The theme for this Issue of Alert! is Education and Training. It is an emotive subject which will undoubtedly generate discussion amongst the various maritime stakeholders. But, learning is important, particularly in this global maritime industry in which standards of education and training vary and where technology is revolutionising the way in which we do our business.

It would appear that awareness, effective communication, common sense and basic seamanship and engineering skills are taking a back seat to increased automation and electronic decision support systems etc.

It is important, therefore, for all stakeholders to be aware of the human element issues associated with the human machine interface, and to encourage and promote the highest standards of education and training, and a common spirit of professionalism in the industry.

The Alert! project is a forum for like-minded people to share ideas and solve problems on human element issues. The website - www.he-alert.org - provides a reference resource for study and information.

Contributions to the Bulletin and to the website database are always welcome, as are letters to the editor, which can now be uploaded and published on the website, or addressed direct to:

The Editor

Alert!

The Nautical Institute

202 Lambeth Road

London

SE1 7LQ