s VSAT systems have proven to provide high quality bandwidth and reliable connectivity as well as flexible services, which can be customised to meet specific requirements. I am confident that our renewed relationship with Marlink’s very experienced engineering team will enable us to significantly expand our satellite communications capabilities moving forward,” comments Tor Skeie, General Manager, Marin IT in DOF ASA.

Marlink’s new contract with DOF ASA will include the delivery and installation of the innovative Sealink™ C-band and Ku-band VSAT system to provide dedicated bandwidth onboard 29 of its vessels. Marlink’s shared bandwidth Ku-band VSAT system will be installed onboard 23 of its vessels. The satellite communications package which has been developed by Marlink for DOF ASA, includes both dedicated and shared bandwidth services to meet specific requirements of individual vessels. In addition to the initial installations, Marlink anticipates that the scope of its supply will expand further to include several new builds planned for 2011.

Tore Morten Olsen, CEO, Marlink, adds: “Owning teleports globally, we consistently demonstrate unmatched flexibility and control of our satellite communications services. This offers significant benefits to companies operating within the offshore and subsea sectors such as DOF ASA, as we are able to provide high quality bandwidth and services that can be tailored to meet exact customer specifications. The new agreement with DOF ASA is testament to our strong understanding of the company’s requirements for connectivity, as well as our position at the forefront of the maritime satellite communications industry.”

Signs Service Agreement With Radio Holland to Provide Shipboard Service in More Than 50 Ports Worldwide

Palm Bay, Florida, December 2010): Inmarsat has named Globe iFusion the 2010 Maritime Solution of the Year.

Globe Wireless became a FleetBroadband Distribution Partner in January 2010. In September 2010 Globe iFusion was released, making Globe Wireless the only Distribution Partner that is also a type approved FleetBroadband equipment manufacturer.

Chris D’Aguiar, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Inmarsat, presented the award during the Inmarsat Partner Conference in Saigon, Vietnam. He said, “Despite their recent appointment as a DP, Globe Wireless have over performed against target and made themselves immediately busy in personalising the FleetBroadband service. They have not only invested in and launched a number of end user value adds and traffic control systems for the marine community; they have enhanced their solution suite by integrating the below deck equipment and personalising the FB terminals to provide a complete end to end maritime solution.”

The total solution provided by the Globe iFusion system is a completely new way for shipping companies to manage communication with their ships. For the first time, it will offer a one-stop-shop for hardware, installation, airtime, applications and maintenance. The system is comprised of two main components; The Globe i250 and the Globe iPortal.

The Globe i250, incorporating Inmarsat FleetBroadband 250, allows the user to make voice calls using a GSM handset or normal fixed-line telephone, send/receive email and fax, browse the Internet, and upload/download files. The Globe iPortal offers full shore-side control of the solution, including the administration of user profiles, browsing capabilities, firewall settings, satellite gateways and least cost routing.

Frank J. Coles, President & CEO of Globe Wireless said “We are extremely pleased to be recognized for the steps we have taken towards reinventing maritime communications. This award validates our position that a stand-alone terminal is not a viable solution for the modern maritime fleet.” Mr. D’Aguiar added, “Inmarsat and our channel are stronger for this diversity, and the end user benefits from variety and choice.”

[Source - Globe Wireless]

The Nautical Institute’s AIS error reports webpage tells us:

I have observed too many vessels with wrong data transmitted by their AIS. Mostly headings are not correct, but the main problem – is offset correction given by GPS. If GPS has offset correction (set by navigator on bridge) then AIS transmits wrong vessel’s position (equal to offset).

You can watch now on ECDIS some vessel in the harbour is not alongside the berth but e.g. stays in the middle of harbour instead. The greater offset – the greater error. Some of the vessels have offset from 0.02 up to 0.3 nautical mile, and if you meet such vessel in Singapore Strait – then AIS information maybe very dangerous, as you can mistake such target with others.

I like AIS information very much, but when I watch such a picture on ECDIS – I would like to suggest to all navigators not to use on their GPS any offset. Nowadays GPS is reliable information and better to plot position on sea chart manually using satellite-derived calculation instead of inserted offset into GPS unit.

Lesson Learned: check the GPS offsets on your ship and assure you are sending accurate data… or you could confuse surrounding ships. Also keep an eye on NI’s AIS error reports webpage for continuous updates on the reliability of AIS.

You’re looking for a job overseas and you send an email message to a few people you have worked with in the past.

Something like:

Hello Rodney,

How’s life treating you in Durban? Is Claire still keeping you busy fixing up the boat?

Well the project ends so the job search begins. Attached is my CV if you have any leads.

-Jill

He writes back:

It’s great to hear from you Jill!

I’ve passed your resume on to Michelle Vantz in Korea. Give her a call: 010-9255-5555

Rod

Ok, you have a great lead but how the heck do you dial that number?? Here’s the answer:

For international calls the best website is TimeAndDate.com. They have an international dialing code tool that really works. We tested it with a few different numbers at it works great. Just chooseyour locations, paste in the number and you receive the exact number to dial on your phone. It also gives you a:

• Breakdown of each code (country, area, city…)
• The local time in each location.
• “Find a suitable time to call” time comparison sheet.
• Time conversion calculator.

This site is great as it contains many other goodies for the world traveler. Looking for..

…the amount of time left before the meeting: International Countdown Timer
…time between two dates: Date Duration Calculator
…time in all the major cities: World Clock Sheet
…need to plan a meeting with London, Tokyo & NY: World Meeting Planner
…daylight saving observance by country: World Daylight Savings Sheet
…PST, WET, ACSD which time zone is that: Time Zone Codes
…If it’s 3 pm in NY, what time is it in Sydney: Time Zone Converter
…If it’s 3 pm in NY, what time is it worldwide: Fixed Time Calculator
…a complete list of tools: World Time and Date Tools.

Can’t find the country code? Try the Reverse Lookup Map. or Google Map it with Phone Number Geolocator

Poodwaddle.com

Other Time Links:

• The Coolest Clock on the Web
• 2nd Coolest Clock on the Web
• Online Alarm Clock
• The World Sunlight Map – Real Time
• World Time For Your Firefox Browser

Random (but good) phone links:

• Grandcentral (runs all of gCaptain’s incoming calls & voicemail)
• Skype (runs most of gCaptain’s outgoing calls)
• Google Map U.S. Phone Numbers
• BiPass 1-800 # Link1 Link2
• Free 411 information (ad supported)
• Do Not Call Registry (US Only)
• Disposable Phone Numbers (great for ebay)

Articles:

• How to dial 911 in foreign countries
• *Tips For Catching Your Next Flight

Video:

• A Very Funny Commercial on International Communication
  

A must see tool is CallTheFuture.org which allows you to alter Caller Id settings and set personal wake-up calls. Also if you are travel or skiing fanatic check out our sister site UnofficialAndes.com

Quick Tools:

Poodwaddle.com

AIS has been a revolutionary product and, regardless of your opinion on its use, has changed the way mates handle heavy traffic situations. Jotron, makers of various SOLAS compliant marine safety electronics, is looking to bring this revolution to Search And Rescue operations with the introduction of an AIS enabled Search And Rescue Transponder (SART).

The device will work similar to traditional SARTs but, rather than show the position of a lifeboat on your 3cm radar, will transmit the exact GPS coordinates to all AIS enabled devices within VHF range.

We are excited not only by the product itself but the advancement of new ideas for sharing of data among the AIS network. gCaptain recently discussed the topic with the Coast Guard’s office for marine safety and is working with them to outline ideas to take AIS and data sharing from a point-to-point system to a web of collaborative sharing. Here is a basic summary of our question to marine safety:

AIS is a great system but it’s linear and data is stuck in predefined categories. Can a system be developed that facilitates discussion and information sharing between ship captain, pilots and VTS? We would be very interested in a system that facilitates discussion and allows collaboration between all parties.

One example of the failure of linear communication would be the Pasha Bulker incident. At first notice of the weather system that eventually caused the vessel to drag anchor and run aground, 56 ships were anchored in Newcastle Harbor. Each vessel received the same information via weather fax but 46 ships decided to head for the safety of sea, 10 stayed behind, 3 dragged anchor and one landed on the beach. Why had 10 captains interpreted the weather data so differently from the other 46?

Another example is the alission between the Cosco Busan and the San Francisco Bay Bridge. Why did her pilot decide to get underway while others delayed departure?

The answer to both questions lies in the minds of each Captain but our knowledge of vessel operations brings us to the conclusion that there is a sever lack of collaboration among Captains. This is particularly troubling in aggregate. Why? If we assume Captains have and average of 20 years on the job then the cumulative experience in Newcastle harbor that day exceeded 1120 years. In a time when the average employee can work from home with full access to company data, conference calls, shared documents and such why do we not share safety critical information between ships? The answer lies first in the attitude of self sufficiency that is present in the minds of most ship Captains but this is only half of the problem. The other half derives from the lack of systems capable of this type of collaboration. Could a system like AIS be transformed to allow the sharing of data, conditions and ideas?

I do not believe an AIS enabled SART will prevent the next big incident but the imaginative thought behind the idea combined with the use of existing infrastructure towards a specific goal (saving lives) is an encouraging notion indeed and gives us wide hope for the future.

For more creative uses of AIS technology be sure to read THIS POST over at Panbo. Also stay tuned for a look at AIS receivers aboard AeroMech AUV’s!

We have already seen how the Red Cross and United States Coast Guard has successfully implemented Twitter in their effort to dissimenate information and update participants during times of emergency. Has the US Navy joined the social media revolution to help combat piracy in Somali waters?  Well in it’s own way (of course). Bloomberg Tells us:

In the command room of the Psara, German, Dutch, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Greek officers watched a computer screen updating the positions of 17 warships. Another computer showed the location of 300 merchant ships, potential prey spread over 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometers).

The tracking is done with a mix of Global Positioning System navigation and Centrix, a military-communication system developed by NATO, as well as a Web site specially developed for the mission on which commercial ships enter their positions.

Since late January, Papaioannou also has had a new tool: a third computer in the command room carries an Internet chat channel. On a recent visit, sailors from the Psara, two U.S. warships and the Spanish frigate SPS Victoria were exchanging instant messages in English about their positions and about unconfirmed reports of a fire on board a boat in Somalia’s Mogadishu harbor.

In a corner of the room, which bristled with radar and radio equipment, hung a Jolly Roger flag. Black-and-white photos of suspected pirate ships were tacked to the wall.

The EU formed the Atalanta mission after Somali pirates in September seized a Ukrainian ship carrying tanks and, in November, a Saudi tanker carrying fuel. Task Force 151 will grow to six this month with the arrival of frigates from Singapore and Turkey.

The coordination paid off on March 3, when the freighter MV Courier, operated by German shipping company Gebrueder Winter, sent a distress signal at 10:12 a.m. local time as it came under grenade fire from a skiff. Read More…

While the implementation of Automated Identification System (AIS) has been revolutionary in its ability to track and communicate with ships, AIS gives us only a small peak into the capabilities Information Technology has to change the way we operate ships. By integrating real time chat, the multinational forces in the area suddenly are able to coordinate their efforts, a powerful tool previously not available to them. Here’s an example of the problems they faced:

“When I arrived here in December we exchanged a daily intention message with the Americans, but that was about it,” said Papaioannou, 51. “Then one day we had two helicopters patrolling the same area, which is a waste. I sent three of my officers to the U.S. command ship and we worked it out.”

Now the revolution behind twitter is it’s ability to combine the real time, short message, capabilities of chat with communities of members that share common interests. Twitter is also set up like a blog recording historical data that is search able by both Google and its own internal engine. We do not know specific of the Navy’s system but, if twitter were used in the Gulf Of Aden, daily information reports, problems and intelligence could be pushed out to vessels and military assets in real time.  By recording the information and allowing it to be searched (by authorized users!) you bring new functionality to the war on pirates including:

1) Trend Analysis – Mapping problem areas, times of day, ship characteristics, etc… trends will emerge that will enable the forces to become better prepared

2) Historic Data – Each time a ship returns to the area you have historic data on their last transit. Valubale information in predicting strenghts and weaknesses.

3) Evidence – The primary reason hijackings occur in Somalia is lack of accountability. The pirates know the chances of getting caught and serving jail time are low. Plans are underway to convict pirates in a court of law and for that to happen evidence is required. A twitter like program would allow ships, navy assets and private security firms to photograph, upload and archive photos and other evidence of the pirates. Tying this system into aerial feeds from UAV’s, ground intelligence and emerging systems would give you a robust data platform.

With both Twitter and the Navy’s pirate chat software getting high marks from users the question remains… how can these systems be integrated into maritime safety initiatives? One idea is to have a twitter like system for each port which gives pilots, VTS, ship agents and vessels access to live data and the opportunity to discuss issues of concerns in real time. Would the Cosco Busan have gotten underway if the pilots were all chatting with VTS and NOAA about the fog conditions or would a mutual consensus have changed the mind of her captain and Pilot?

What are your thoughts? Is a maritime version of twitter realistic or is there a better platform for opening dialogue between individual ship captain and port athourities? What are road blocks for wide scale implementation?

-John ( twitter.com/gCaptain )