A few days ago, we talked about the ship's emergency alarms and how bombastic, disturbing, and noisy they are. It should be that way since it's an alert system. In case something terrible happens, everyone on board knows what to do. So here's something to blow your...
Communication Articles
What are the Types of Ship’s Emergency Alarm Signals?
Would you rather have a healthy, restful sleep and wake up in a pool of water, or be disturbed by a menacing alarm during your sweetest dreams? If you are on board, you don't really have a choice. Like it or not, emergency alarms are the number one priority to respond...
Maritime Dictionary – Everything That Starts with the Letters “X, Y, Z”
X X - Code flag; Stop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals. The traditional signature of an illiterate seaman. Morse code; ▬ ● ● ▬. X-band - A radar with 3cm wavelength transmitting at 10,000MHz. Xebec - Small three-masted, lateen-rigged trading...
Maritime Dictionary – Everything That Starts with the Letter “W”
W - Code flag; I require medical assistance. Morse code; ● ▬ ▬. Waft - To convoy or escort, a vessel (16th century), 2 Weft. Wager Policy - Policy of marine insurance issued to an insurer who has not declared his interest in matter insured. If he has no interest,...
Maritime Dictionary – Everything that Starts with the Letter “V”
V - Code flag; I require assistance. Morse Code; ● ● ● ▬ V Bottom - A hull with the bottom section in the shape of a “V”. V flag + two numerals - Code flags; Speed in K.P.H. Vailing Topsail - Letting go topsail halyards as a salute. Valuation Clause - Inserted in a...
Maritime Dictionary – Everything that Starts with the Letter “U”
U - Code flag; You are standing into danger. Morse signal; ● ● ▬. U-boat - First and Second World War German submarine. Ullage -The distance from the top of a tank to its contents top surface. Ulloa's Circle - White 'rainbow' seen in fog, or at night. Ultimate...
Maritime Dictionary – Everything That Starts With the Letter “T”
T - Code flag; I am engaged in pair trawling. Sound signal; A power driven vessel making way in restricted visibility. Morse Code; ▬. T flag + Four Numerals - Code flags; Local time. Tab - Name sometimes given to tabling on a sail. Tab Nab - A small cake or biscuit...
Maritime Dictionary – Everything That Starts With The Letter “S”
S - Code flag; I am operating astern propulsion. Sound signal; I am operating astern propulsion. Morse code; ● ● ●. S Band - A radar with 10cm wavelength transmitting at 3000MHz. S flag + two numerals - Code flags; Speed in Knots. Sabik - Star η Ophiuchi. S. H. A....
Maritime Dictionary – Everything That Starts With the Letter “R”
R - Code flag; No single letter meaning. Sound signal; Additional warning at any time when anchored. 'R' - The point of definition of mean time. As it is directly opposite to mean Sun, in Equinoctial, its position is that of mean Sun plus or minus 12 hours of R. A....
Maritime Dictionary – Everything that Starts With the Letter “Q”
Q - Code flag; My vessel is healthy and I request free practique. Morse Code; ▬ ▬ ● ▬. Q Ship - Merchant vessel with concealed armament, and manned by naval crew, that decoyed German submarines into gun range during 1914-18 war. Quadrant - Quarter of a circle. 2....
Maritime Dictionary – Everything that Starts with the Letter “P”
P - Code flag; All to report aboard, the vessel is about to sail. By a fishing vessel, my nets are fast on an obstruction. Morse Code; ● ▬ ▬ ●. P Code - High accuracy and restricted access code in GPS positioning. Pacific Rim - The regions bordering the Pacific Ocean....
Maritime Dictionary – Everything that Starts with the Letter “O”
O - Code flag; Man overboard. Morse Code; ▬ ▬ ▬. O.B.O. Ship - A multipurpose ship that can carry Ore, heavy dry Bulk goods or Oil. They can make return journeys with cargo rather than empty as single-purpose ships often must. Related Article: Types of Merchant Ships...
Maritime Dictionary – Everything that Starts with the Letter “N”
N - Code flag; No (negative). Morse Code; ▬ ●. Nacodah - Master of an Arab dhow ('Nakhoda'). Nadir - Point in heavens diametrically opposite zenith. Nail Sick - Minor leaks caused by erosion of nails in a wooden hull. Name of Ship - That name appearing in her...
Maritime Dictionary – Everything that Starts with the Letter “M”
M - Code flag; My vessel is stopped and making no way. Sound signal; My vessel is stopped and making no way, in restricted visibility. Morse Code; ▬ ▬. M.T. - Motor Tanker. M.V. - Motor Vessel. Mac Ships - Merchant vessels converted into aircraft carriers during...
Maritime Dictionary – Everything that Starts with the Letter “L”
L - Code flag; You should stop your vessel instantly. Morse Code; ● ▬ ● ●. L flag + four numerals - Code flags; Latitude. La Niña - See El Niño. Label Clause - Inserted in policies of marine insurance covering bottled goods. Excludes claims for damaged or discoloured...
Maritime Dictionary – Everything that Starts with the Letter “K”
K - Code flag; I wish to communicate with you. Morse Code; ▬ ● ▬. K.B. - The height above the keel of the centre of buoyancy. K.G. - The height of the vertical centre of gravity above the keel or base line. K.P.I. - Key performance indicator (critical statistics)....
Maritime Dictionary – Everything That Starts with the Letter “J”
J - Code flag; I am on fire with dangerous cargo. Morse Code; ● ▬ ▬ ▬. Jack - A national or variation of a national flag. 2. Crosstrees. 3. Instrument or machine for lifting heavy weights. 4. Colloquial name for a seaman. Jack Block - Large wooden block used when...
Maritime Dictionary – Everything that Starts with Letter “I”
I - India. Code flag; I am altering my course to port. Sound signal; I am altering my course to port. Morse Code; ● ●. I Bar - Flat rolled steel section with small flat flange across longitudinal edges. Ice - Water that has congealed due to lack of heat. Fresh water...
Maritime Dictionary – Everything that Starts with Letter “H”
H - Code flag; I have a pilot on board. Sound signal; I have a pilot on board, in restricted visibility. Morse Code; ● ● ● ● H Bar - Rolled steel section of H shape. Haar - Local name for a wet sea fog off E. Coast of Scotland. Hachures - Shading lines on charts to...
Maritime Dictionary – Everything that Starts with the Letter “G”
G flag + three numerals - Code flags; Longitude. Morse Signal; ▬ ▬ ●. Code flag; I require a pilot. By fishing vessel - I am hauling my nets. Sound signal; I intend overtaking on your starboard side. G.M. - The initial transverse metacentric height, measured in metres...
Maritime Dictionary – Everything that Starts with Letter “F”
F - Code flag; I am disabled, communicate with me. Morse code ● ● ▬ ●. F Region - 'Appleton Layer.' Face Piece - Timber on fore part of knee of head to allow for shortening of bolts and for simplifying fitting of main piece. Face Plate - A stiffening plate welded...
Maritime Dictionary – Everything that Starts with “C”
C ▬ ● ▬ ● C - Code flag; Affirmative. Sound signal; Affirmative. C flag + three numerals - Course. Cab - Name given to screened shelter at wing of a navigating bridge. Caban or Cabane - Old spelling of 'Cabin'. Cabin - Small compartment in a ship set apart for use of...
Maritime Dictionary Everything that Starts with Letter “B”
B - ▬ ● ● ● B-class division - Divisions made of incombustible material and capable of preventing the passage of smoke and flame up to the end of the first ½ hour of the standard fire test. B - Code flag; I am loading, carrying or discharging dangerous cargo. Sound...
Sample Letters of Repatriation, Extension, & Early Vacation Requests You Can Use On Board
Writing letter requests is one of the many formalities seafarers will eventually face. For one, these letters can be put into black and white and sent to the company which signifies seriousness on your part rather than hanging onto spoken words and promises. The most...
Blended Learning on My Advanced Chemical Tanker Course
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) adapted its training requirements for maritime institutions to include blended learning or hybrid learning. As I wrote in my other article, hybrid learning is a combination of online learning...
Best Vessel Tracking Websites for Free – Ranked & Reviewed
Today, we’re gonna talk about websites that track ships for free. But first, let us understand what vessel tracking is and the technology behind it. Vessel tracking is the process of monitoring the movement of ships- her last port, destination, speed, ETA, course,...