View From the Bridge: What matters most

A former ferry captain argues that the core difference between people, ships and cargo is responsibility—not money. He notes that a full ferry could carry 24 vehicles and 150 passengers, and estimates that if valued using the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Value of a Statistical Life of $12.5 million, those people represent nearly $2 billion for a short crossing. Container ships with Panamax and Ultra Large class cargo would face a similar “dollar value” comparison, but the point, he says, is what licensed crews are accountable for when conditions deteriorate. He links maritime licensing to broader professional duties, saying competence can’t be bought, even if mistakes involve other failings like treatment of women.