Ships are becoming increasingly dependent on complex electronic equipment and electrical power systems, with incidence of engine failure and blackouts increasing. Safety and reliability are paramount, as will be discussed and debated at a new conference taking place in early October. With just over a week before the inaugural Marine Electrical and Control Systems Safety Conference (MECSS 2013) organized by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) opens in Amsterdam, speakers from Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, U.K. and U.S.