Seaman Memories

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How Much Anchor Scope is Needed? We Break Down the Formulas

All ships, no matter how big or small, have anchors installed to firmly fix the vessel's position when needed. With this, they must also know the proper scope of the chain to attain maximum holding power. It was my first anchoring on the bridge when our captain asked me...

MARINA-Approve Assessment Centers for Ratings & Officers 2023

Assessment Centers, or ACs, are maritime institutions accredited and approved by MARINA to conduct practical assessments. Practical Assessment is the method used to assess a candidate by giving a close-to-reality situation on board where they must apply their theoretical...

30 Different Types of Buoys Known in the Maritime World

Various types of buoys play an indispensable role in the maritime world. They serve as important markers and signs that seafarers use to navigate the seas, channels, and fairways. There are so many kinds of them, but these distinctions help mariners discern the purpose and...

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Bonded Store and Slop Chest in Ships – What’s the Difference?

Bonded Store and Slop Chest in Ships – What’s the Difference?

The first time I heard about a slop chest on board our vessel was when I was a deck cadet.  Knowing the meaning of slops and slop tanks which are storage for wastewater, I never thought it was a store of some sort. I pictured a chest full...

Seafarer Packing List – What to Bring When Joining Your Ship

Every time you join a ship for work, it's always a must to bring all the necessary items in your luggage.  I know the pain of realizing that I forgot useful items upon reaching my cabin and that’s why I created this seafarer packing list to help you as well. You...

Filipino Seafarers Rejoice! Canadian Ships Now Open to Pinoy Seamen

Thanks to a new reciprocity agreement between the two countries, Filipino seafarers can now work on Canadian merchant vessels.  This means that Filipino seamen with valid STCW certificates can now work on Canadian-flagged ships.  They don’t need to undergo...

Accredited Medical Centers for Seamen & OFWs 2023

Accredited medical centers play a crucial role in the employment of our seafarers and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).  They are responsible for conducting pre-employment medical examinations (PEMEs) and periodic medical examinations (PMEs) for our “heroes”....

31 Fire Fighting Equipment On Ships & Where to Find Them

Fire presents a serious threat aboard vessels. It can spread quickly and cause extensive damage, putting the lives of crew members at risk. That's why it's essential for ships to have adequate fire fighting equipment on board. The type of extinguishing equipment...