Casualties are not straightforward and mariners who find themselves involved in them rarely have previous experience. The Nautical Institute and the International Salvage Union have produced these comprehensive practical guidelines to help seafarers during a casualty when demands can be confusing, contradictory, unclear or a combination of all three. Masters and crew members are told what to expect from people or organisations that might be involved as the casualty unfolds. Chapters within Casualty Management Guidelines are presented in a largely chronological order of how Masters should expect to deal with different people, from owners to government officials, insurance representatives and salvage experts. It will give all involved an idea of the job each may be undertaking, together with priorities and responsibilities.

Masters, company and ship security officers have a pivotal role in making vessels secure. This book is aimed at those responsible for vessel crews, cargoes and the ships themselves. It will help in the development of the ship security plan and explain how to make a vessel truly secure. The principles underpinning maritime security are explained and guidance given on putting them into practice, to ensure compliance with legislation.

The book is linked to the Institute’s self-study scheme leading to a Harbour Master’s Certificate. It explains the different responsibilities that vary between ports and shows, from the experience of Harbour Masters from different types of ports all over the world, examples of what new entrants to the industry may encounter. Different aspects of the role are examined, largely following the course of a vessel as she approaches port until she berths, including the commercial pressures that may be brought to bear. It is an ideal bridging course for those thinking of a career move ashore.

Design characteristics and weaknesses in offshore oilfield anchor handling and towing vessels that can lead to damage or even capsizing are examined. The author shares over 30 years of operational experience, detailing how some operations, especially those in deep water, pose particular threats. Preventative actions are outlined, examples of events that AHT Masters could face are detailed and checklists given.

The first handbook in The Nautical Institute's maritime security suite complements the author's 2012 book Maritime Security: a practical guide. It takes the same practical approach to preparation and training before entering a high risk area, self-protection measures while within it and survival strategies if taken hostage. The focus of the handbook is the people who have to cope with piracy and the comprehensive approach that is needed to put them first both onboard and ashore. This includes guidance on the effective implementation of the industry's Best Management Practices, the onboard implications of taking on armed guards, building a disciplined and supportive onboard team and ensuring immediate action ashore should the worst happen.

This book is an authoritative and superbly illustrated guide to hatch cover surveys and inspections. It contains a large selection of photographs of hatch covers – over 400 – and is an indispensable guide for inspectors, surveyors, fleet managers, P&I clubs and others concerned with claims. Includes photographs of all the main hatch types, photographic evidence of good condition, plus evidence of defects and deficiencies, and a special section on hatch testing including ultrasound techniques.

The Nautical Institute has launched its latest book to set the standards for aspiring Masters facing the daunting task of their first command. The Nautical Institute on Command third edition will also appeal to experienced Masters, as its comprehensive coverage explains aspects of the job they may not have yet experienced. Contributors from around the world have distilled their knowledge and experience into short essays as if they were having a quick conversion with a new Master before taking up their first command. “We asked the 47 authors to consider what they wished they had known about their chosen subject when they first took command on the bridge on that momentous day,” said Captain Robert McCabe FNI, President of The Nautical Institute.

Interest in the Polar Regions is growing as the season for accessing these remote and hostile areas is lengthening. Operating ships within any ice regime requires knowledge, skills and awareness beyond that of many mariners, particularly when sailing in waters affected by hard multi-year and glacial ice. Should things go wrong, little assistance is available in polar regions, so mariners must be self-sufficient. Captain Duke Snider FNI brings his extensive experience in polar shipping and as a highly qualified ice navigator to describe the human, technical, environmental and operational challenges of transiting polar seas. This new edition has been updated to take account of IMO's Polar Code, which came into force in 2017.

Anyone can be a mentor at sea and anyone can need mentoring – and it only takes 10 minutes to get started. This book explains how knowledge gained through experience, and then reflected upon, can be passed on in an informal but purposeful way. Every suggestion will take no more than 10 minutes to carry out but incorporating opportunities for mentoring into the daily onboard routine will widen and consolidate the on-the-job experience of those progressing through the ranks. It will also improve communications and enhance team-building and hopefully lead to a reduction in accidents and incidents. This practical guide sets the 10 minute challenge for potential mentors and candidates to identify concerns and practical solutions.

Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) has significantly improved the accuracy of weather forecasts and enabled the development of services specifically for mariners, including routeing advice and forecasts as ECDIS overlays. This practical guide opens up the technology that now forms the basis of all modern weather forecasts so that mariners can recognise when they are being presented with NWP, establish its source and the characteristics and performance of the particular NWP model and make informed judgments on suitability and use.