MD-11
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 119; Flight Crew Total 20000; Flight Crew Type 2000
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
While climbing enroute on course to our first waypoint; the aircraft experienced a 'Shattered Windscreen' on the L FWD (Captains forward window) passing through 25;000 feet. Accompanied by a loud bang as the window shattered. We leveled the aircraft off; at 26;000 feet and asked Center for a return course towards [departure airport] as we sorted out the checklist items and contacted flight control via SATCOM. The co-pilot (Who was new to the company and fresh out of [training]) inadvertently advised Center that we had an emergency prior to running the cracked window checklist. I am not sure [Center] actually heard his transmission; as we were in an area of poor reception; expecting a frequency change. After running the checklist; we determined that; only the outermost pane was cracked and that the middle and inner panes were both good. I had adequate visibility out of an area just in front of my view. We enlisted the help of a jumpseating additional crew member; who was current and qualified on the MD-11 to assist us with the communications with both the dispatcher and the company's maintenance personnel. Maintenance advised us; as did the checklist; that the aircraft could continue to destination with just; and only the outer pane damaged. We decided with the dispatcher; that we would continue back towards our destination of ZZZ1. We also advised Center that we were 'NOT IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION'. We flew the remainder of the trip uneventfully. I turned the aircraft over to the co-pilot for landing; prior to descent; as he had the better unobstructed view out his forward window. We taxied the aircraft to the company's hangar for repairs.
[Report narrative contained no additional information].
MD-11 flight crew reported the Captain's windshield outer pane shattered in climb. Since the other panes were intact the flight continued to destination.