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21 Distress Signals That Indicate a Ship is Asking for Help

Distress signals are among the most important communication tools on board every vessel. Because these emergency calls for help are universal, any seafarer should be able to tell that someone is in dire need of assistance. Over the years, the maritime industry has developed...

6 Most Commonly Used ICS Flag Signals On Ships

Flag signals are one of the visual communication methods that many merchant vessels use today. Whenever ships visit a port, you will always see these rectangular colored cloth hoisted on the forward or aft mast. Also referred to as colors, seafarers use nautical flag signals...

Identifying Ship’s Lights, Shapes, and Sound Signals

While many ships today upgrade their navigational tools to the latest technology, knowing the lights, shapes, and sound signals is as important as ever. You will find detailed explanations in Parts C and D of COLREGS or the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions...

Seaman’s Notes

Mariner’s Handbook

52 Most Common Deck Cadet Interview Questions & Answer Tips

52 Most Common Deck Cadet Interview Questions & Answer Tips

A company interview is one of the most important stages of a deck cadet's journey for onboard employment. But despite its significance, many find this part difficult, even when answering the most basic interview questions. One reason is their...

Chief Engineer Duties, Responsibilities, and Salary

A Chief Engineer, also known as ChEng, C/E, or Chief, is the head of the Shipboard Engineering Department. He is responsible for all operations and maintenance of all engineering equipment throughout the vessel. Think of him as the marine engineer's big boss with the...

List of Medical Facilities & Practitioners Enrolled in MISMO 2024

As we all know, one of the requirements for processing our COP application in MISMO is a valid medical certificate in PEME format. Many seafarers often asked me if MARINA would approve the clinics they opted for. We’re about to answer that here. The good thing is we...

Rate of Turn Indicator (ROTI) – Regulations, Formula, and How to Use

The rate of turn indicator is helpful in many ways on ships, especially during channeling or significant course alterations. When I was a helmsman, I always took time to watch how my fellow ABs countered or stopped a ship's turn. One of my methods in using the rate of...

How Officers Use the Marine Autopilot System

The marine autopilot system is one of the simplest yet highly favored equipment inside the ship's bridge. In most instances, it is a favorite of every able seaman, specifically the helmsmen, since it relieves them on one of the most monotonous jobs onboard. But how do...