From the bridge
RSSPractical maritime compliance.
Plain-English writing for commercial operators — USCG rules, Sub M, STCW, cyber, and the free tools we built along the way. No regulatory fog. No SEO filler.
Helm CONNECT Is Built for 200-Vessel Fleets. What Do Small Operators Use Instead?
Helm CONNECT's per-vessel pricing compounds fast. Here's an honest breakdown of what small US-flagged operators actually pay, what they miss, and what to look for in a USCG compliance platform built for 2–15 vessels.
STCW 2010 Manila Amendments in Plain English: 7 Endorsements + What Changed
STCW 2010 cut paper certificates from 13 to 7 but raised the bar. Here's what every captain working international voyages needs to know.
USCG Inspection Day: What to Say (and Not Say) in the First 10 Minutes
The first 10 minutes of a USCG boarding set the tone for the whole inspection. Four mistakes operators make — and the simple plan that beats them.
How to Prep for a Subchapter T COI Inspection: A 12-Point Checklist From an Operator
Sub T COI inspection coming up? Most fail on credentials or drill log — not equipment. Here's the 12-point pre-inspection checklist I use 30 days out.
How to Fill Out CG-2692 in 10 Minutes: A Line-by-Line Walkthrough for Operators
CG-2692 is due within 5 days of a marine casualty per 46 CFR §4.05-1. Here's the line-by-line walkthrough with a real Honolulu allision example.
TWIC Card Renewal in 2026: What Every Operator Needs to Know
TWIC renewals trip up more crews than any other credential. Here's the 5-year cycle, the OneVisit option, and the gotchas that cost operators real money.
Sub M's 12-Hour Rule vs STCW 77/10: The Rest-Hour Confusion That Puts Tugboats at Risk
Most compliance software applies STCW rest rules to every vessel. For Subchapter M towing vessels, that's wrong — and legally dangerous. Here's the difference every operator needs to know.
Why Should Maritime Operators Screen Crew Against the OFAC SDN List? $356,579 Per Violation Is Why
OFAC sanctions are strict liability — you don't have to know to be liable. Enforcement is up 40% since 2022. Here's how to screen crew and vessels.
How Does Hawaii's 4.712% GET Apply to Maritime Operators? A Plain-English Guide
Hawaii GET is not a sales tax — it's a seller-side gross receipts tax that hits charter, freight, and ship services. Here's what HI operators owe.
How to Build a 46 CFR Compliance Checklist for Your Vessel in 2 Minutes (Free Tool)
Lost track of which 46 CFR sections apply to your vessel? Enter subchapter, tonnage, and route — get a complete checklist with real CFR citations. Free, no login, under 2 minutes.
How Does 49 CFR Part 40 Drug Testing Work for Maritime? A Plain-English Walkthrough
Maritime D&A reads like alphabet soup — MRO, TPA, DER, MIS. Here's how the rule actually works, what records to keep, and where operators get burned.