I have worked with 2 kinds of Captains, those who allow music on the bridge and those who don’t. <br><div><img src=“http://www.toxel.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/24cads24.jpg” alt="]<br></div><br><div>Which side of the debate are you on?</div>
Music, yes.<br><div>[Cell phones, NO](http://www.maritimeaccident.org/about-2/mac-podcasts/transcripts/the-case-of-the-seductive-sim/" title="Maritime Accident Report - Cell Phones).</div>
I worked for a Captain once who asked me to leave my guitar on the bridge so we could play it on our watches. <br><br>I’ve always had music on the bridge, with standing orders written specifying when it can be on and when it has to be off. I work best with music, I’ve got it playing now. 
Absolutely music, but like anything else in life, in moderation and when appropriate.<br><br>Ditto on John’s cell phones! On the bridge, or on deck.
Music when alongside/at anchor perhaps. At all other times, especially when underway, Rule 5!!!<br><div>"Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper lookout by sight and <span style=“font-weight: bold;]hearing…”</span><br><br><div>How can you keep a proper lookout when listening to music? And even if 9 times out of 10 you can, would you really like to stand up in court and explain it to the judge?</div></div>
Sorry got to have music, really if its at a level of that of normal conversation then whats the problem? Now if its blaring and you have to shout to be heard and have the radios all the way up to hear anything then its to loud.<br><br>But I turn it down when things are about to get busy just in case. Don’t need the music bleeding into the mics when trying to talk on the radio or to the deckhands while on the PA and something important not being heard.<br>
We all know what the rules says about maintaining a proper lookout by sight and hearing, but most bridges nowadays are air conditioned, which requires keeping the bridgewing doors closed. Are you really going to hear a whistle from a ship 2 miles away with the doors closed, whether the music is on or not?<br><br>I’m all for music on the bridge. Not blasting, but something to help pass the time.
As far as Rule 5 goes, if I can hear 'em before I can see 'em, the music is off and the doors are open. <br><br>And I’ll guarantee you’ll never hear music coming over my radio transmissions. See the “Queen of the North” post-accident report’s comments in that regard.<br><br>Music increases productivity in workers, even us raggedy-ass mariner types. Plus, it helps mute the ever-present chorus of false GMDSS distress alerts coming from that damnable console. <br><br>Exercising prudent judgment based on the prevailing circumstances is of course the deciding factor with regard to the presence (or lack thereof) of music. Sometimes, I can maintain a proper lookout while listening to music, having the hatches closed, and the air conditioning blasting. Sometimes, I can’t.<br><br>Next we’ll be getting into the old argument about whether or not the helmsman should be allowed to sit while at the wheel.
Not necessarily, but I do have bridge wing doors open in restricted visibility and whenever the weather allows it. I view music on the bridge as a distraction, and like all other distractions, one to be avoided, especially at busy times. I’ve never sailed with any form of Captain who would approve of music on the bridge at sea! The only exception of sorts I’ve had was tuning into the BBC World Service on the HF to listen to England play Australia in the Rugby World Cup - we had all the off watch Officers clustered round the GMDSS station!<br><div>I know it sounds rather killjoy, but I should rather be a bit of a killjoy than miss something important because of a bit of background noise. Surely 4 hours on watch is hardly too long to get through without having to have music in the background?</div>
OMFG, I’m laughing my ass off remembering the Greek cruise ship that ran aground and sank because all of the deck officers were in the chart room listening to a soccer match!! Ha ha ha ha, oh this is rich! Rugby trumps #5 but never, ever, ever play music on the bridge. Yeeeeeha!
Yes - I do sound like a complete hypocrite. Teach me to gob off really - no point in trying to defend myself or offer reasons. <br><div>Time to wander out and bang my head against a brick wall…</div>
Hey Scud, thanks for giving us all a good laugh, all the while giving us something to ponder!<br><div>Whether it’s the Premiership and ManU, or our favorite album…it is, what it is.</div><br><div>By the way, some of us “poor sods” do stand more than 4 hours at a whack on watch…try 8, or 12.</div><br><div>Cheers, Mate! I’ll get you a bandage for that head!</div>
My vote is for music. Ive sailed with captains that encourage music on the bridge, and ones that dont allow it.<br><br>Just keeping it to a reasonable level. Weve had music playing with pilots aboard as well. Most pilots seem to enjoy a little music as I see them drumming their fingers to the beat of the music.<br>Only complaints weve had was with watch partners not agreeing with what music to play. Most times they can find something they both like.<br><br>Most times music does not affect your sense of hearing any more than the deafening air intakes or ventilation on some of the ships Ive been on. The goddamn rock and roll isnt any more to blame than the machinery of the ship, or watch partners telling fishing stories.<br>Many ships today do not have bridgewings anyway. <br>If I had to stand in front of the judge, Id just say I couldnt hear anything over the ships noise.<br><br>Standing night watch on an overcast moonless night, in the middle of the ocean, with no traffic, the static from the radios… <br>You cant get any closer to a sensory-deprivation chamber. The odds of falling asleep on watch are much, much higher than having a mid-sea collision! The number one cause of ship accidents is fatigue! <br>Lets be realistic instead of reciting rule #5. <br>Common sense goes hand in hand with situational awareness.<br>
<P align=center>On our boat we defintely play music. When we are in a situation that requires no distractions we turn it off. Other than that Les Bon Temp Roule (Let the good times roll).</P>