[QUOTE=GB.Murph;63798]That frankly seems rather unlikely, more like so called “journalists” creating an irrelevant story which they think will sell papers. She was doing 15-16 knots on approach to Giglio, that seems likely to be normal cruise speed for the vessel. Wikipedia lists her speed as 19.6kn (“service”, presumably “full ahead”), and 23kn (“maximum”, presumably “flank speed”), assuming the data there is correct. If she was trying to make up time, I’d have thought somewhere around 19 knots would be more likely (“flank speed” is both horribly fuel-inefficient, and potentially damaging to the machinery, reserved for emergencies). Sea conditions were very calm, so it should have been easy for her to achieve max service speed if that had been called for.
As for using the wrong scale of chart, that’s entirely possible, particularly with careless use of ECDIS systems. It is an ancient and incredibly basic error to make, but within the realms of possibility. In my mind, while every qualified and experienced navigator should be fully aware of the risks, there’s a fundamental flaw with ECDIS systems where they allow you to zoom in to a perceived high level of detail, while still using small scale chart data (low detail). Small scale charts often do not have the necessary accuracy for close quarters navigation outside the main shipping lanes, not being intended for that purpose.
This issue does not absolve the bridge team of any culpability, not in the slightest, but it could explain the “uncharted rock” claim and be a contributory factor in the initial allision. If this forms part of the circumstances, the causal factor would be a failure by the bridge team to use the correct scale of chart or recognise the level of detail available. That’s an area where I believe that the industry could improve, with the ECDIS system design being improved to make it much harder for someone to use a dangerous level of zoom on small scale data without realising their mistake.[/QUOTE]
Thank you very much for explaining all this, particularly your explanation about what ECDIS is, how it works and what the risks with it can be. I had imagined (evidently wrongly) that the amount of detail shown on an electronic chart would increase automatically as the ship gets closer to land but, plainly, that is NOT how it works!