WHILE deploying state-of-the-art computer and satellite systems in the TriCat 50 three-hulled catamaran, Philippine Fast Ferry Corp. said that ship safety could never totally rely on technology solutions, particularly with the Year 2000 problem looming on the horizon.

"I think it's very unlikely that we'll have problems with our onboard systems because we can simply turn the clock forward, and besides we always have the option to operate the ship manually. The possible problem is with the GPS (global positioning system) if satellite connections should go down. As far as we're concerned, our own onboard systems are okay, but while GPS operators have assured us, we can't really be 100-percent sure," said Robin Arrowsmith, PFFC's director.

According to him, however, PFFC has Y2K contingency plans in place. Edgardo Nicolas, PFFC's assistant vice president for operations, added that all the company's vessels would remain in their shipyards on Jan. 1, 2000 for testing.

"Actually, for the past two years we haven't been operating on that date, so this gives us time to safely test our systems," Nicolas said.

Even without the threat of Y2K, the TriCat 50's operators are fully aware of the need to anticipate possible computer breakdowns at all times.

"At the start of this campaign, we used to train the crew in using the computer navigation system in Hong Kong for one month. Right now, it's easier to train them, maybe in an average of 15 days. To deal with possible computer failure, we conduct emergency drills once a week. You can't really totally rely on computers, though of course they help make ship navigation easier and more reliable," said port captain Leopoldo Macasaquit.

Attesting to this ease of use is a visit to the TriCat 50's navigation room, which resembles a pilot's cockpit. Instead of steering wheels and levers, you see joysticks and buttons. In front of TriCat 50 captain Carlos Yu is the GPS-guided radar system, while to his right is a closed circuit TV that allows him to view the ship's different sections simultaneously.

The TriCat 50's night vision system with a 10- to 20-mile range allows the navigator to pilot the ship in darkness. Meanwhile, the Navtex weather monitoring system provides up-to-date, accurate weather information_a key tool to preventing maritime disasters. Also, a computer-controlled Motion Dampening System helps to stabilize the ship in rough waters. The TriCat 50 has a top speed of 38 knots or over 100 kph.