About The Author

Gibi wearing red t-shirt standing on the starboard bridge wing.

Gibi

The articles that you are reading here are written by one person. Yep, all 250 of them, and counting…

Gibi is a seasoned seafarer with a remarkable decade of sea service. His maritime journey has predominantly unfolded in the waters of the Baltic Sea, North Sea, Bay of Biscay, and the Mediterranean on board tanker vessels.

His love for the mesmerizing beauty of the night sky, reading in front of the endless ocean, going on shore leaves at ports, and the serene drinking moments under the full moon is immeasurable.

The delightful steak and ice cream combo is a Sunday tradition he eagerly looks forward to.

As a seafarer, Gibi has amassed a treasure trove of stories and experiences waiting to be shared. His knowledge and hands-on expertise about the jobs on board has helped many fellow seafarers especially cadets to further their learning. He’s sharing his experiences now using this blog.

Presently, he has ventured into the realm of WordPress development, specializing in Search Engine Optimization.

If you aspire to elevate your website’s rank on Google and set sail for success, don’t hesitate to check him out on his LinkedIn profile and drop him a message.

What is an LRIT or Long-Range Identification and Tracking?

What is an LRIT or Long-Range Identification and Tracking?

Unlike conventional navigational tools onboard, LRIT operates with a unique functionality.  Ships equipped with Long-Range Identification and Tracking system can transmit their identification and location data via satellite. However, they cannot receive the same...

How Do Seafarers Use an Echo Sounder for Navigation?

How Do Seafarers Use an Echo Sounder for Navigation?

Aside from being aware of what's happening on the sea surface, seafarers must also know if the water below is safe for navigation. That's where an echo sounder comes in. It is the only device on board that measures the depth of the water below the ship's keel in real...

20 Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) Functions You Must Know

20 Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) Functions You Must Know

An Automatic Radar Plotting Aid or ARPA is an essential tool for deck officers navigating the seas. It's a mariner's best friend for enhancing situational awareness and collision avoidance by automatically tracking and displaying the movements of target vessels. But...

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 unpreparedness; they...

Chief Engineer Duties, Responsibilities, and Salary

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

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...

How Officers Use the Marine Autopilot System

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...

How Does a Magnetic Compass Work on Metal Ships?

How Does a Magnetic Compass Work on Metal Ships?

The two words that seem contradictory here are magnetic compass and metal ships. We all know that magnets attract iron, and a vessel is a huge block of metal floating on the vast oceans. But every merchant ship of any type employs a magnetic compass that points to the...

NavTex for Beginners: How Navigational Telex Works on Ships

NavTex for Beginners: How Navigational Telex Works on Ships

One of the navigational tools seafarers use to keep them updated with the latest maritime safety information is NavTex or Navigational Telex. Even with ships using the internet and satellite communication, this equipment is vital on board and will still be in the...

Components of Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

Components of Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

GMDSS revolutionized the way seafarers navigate the seven seas. Before its invention, a ship can not leave the port if its Radio Officer is absent. Since every communication was sent and received via Morse Code, Radio Officers were responsible for decoding the dots...

What is a Gyro Compass? Parts, How it Works, Limitations

What is a Gyro Compass? Parts, How it Works, Limitations

I still remember how I got deeply fascinated by the workings of a gyro compass on board. We were making a sharp alteration, and I pointed out that the compass card was spinning fast. Of course, it was not the compass card spinning but the whole vessel itself! The...

Marine Radar 101: An Essential Guide for Seafarers

Marine Radar 101: An Essential Guide for Seafarers

For safe navigation and collision avoidance at sea, a solid understanding of marine radars is essential for every mariner, especially the Officers of the Watch (OOW). This equipment is undoubtedly one of our best navigational tools, but it’s only as good as its user....

13 Unexpected Points in the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers

13 Unexpected Points in the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers

The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers is now within reach as the Senate approves the Bill for a third and final reading. President Marcos recently stamped the bill "urgent", assuring the global community of the Philippines' commitment to meeting its obligations. But...

Critical Marine Navigational Tools & Their Functions Explained

Critical Marine Navigational Tools & Their Functions Explained

As a mariner, having a solid grasp of navigational tools and instruments is a fundamental necessity! These equipment are the backbone of safe and efficient navigation at sea because, without them, our merchant ships can never set sail safely to any port. Whether...

Can Seafarers Conquer These 12 Epic New Year’s Resolutions?

Can Seafarers Conquer These 12 Epic New Year’s Resolutions?

You're probably stuck right now in a port wrapped in cargo operations while 2024 is fast approaching. You may even forget about setting New Year's resolutions due to your busy voyage. As the new year approaches, it's time to set your sights on achieving big goals and...

Top 10 Christmas Wish List of Seafarers

Top 10 Christmas Wish List of Seafarers

It’s the time of the year again, and here you are in the middle of the sea with 15 or 23 other seafarers. With them is your Christmas wish list you never actually considered declaring at the top of the mast. But let’s mix in a little twist this time and blast our...

Finding Wheel-Over Position (WOP) Using Two Methods

Finding Wheel-Over Position (WOP) Using Two Methods

Identifying the correct wheel-over point during course alteration can be a lifesaver, especially for newly promoted officers who just got their hands on the wheel. If not done correctly, your vessel could overshoot resulting in accidents, or alter early without...

Understanding Ship Security Levels: What Happens at Each Stage?

Understanding Ship Security Levels: What Happens at Each Stage?

ISPS Code and ship security levels are probably two topics that stuck with me when I was still in a maritime college, perhaps because I witnessed the 9/11 bombings on TV and the consequences that followed. So when I got on board, adjusting and implementing the...