THE BRIDGE
For its first publication, this month's item focuses on an important part of the ship called THE BRIDGE.
Commonly referred to by many as the "pilot's cabin" or "command cabin", its name actually varies depending on whether the ship is a military or a merchant vessel. For military vessels, it is called "the bridge", while the more appropriate word in the case of merchant ships is "the wheelhouse". Whatever the case, this compartment is the part of the ship from which navigation is done under the orders of the officer in charge of the watch and from which the captain or a designated second in command directs the manoeuvres of departure, docking, anchoring, towing or refuelling at sea.
This compartment, formerly open to the air, is today placed in a small glass enclosure which makes it possible to have a 360° view around the vessel.