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 about the right scope for...
Ship parts
Ship’s Particulars: Definition, Importance, Examples, & More!
If you’re starting as a deck cadet on your first vessel, chances are, your initial task listed in your Training Record Book (TRB) is to find the ship’s particulars and fill in those details on one of the pages. And if you’re a ship enthusiast who wants to know more than what the eye can […]
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What is a Ship’s Air Draft and How to Best Calculate It
A ship’s air draft, sometimes called air draught, is an important measurement to consider when planning a voyage. It is one of the factors seafarers check if their vessel can safely navigate within harbors where suspended obstacles are present. While the regular draft and under keel clearance (UKC)...
34 Essential Lifeboat Equipment Items According to SOLAS
When it comes to emergency situations at sea, a properly equipped lifeboat can be the difference between life and death. The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) sets the standard for lifeboat equipment as well as safety items required on board ships. In this article,...
Ship Security Alert System – The Silent Alarm That We Need
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 mind. We also have another kind...
https://www.seamanmemories.com/ship-security-alert-system-the-silent-alarm/
What is an Embarkation Ladder and How is it Used?
I must admit. Embarkation ladders were one of the most confusing nautical terms I encountered in school. These two words, simple as they are when separated, got me puzzled when combined. Partly because, the term “embarkation” in the most nautical sense, usually denotes boarding a ship. And the term...
https://www.seamanmemories.com/what-is-an-embarkation-ladder-and-how-is-it-used/
Specific Requirements for International Shore Connection
One of the most important firefighting components on board is the International Shore Connection. They are small but useful and have, what a like to call, a “VIP” (Very Important Purpose) status. It is very essential that even the big A’s may come looking for them. These people are the Port State...
https://www.seamanmemories.com/specific-requirements-for-international-shore-connection/
Types of Lifeboats and Their Launching Mechanisms
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 navigational equipment, the newest...
https://www.seamanmemories.com/types-of-lifeboats-and-their-launching-mechanisms/
How Chipping and Painting is Made in a Tanker Ship
Chipping and painting are one of the simplest maintenance jobs on board any merchant vessel. I haven’t experienced a ship where this task was not on the menu during my decade of sailing. Actually, I was for most of the time, sailing on tanker vessels. And these types of vessels have high standards...
https://www.seamanmemories.com/how-chipping-and-painting-is-made-in-a-tanker-ship/
How Does an Aneroid Barometer On Ships Work?
An Aneroid Barometer is a type of barometer that measures the weight of air or the atmospheric. It comes from the Latin words “baros” which means weight, and “metron” which means measure. Air exerts weight on everything around us but we don’t feel them so much. An aneroid barometer helps us gauge...