Nov 10, 2021 | Documents, Seaman Narrative
As we are all aware today, quarantine guidelines for returning OFWs and seafarers are lighter compared to a few months ago. Here is my previous post about crew change in the middle of pandemic last year. The emergence of “Red, Yellow and Green Countries” added ray of...
Last updated Sep 17, 2021 | Documents, Seaman Narrative, Ship parts
Clock changes are part of seaman’s life. The first time I heard about the ship’s time being retarded was, well, a bit confusing. How could time be retarded when it only ticks and doesn’t think? Then I learned that it will be moved backwards to comply with the Daylight...
Aug 31, 2021 | Best Memories
Crossing the equator should not be a big deal. This imaginary line is nothing special it only marks the boundaries of the northern and southern hemisphere. If you cross there, nothing really happens. You don’t get young, turn old or grow some scales. I remember...
Jul 18, 2021 | Seaman Narrative, Seaman's Health
Recognizing the importance of seafarers in keeping the global economy running, some European ports are now offering free Covid-19 vaccine to seafarers. The first COVID vaccine in the European Union started in Belgium last June 1. Around 2,200 seamen got their jabs in...
Jul 6, 2021 | Seaman Narrative
The largest ship owning countries are seafaring nations since ancient times. With their boats and simple sailing tools, they were responsible for allowing communities to flourish by trading goods from one port to another. As globalization sweeps around us, shipping...
Jun 25, 2021 | Jobs and Tips, Seaman Narrative
Anchoring is an operation on board that involves dropping a metallic object with “claws”, called the anchor, which is attached to a chain connected to the ship. Safe and proper anchoring maintains the ship’s anchor fittings in good order. Additionally, it keeps her...
Jun 14, 2021 | Best Memories, Seaman Narrative, Training Tips
After more than five years of implementation, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) finally ditches Management and Operational Level Courses (MLC and OLC). Under the shipboard organization, this course is applicable to deck and engine officers only. MARINA Advisory...