This is a crisis because it is like a country without a soul, a computer without software, or a ship without navigation.

FORBES: Chinese People Must Define Their Own Dream

That required him to override the route that had been programmed into his ship's navigation system, according to Costa Crociere.

WSJ: Italian Captain: 'We Abandoned the Ship'

During flight operations the captain can normally be found on the bridge directly involved in the mechanics of positioning and preparing the ship for launch and recovery of aircraft, ensuring the safe navigation of the ship and overseeing flight deck operations.

FORBES: What Is It Like To Be The Commanding Officer Of An Aircraft Carrier?

China also is developing its own advanced anti-ship missiles and its navigation satellite-guided bombs, like the U.S. JDAM.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: China's one world?

Ship captains rely on the skill and judgment of harbor pilots to ensure the safe navigation of the vessel so that the cargo can be safely transferred to shore side facilities.

FORBES: The Port of New York and New Jersey, a Critical Hub of Global Commerce