Shipping on the Great Lakes: How Safety Has Improved Over the Years

The Great Lakes have seen big changes in shipping safety since the Edmund Fitzgerald disaster in 1975. Back then, ships relied on basic weather reports and simple navigation tools. Today, technology has made sailing much safer. Modern ships have access to real-time weather data, advanced mapping, and systems that track their exact location at all times. In the 1970s, sailors got weather updates through radio broadcasts. They had to create their own weather charts, which weren't very accurate. Now, they have detailed forecasts and data from buoys and satellites. This helps them avoid dangerous storms and plan their routes better. For example, the Edmund Fitzgerald might not have set sail if the crew had today's weather forecasts. Another big change is how ships are tracked. Back then, if a ship got into trouble, it was hard to find. Now, ships have systems like EPIRBs and AIS that send their location automatically. This means rescue teams can find them quickly if something goes wrong. The Coast Guard also has better equipment, like helicopters and boats that can handle rough weather. The Great Lakes are also better mapped now. Old maps were made by dropping weights on ropes to measure depth. Today, advanced technology gives sailors precise details about the lake floor. This helps them avoid running into shallow areas or hidden dangers. Ships also use electronic charts that update automatically, so they always have the latest information. Safety inspections and rules have improved too. After the Edmund Fitzgerald sank, the Coast Guard made changes to how ships are checked and maintained. Crews now do regular self-inspections, and ships have better safety equipment, like survival suits. These changes have made sailing on the Great Lakes much safer over the years.