New technology and new international regulations are re-shaping maritime shoptalk. To be honest, some of the current terms and buzzwords have us bemused. We understand what’s meant by “management level” and “operational level” and have a fairly good idea of what knowledge and skills are required of ship officers in each category. But why doesn’t the International Maritime Organization (IMO) stick to tradition and refer to the fellows simply as “senior officers” and “junior officers”? Why complicate life? (more…)