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Kelly Gordon

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn0hMUAFubbrX4EH7_ArYWg https://www.tiktok.com/@captain_kellyjgordon Captain Kelly J. Gordon, is an accomplished motor yacht captain whose start was far from the water as she grew up on a farm in small town Indiana. It was her drive to succeed, learn, and thirst for adventure that led her to a career in yachting. Her path into yachting was a unique one that started in Beaufort, North Carolina, where she now claims as home base, and has since allowed her to navigate many different seas. Kelly most certainly takes pride in her ability as a motor yacht captain, but also has a soft spot for the young adult and especially those that come with questions. As a former chemistry professor, Kelly loves to teach and it is certain that she will always find a moment, or many, to share what she knows with others and looks to encourage and inspire those that dream of a career in the yachting industry.

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Contributor Brief·Kelly Gordon · 7 articles
Updated Aug 22, 2024

Marine safety depends on understanding equipment limitations, not assumptions

Kelly Gordon argues that mariners operating modern communication and detection equipment must actively challenge common assumptions about how that equipment performs, because false confidence in technology creates genuine safety risks. Across radar, VHF, and AIS systems, Gordon demonstrates that the gap between perceived capability and actual capability—especially under stress, in remote conditions, or with unfamiliar vessels—is where accidents happen.

1 in all

boats may not appear on radar despite being visible to eye

“A common marine radar assumption could put captains at serious risk on the water.”

Do All Boats Show as AIS Targets on Radar?

Core technology performance gaps Gordon identifies across marine systems

AIS targets not appearing on radar displays9
VHF line-of-sight failures in remote geography8
X-band vs S-band radar effectiveness variance by conditions8
UHF/VHF frequency choice confusion for internal vs external comms7
Marine VHF radio legal use misunderstanding on shore6

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24%AIS targets
AIS targets not appearing on radar displays
VHF line-of-sight failures in remote geography
X-band vs S-band radar effectiveness variance by conditions
UHF/VHF frequency choice confusion for internal vs external comms
+1 more

2 frequency systems

require different strategies: internal (UHF) vs open water (VHF)

Understanding how geography limits radio communication helps mariners prepare for connectivity gaps.

VHF Radio's Line-of-Sight Challenges

Most people misunderstand the legal rules around using marine VHF radios away from water.

Facts About Marine VHF Radios and Their Use On Shore

“Wavelength differences impact radar performance in challenging conditions profoundly.”

Themes:Technology gaps between perceived and actual equipment capability create safety blind spotsGeographical and environmental conditions fundamentally alter communication and radar performanceMariners must validate assumptions about detection and communication rather than rely on defaults

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