Maritime disasters have been a tragic reality throughout history. In 2022, the world witnessed several devastating incidents on the seas and rivers, resulting in a significant loss of lives and damage to property. Most of these accidents are a result of negligence and...
Having power and electricity is vital for ships to function at sea. It does not matter if it is a small yacht or a huge supertanker. They need energy to run and reach their destination safely. Hence, seafarers perform maintenance schedules for all the machinery and...
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...
A new inspection regime, called SIRE 2.0, will be served to all tanker vessels in the 4th quarter of 2022. According to OCIMF, this modern approach to vetting inspection will have significant improvements compared to the current version of SIRE. But we still don't...
A ship's combination ladder is a setup where a pilot ladder is used in conjunction with an accommodation ladder to facilitate the embarkation and disembarkation of marine pilots. Since ladders are the only means of access on board, their proper rigging is always an...
You might be rigging pilot ladders for many years already without knowing that your methods may not be correct. As a matter of fact, the International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA) studied 3,322 pilot boarding arrangements and discovered that 13.43% of them are...
If you think that using a ladder in a breathtaking setting only happens in movies, think again. The shipping sector also has this kind of struggle especially because the only access to a ship is by means of a ladder! Whether alongside, in the anchorage, or at sea,...
There are many different types of lifeboats that merchant vessels use today. It is a vital safety appliance on board that it is mandatory to have them. That said, ships with no lifeboats, or have defective ones, are unseaworthy. Your ship may have the perfect...
A line-throwing apparatus (LTA) is a self-contained device that shoots a rocket projectile to a considerable distance while attached to a line. It is mostly used during rescue operations but sometimes on a ship-to-ship transfer where normal methods of contact using...
Emergency towing-off pennant or commonly known as “fire wire” is a long wire deployed on the side of a tanker ship. One end is firmly secured on the bitts while its eye on the other end is hanging one to two meters above the water line. Ships use fire wires...
Like traffic lights, road signs, markings, retro-reflectors, and early warning devices, seafarers also use similar arrangements in waterways aimed for the safety of navigation. We call them the IALA Buoyage Systems or the International Association of Marine Aids to...
If you watched many ship-sinking movies before, you might have already indirectly seen a hydrostatic release unit in action. Movies or news about a sinking vessel sometimes mentions liferafts, fully inflated but without anyone inside. You may already hear of rescuers...
An International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) is a document that contains the record of your vaccination history. On a positive note, member states of the World Health Organization recognizes this certificate. Before the outbreak of COVID-19, seafarers and OFWs...
A Helmsman is a very important member of the bridge team. Even with today’s modern technology, Captains still prefer helmsman for steering the ship during channeling and pilotage. With this inclination, the room for human error remains which is basically 75% to 96% of...
Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel Trinity Spirit exploded and sunk off the coast of Ukpokiti Terminal, around Excravos, Warri South-west, Delta State, Nigeria on Wednesday (Feb. 2, 2022) early morning. It is unknown how much she is carrying but...
Maltese flag bulk carrier Julietta D collided with tanker vessel Pechora Star off the coast of Ijmuiden, Netherlands on January 31, 2022 at around 0940H UTC. Storm Corrie was battering the area. Around the anchorage area are wind farms. This looks like a recipe for...
P/V Valves are part of a tanker ship’s primary venting device installed to avoid damage due to over or under pressurization of cargo tanks. This arrangement allows the tank to “breath” during pressure variations. P/V valves are built on many oil and product tankers of...
Inert gas system is one of the most critical component of a tanker vessel. Vessels using inert gas in their tanks are enjoying the benefits of safe operation against fire and explosion. No smoking on deck, no naked lights, intrinsically safe equipment only and always...
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...
Using the services of private maritime security companies became well considered during the height of pirate infestations in the year 2009 to 2011. Since vessels are vulnerable to boarding in the high seas, the use of armed guards were an option in preventing attacks....
A shipboard organization is similar to the government structure we have in our countries. Vessels have worlds of their own. They are like mini kingdoms having a very small population with each person holding specific duties. The duties vary depending on the crew’s...
SOLAS 1974 Convention or the Safety Of Life At Sea is an international agreement between flag states which sets standards on different aspects of maritime safety. By far, it is the most important of all international conventions related to shipping. Its complete...
What is ISPS Code? ISPS Code or the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code is a collection of guidelines for the security of the ship her crew, cargo and the port facility. Regulations require vessels to enforce the provisions of this code wherever they...
When I tell this story to my friends, I always receive the same reaction. Imagine having your own swimming pool burning in flames! You wouldn’t believe it yet you’ll laugh it off too knowing that this happenstance sounds too stupid for real. This is not a joke, by the...
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