The Law of the Sea Convention (LOSC) came into effect in 1972. This treaty established the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) surrounding the nations of the world.

There are two essential commitments of the LOSC.

1.      Nations must conserve the living natural resources in their zone; and

2.      Optimally utilise those resources

Australia has responsibility for the third largest EEZ in the world and yet is harvesting seafood from the zone at around one thirtieth of the world average.

The sea is a great teacher. She teaches modesty, she is always the strongest; stamina, she will never yield and teamwork; she turns a crew into a team. Experienced mariners have one trait in common – respect for the sea! If they do not, they are always at peril.

There are two management regimes recognised on warships. The most common is perhaps that inherited from the Royal Navy. Time honoured tradition and ceremony often displace common sense and practicality. Deference and obedience to the uniform or a brass hat or an image takes precedence over respect for and appreciation of skill and honesty. On a major warship like a cruiser or a carrier such a regime may be beneficial but on a small vessel like a patrol boat or landing craft, it often overrides common sense and limits efficiency.

On smaller craft mutual respect between officers and men is based on job performance and experience. Superlative results often emanate from co-operation and common goals rather than a top down, rigid chain of command.

Referring to the Captain of a small ship as Skipper or Boss or Chief is always a far greater sign of respect than Sir or Commander.