1-438 The reasons why an officer of supervisory level at least is required on the bridge start with the reliability of detection equipment in that particularly hazardous environment, the open ocean. As has been commented earlier, the seas have not been tamed by modern technology, although mana officers who develop their skills in an air-conditioned bridge navigating solely by electronic aids may be templed to believe so. The bridge is, of course, the emergency control centre for the ship; it is also one of the best places for the trainee officer to develop that second sense of oneness between his or her ship and the environment that is a cornerstone of good seamanship.