Capt. Volodymyr Smirnov
Volodymyr Smirnov is a Master Mariner with over 25 years of experience on large ocean-going vessels, including more than 18 years in command with senior operational accountability. His professional focus includes operational risk management, bridge team decision-making, and confined-water navigation strategy.
When Compliance Becomes Performance
The modern shipping industry has become increasingly proficient at demonstrating compliance. Documentation is available. Procedure...
The Most Dangerous Speed Is Not the Highest One
Most marine discussions treat speed as a linear risk factor: Higher speed = Higher risk. In reality, this is often incorrect. The...
Pilot–Master Interaction: Where Risk Actually Forms
Risk in navigation is often attributed to individuals — the pilot or the Master. This is a convenient simplification. In reality,...
When Bridge Teams Lose Control Without Realizing It
Following recent discussions on hydrodynamic instability in confined waters, an important operational question remains: Why do exp...
Grounding of the Ever Given: When Hydrodynamics Turns Into Financial Risk
On March 23, 2021, the ultra-large container vessel Ever Given grounded in the Suez Canal during sandstorm conditions, blocking on...