Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Technical English
This Book is an effective training tool, not only to teach Maritime English to the newly joining
seafarers but also to familiarize them with:
- Various types of ships, Organization onboard ships, Ship Design and Basic Terminology used
onboard.
- General Ship Safety, Safety Symbols and Emergency Alarms onboard.
- Potential dangers onboard ship like Fire, Man Overboard, Medical Emergency, Abandon Ship and
Search and Rescue operations.
- Basic Principles of Navigation and Position Fixing, Brief introduction of Bridge Equipment, Basics of
Collision Regulations and Overview of Navigational Aids like Buoys and Lights.
- Various Knots and Bends, Terms used during Berthing and Meanings of Flag signals.
Table of Content
1|Page
Chapter No
Content
Page Number
Chapter 1
Familiarization onboard
Page 2
Chapter 2
Safety onboard
Page 13
Chapter 3
Emergencies onboard
Page 17
Chapter 4
Page 26
Chapter 5
Page 42
Chapter 1
Familiarization onboard
The learning objective of the chapter is to learn Maritime English and understand basic terminology
relating to:
Types of ships
Organization onboard ships
Ship design and terminology
The classification of merchant ships on the basis of the type and methods of carrying cargo is as follows:
Bulk Carriers: Bulk Carriers are ships specially designed to carry homogenous unpacked cargo in
bulk. Cargo such as coal, iron ore, grain, light minerals and other dry products is carried, in bulk, in
large cargo holds. Bulk Carriers are commonly categorized by their size. Ships of 25,000 deadweight
tons (DWT) are called "Handysize", about 75,000 DWT are called "Panamax", and those over
200,000 DWT are called "Capesize".
Tankers: Tankers carry liquids such as crude oil, petroleum products, various oils and liquid
chemicals in bulk. This type of cargo is loaded in specialized tanks. A network of pipelines and
pumps is provided to load and discharge the cargo. Depending on the type of cargo, tankers are
further classified, for example: Crude oil tanker, Product tanker, Gas tanker and Chemical tanker.
Crude Oil Tankers: Crude Oil Tankers are ships that carry crude oil and other dirty liquid cargoes.
The cargo is carried in large covered tanks. The capacity of these ships can vary from a few
thousand tonnes to almost half a million tonnes. Large Crude Oil Tankers are often referred to as
VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) and ULCC (Ultra Large Crude Carrier).
Product Tankers: Liquid cargoes such as gasoline, naphtha, kerosene, aviation fuel or similar clean
petrochemical products are carried on Product Tankers. They also carry cooking oils such as tallow,
vegetable, palm and corn oil. Compared to Product Tankers these ships are smaller and they usually
have a larger number of tanks to segregate the different types of cargoes.
Gas Tankers: Gas Tankers are ships that carry liquefied gases. Some of the most common gases are
propane, butane, ammonia and methane. These gases are kept in a liquid state in specially
designed tanks maintained at very high pressure or very low temperature, or a combination of
both. There are broadly two types of Gas Tankers depending on the type of cargoes they carry:
LPG Tankers carry Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPG) such as butane, propane or similar gases. They
are designed to carry their cargo in pressurized and refrigerated states.
LNG Tankers are specially designed to carry Liquefied Natural Gas (mostly methane) at
temperatures of -160 degrees Celsius and below.
Chemical Tankers: Chemical Tankers are ships that carry different liquid chemicals in specially built
tanks. These tanks are mainly made of stainless steel and specially coated to withstand chemical
reactions and corrosion from diverse cargoes such as acids, alcohol, edible oils and petrochemical
products. They are smaller ships designed to carry small quantities of different types of cargo at the
same time in various compartments.
Container Ships: Container Ships are ships designed to carry standard sized containers. Containers
are stacked in the ship's holds as well as on the deck and secured to the ship using a locking
mechanism. Two of the most common standard sizes of containers are the Twenty Foot (TEU) and
Forty Foot (FEU) units. The capacity of a Container Ship is usually expressed by the number of
Twenty Foot Equivalent Units (TEU) that can be carried by the ship.
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Passenger Ships : These ships are used by passengers either for the purpose of travel between two
ports or for pleasure cruising. Passenger Ships used for short inter-sea trade and travel are called
ferries and are capable of carrying cars, commercial vehicles and small quantities of containers or
palletised cargoes along with the passengers. Others are designed as luxury hotels and are capable
of transporting holidaymakers relatively long distances in great comfort.
Ro-Ro Ships : RO-RO or Roll-On/Roll-Off Ships have large ramp doors at the bow or stern to allow
vehicles to drive in and out of the ship from the jetty. These ships have many long and wide decks
to allow cars and commercial vehicles to be loaded and secured safely. Ro-Ro Ships used for short
inter-sea trade are sometimes called Ro-Ro Ferries.
General Cargo Ships: General Cargo Ships are capable of carrying a diverse range of cargo in bales,
drums or in palletized form. They are usually small ships with a capacity of up to 35,000 metric
tonnes. Some, known as 'tween deckers', have multiple decks inside the cargo holds for segregation
purposes.
Reefer Ships: Refrigerated Cargo Ships (Reefers) are designed to carry cargo that needs to be kept
frozen or chilled; this includes fruits, meat, juices or other perishable foodstuffs. The insulated
cargo holds have specially designed refrigeration and air-cooling systems to maintain a specific
range of low temperatures.
Heavy Lift Vessels: Ships that can load very heavy cargoes on the deck or in the cargo hold are
known as Heavy Lift Vessels. They can carry a variety of unusual cargoes including heavy machinery,
yachts, drilling rigs, barges and bridges. Their decks and hold tank tops are designed to withstand
the high load density of cargoes and they sometimes have their own integral specialised cranes.
LASH: LASH (Lighter aboard Ships) carry large barges loaded with cargo. These barges are loaded
and unloaded on to the ship using huge gantry cranes onboard the ships, alongside a jetty, or at
anchorages. This method allows access to places with shallow waters or transportation of cargo by
barges to inland areas using rivers and canals.
Livestock Carriers: Livestock Carriers are designed for transportation of animals and livestock like
sheep, goats and cows. They have specially designed compartments for the carriage and care of the
animals.
Bulk Carrier
Tanker
Product Tanker
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Gas Tanker
Chemical tanker
Container Ship
Passenger Ship
Ro-Ro Ship
Reefer Vessel
Heavy-Lift Vessel
LASH
Livestock Carier
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Whether at sea or in port, shipboard activities continue twenty-four hours a day, 7 days a week. The
manning of ships and the related work schedule onboard has evolved through centuries of tradition and
continues to change with the increasing use of automation.
Shipboard Hierarchy
Master
Deck
Department
Catering
Department
Chief Officer
Chief Cook
& Steward
Engine
Department
Chie
Engineer
Second
Officer
Second
Engineer
Third
Officer
Third
Engineer
Deck Cadet
Forth
Engineer
Bosun
Electrical
Officer
Deck
Ratings
Fitter
Engine
Ratings
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Master
The Master of the ship, or the Captain, is in command of the ship. He has the overall responsibility for the
safe navigation of the ship, the safety and protection of the crew and passengers, the safe delivery of the
cargo, and the efficient maintenance of the ship's equipment.
He ensures discipline and smooth operations on the ship by delegating responsibility to qualified officers
and members of the crew and by monitoring their performance.
Chief Officer
The Chief Officer is in charge of the deck and cabin departments. He is responsible for loading, discharging
and care of the cargo in port and at sea; the general maintenance of the deck and accommodation areas;
and maintaining the navigation and safety equipment. He also assists the Master in the general
administration on the ship. While at sea the Chief Officer normally keeps the 4-8 morning and evening
navigation watch.
Second Officer
The Second Officer is often called the Navigating Officer and is responsible for the upkeep of navigational
charts, navigational equipment and publications. He plans the voyage under the guidance of the Master
and plots the course on the chart before the ship sails. At sea he keeps the navigational watch from 12-4
morning and night. In port he keeps alternate cargo watch to assist the Chief Officer in cargo operations.
Third Officer
The Third Officer is responsible for the maintenance of the ship's safety equipment, including the firefighting and the life-saving equipment, under the guidance of the Chief Officer. He keeps the 8-12
mornings and evening navigational watch at sea. In port he keeps the cargo watch, alternating with the
Second Officer to ensure smooth cargo operations.
Deck Cadet
The trainee or Deck Cadet works under the guidance and command of the Chief Officer. All ships have a
specialized training program and work schedule for hands-on job experience for the cadets.
Bosun
The Bosun, or Boatswain, is in charge of the Deck Ratings or crew. The Bosun takes orders from the Chief
Officer for the maintenance work on deck and allocates work to the Deck Ratings.
Chief Engineer
The Chief Engineer is the Head of the Engine Department. He has the overall responsibility for the
maintenance and smooth operation of all machinery including the engine room and deck machinery,
electrical and electronics systems, mooring equipment, deck pumps and cranes. He is also responsible for
the ordering and storing of spares and stores required for the upkeep of the machinery.
The Chief Engineer estimates the fuel oil consumption of the main engine during the voyage and ensures
sufficient 'bunker' or fuel oil is available for the forthcoming voyage.
Second Engineer
The Second Engineer is in charge of engine room machinery and personnel and assists the Chief Engineer in
the maintenance of all machinery in the engine room and critical machinery on deck. He delegates various
jobs to the Engineers and Engine Ratings and monitors their performance. He keeps the 4-8 morning and
evening Engine Room watch in a manned ship and Day work (8 - 17) in an Unmanned Machinery Space
(UMS) ship along with other engineers.
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Third Engineer
The Third Engineer is responsible for auxiliary engines and other electrical equipment. He also keeps the
Engine Room Watch from 12-4 morning and night and assists in the general maintenance of the Engine
Room.
Fourth Engineer
The Fourth Engineer is responsible for auxiliary machinery such as purifiers, pumps and related equipment.
He is responsible for daily bunker calculations. He usually keeps the 8-12 morning and evening Engine
Room Watch
Electrical Officer
The Electrical Officer is responsible for the maintenance of electrical equipment onboard the ship,
including radio, navigation and safety equipment.
Fitter
The Fitter assists in the general maintenance of the Engine Room. The various repair jobs including welding
and gas work are usually carried out by the Fitter.
Engine Ratings
Engine Ratings assist in general maintenance and cleaning and contribute to smooth operations in the
Engine Room.
Catering Department
On cargo ships, the Chief Cook and the Stewards form part of a Catering Department team with the
responsibility for food preparation and service and general accommodation area cleanliness.
They work under the guidance of the Master. On Passenger Ships the Catering Department will have more
personnel to meet the requirements of the passengers.
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Main Deck
The Main Deck is the uppermost deck that runs the entire length of a ship.
Superstructure
The Superstructure houses the crew accommodation, offices, stores etc.
Crane
The Crane is a machine for lifting heavy objects or cargo.
Scuppers
The Scuppers are drains from the decks to take out excess rainwater,
condensation or seawater.
Ladder
The Ladder is a set of steps leading from one deck to another.
Fair-lead
Fairleads are openings in the ship's bulwark or hull to guide mooring lines and ropes.
They are specially strengthened and designed to prevent chafing of ropes.
Panamalead
Panamalead, or Centrelead, is the name for the Fairlead at the forward and aft ends of
the ship at the centerline.
Poop Deck
The Poop Deck is the deck situated at the aft of the ship.
Forecastle (Foc'sle)
The Forcastle is the slightly raised structure at the forward part of the ship. It is a
mooring station used for housing windlass machinery and as a storeroom.
Windlass
The Windlass is the machinery for lifting and lowering the anchor cable.
Bulbous Bow
The Bulbous Bow is a protruding bow that is designed to break up the bow wave before
it reaches the ship.
Anchor
The Anchor is used to keep the ship fixed within a small area in the water. It gets its
holding power due to its weight and design plus the added weight of the cable it is
attached to.
Bow Thruster
The Bow Thruster is a propeller at the bow of the ship used during manoeuvring to
provide transverse thrust.
Propeller
The Propeller is similar to a fan. Rotary motion of the propeller blades in the water
provides the force for the ship's movement.
Rudder
The function of the Rudder is to steer the ship. The Rudder is usually located in the
water flow aft of the propeller.
Monkey Island
The Monkey Island is the uppermost deck on the superstructure upon which the main
mast and various aerials are located.
Signal Whistle
The Signal Whistle is an instrument to produce a loud sound for alerts and warnings.
Radar Scanner
The Radar Scanner is an antenna that sends out and receives radar wave pulses.
Main Mast
The Main Mast is usually the highest portion of the ship. Scanners and navigational lights
are placed at various heights on the Main Mast.
Halyard
The Halyard are the ropes on the Main Mast for hoisting flags.
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Mast Headlight
The Mast Headlight is a white navigational light on the mast.
Funnel
The Funnel is the large exhaust pipe for the ship's engine room and machinery fumes.
Bridge
The Bridge is the command centre of the ship. It is usually the highest enclosed portion
within the ship's superstructure.
Engine Room
The Engine Room is a space where the main and auxiliary engines are located.
Accomodation
The Accommodation consists of spaces onboard the ships which are set apart for the crew.
Cabin
Cabins are the rooms or compartments for personnel use.
Porthole
Portholes are the windows in the cabins.
Alleyway
The Alleyway, or Passageway, is the name for the enclosed corridors in the
accommodation areas of the ship.
Galley
The Galley is the kitchen area used for food preparation.
Mess Room
The Mess Room is the place where the crew eats their meals.
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Directions
Port
When you are on a ship looking forward towards the bow, the side of the
ship on your left is called Port.
Starboard
When you are on a ship looking forward towards the bow, the side of the
ship on your right is called Starboard.
Aft or Stern
The Aft, or Stern, is the rear end of the ship. Forward or Bow
The Forward, or Bow, is the front end of the ship.
Midships
Midships is the area in the centre of the ship.
Port Bow
The forward part of the ship on the port side
Starboard Bow
The forward part of the ship on the starboard side
Port Quarter
The aft part of the ship, usually from the stern to the accommodation, on the port side
Starboard Quarter
The aft part of the ship, usually from the stern to the accommodation, on the starboard side
Abeam
Abeam is the direction at right angles to the forward aft line of the ship, usually from the centre of
the ship.
Movements of the vessel
Ahead
Ahead is the forward movement of the ship.
Astern
Astern is the aft or reverse movement of the vessel.
Athwardships
Athwartships is the sideways movement of the ship. This movement plays an important part in
berthing and close interaction between ships.
Rolling
The side-to-side (athwartship) motion of a ship along the vertical line is known as rolling.
Pitching
The up and down motion of a ship forward and aft is known as pitching
Yawing
The port and starboard movement of bow along the water plane is known as yawing.
Rolling
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Pitching
Ship particulars
Breadth
Breadth usually denotes the greatest width of the vessel - usually
measured in the centre (amidships).
LOA or From Stem to Stern
Length overall. It denotes the total length of the ship from stem to
stern.
Draft (or Draught)
Draft denotes the depth of the ship in water or the vertical distance
from the bottom of a floating ship to the waterline.
Freeboard
Freeboard is the height of the main deck of the ship from the
waterline.
Under Keel Clearance (UKC)
Under Keel Clearance is the vertical distance between the seabed and the bottom of the ship.
Air Draught
Air Draught is the vertical distance of the highest point on the ship from the waterline.
Common terms
Bunkers
A bunker is the term for the fuel used aboard the ship. The name derives from the days when coal
was the main fuel for ships' engines and this was stored in bins or bunkers.
ROB
ROB stands for Remaining Onboard. ROB is the term used to denote fuel, ballast, cargo or water
remaining onboard.
ETA
Estimated Time of Arrival
ETC
Estimated Time of Completion of a task such as cargo work or bunkering
ETD
Estimated Time of Departure
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Chapter 2
Safety onboard
The learning objectives of this chapter are to develop basic knowledge of safety onboard ships and to learn
some of the key associated Maritime English terminology. This chapter covers:
General Ship Safety
Signs and Symbols
Emergency Alarms
General ship safety
Soon after joining a ship everyone should familiarize themselves with the procedures in case of an
emergency.
These procedures include:
1. The Protection of Personnel
2. The Protection of the Environment
3. The Protection of Property
Responsibility of safety
Safety Onboard is maintained by:
Design and Construction of the Vessel
With many hazardous cargoes transported by sea, ships are designed to function with extremely
high levels of safety built in.
Modern Equipment
Navigation, communication and safety equipment all play an important role in maintaining a safe
regime.
Proper Training to Crew
These days the personnel onboard are all trained to be aware of safety risks and to be able to act
effectively and swiftly in the event of danger.
Hazards
The Major hazards onboard are:
Fire
Flooding
Pollution
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Fire
Fire is one of the greatest hazards onboard a ship.
Risks with this hazard are reduced by:
Ship design restricting the opportunity for fire outbreak
Ship design to restrict the spread of an outbreak
Providing proper equipment to detect an outbreak
Providing proper equipment to fight fire
Ensuring that the entire crew are well briefed and trained to tackle any
fire outbreak effectively
Flooding
To protect from catastrophic flooding the structural integrity of a vessel is critical. This is especially true in
the case of heavy weather or in the event of an accident.
To prevent flooding on ship the following precautions are taken:
Subdividing the ship into small watertight compartments.
Selecting quality approved material for ship construction.
Providing watertight doors and hatch-covers.
Providing detection systems for flooding.
Providing pumping systems for emergency purposes.
Providing load indicators for accurate ship stability calculations.
Pollution
To protect the environment from pollution all ships are required to abide by international rules and
regulations.
The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution at Sea (MARPOL) is the International Maritime
Organization (IMO) law governing the safe and clean disposal of substances potentially harmful to the
environment. Its main purpose is to guide the crew in dealing with waste oil, toxic and general waste,
accommodation and galley garbage, sewage, and potential air pollution.
The following are some of the general precautions taken for environmental protection:
Tankers are designed with double hulls to reduce the risk of tank rupture.
Ships are required to carry a plan of action to deal with environmental threats in an emergency.
Proper equipment and training in its use is provided for all ship's personnel.
Garbage disposal procedures are in place.
Restricting damage
Even the best of protective measures cannot prevent emergency situations arising and threatening to
damage life, property and the environment.
For dealing with such emergencies two pieces of equipment are vital to limit the risk or damage:
1. Life Saving Equipment
2. Communication Equipment
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Emergency alarms
The alarms should be clearly understood by everybody onboard.
All alarms and indicators should be clearly marked.
The main classifications of alarms used onboard ships are:
General Emergency Alarm Fire Alarm
Abandon Ship Alarm
Fixed Fire Extinguishing System Alarm
Watertight Door Closing Alarm
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Chapter 3
Emergencies onboard
The learning objective of this chapter is to improve knowledge of the correct Maritime English terms used
in the following potential hazards onboard a ship:
Fire
Man Overboard
Medical Emergency
Abandon Ship
Search and Rescue
Fire
Fire is a major threat onboard the ship. In this section, we will learn about:
Protection against fire
Detection and alarm system
Firefighting equipment
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Sensor types
The most common types of fire-detecting sensors are:
Smoke Detectors
Heat Detectors
Flame Detectors
These sensors monitor the atmosphere and general area where they are fitted. If there is unusual activity
of temperature, smoke or flame, above set parameters, the sensor will activate the Emergency Alarm
onboard.
Sometimes these sensors are directly connected to the sprinkler system to activate a spray of water within
the whole detection zone.
Fire blanket
A blanket which is made of fire resistant material and fitted, most commonly,
in the ship's galley
Primarily used to smother small fires in pots and on stoves
Switch off any heat source. Place the blanket gently on the fire, keeping hands
away from the flames, and covering it completely to starve the fire of oxygen.
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Man overboard
Immediate action is necessary if someone falls overboard. In this section we will learn about:
Immediate action.
Manoeuvring action.
Muster and recovery of person.
Immediate action:
Upon discovering or suspecting of someone falling overboard the immediate action should be:
1. Raise the alarm by shouting: "man overboard".
2. Immediately throw the nearest lifebuoy overboard.
3. Inform the bridge immediately that there is a man overboard.
Manoeuvring action:
The Duty Officer on the bridge should take the following immediate action:
Throw a Man Overboard Buoy.
Sound the General Emergency Alarm.
Note the ship's position.
Notify personnel to lookout for a person in the water.
Send out a distress alert to all ships in the vicinity.
Alert the nearest rescue centre.
Manoeuvre the ship to locate the person in the water.
Muster and recovery of person
Once the crew is mustered and assigned duties of Lookout, the rescue boat is launched to facilitate the
recovery.
Once the person is rescued he should be treated with all the available medical care and, if required, further
advice sought from the rescue centre.
The condition of the survivor should be continuously monitored until he is out of danger.
Medical first aid
All personnel onboard should be able to administer basic first aid. The objective of this section is to provide
an overview of the procedures for:
Action on discovering a casualty
First aid
Life saving actions
Medical care onboard
Assistance from shore
Action on discovering a casualty
As soon as you discover a casualty or an injured person:
Carefully assess the casualty.
Be careful in enclosed spaces or in the vicinity of electrical equipment.
Always be sure that it is safe before you attempt to help a victim.
Do not rush in and become the next casualty.
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First aid
The early application of first aid can be an effective tool in saving a
casualty from further injury and in providing relief against shock
and pain.
The principle of first aid in the isolated environment of a ship is to
give treatment to the ill or injured person until proper medical
assistance can be provided.
The ABC of first aid is:
Airway: Clear the airway by clearing the mouth of any
obstruction.
Breathing: Check if the person is breathing properly.
Circulation: Check the person's heartbeat and pulse.
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Abandon ship
In this section, we will learn about:
The decision to abandon ship.
Action in case of abandoning ship.
Survival crafts
Equipment to be taken
Survival after abandoning.
Equipment
The ship's muster list details the duties and responsibilities of each crew member in the event of the need
to abandon ship.
Personnel are also assigned to carry :
Extra food and rations.
Distress pyrotechnics
Walkie-talkies.
An emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB).
Search and rescue transponders (SART).
Further equipment and rations should only be collected if time and safety permit.
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Survival
After abandoning the ship:
All the survival crafts should keep close together.
All personnel in the survival craft should remain calm.
If necessary keep warm by huddling together.
Do not drink seawater.
Arrange lookout watches.
Use flares only when there is a vessel in the vicinity.
Fix the SART in a high position to increase chances of being spotted.
Search and rescue
All persons and vessels must assist others in distress at sea, whenever they can safely do so.
In this section we will learn about:
Communication procedures.
Search and rescue operations.
Completion of search.
Communication procedure
To co-ordinate a prompt and efficient rescue effort, proper procedures have to be followed.
These procedures include communication between:
Ship to shore: Information about the incident.
Shore to shore: Co-ordination between search and rescue authorities.
Shore to ship: Instructions to the vessel in distress and the assisting ships.
Ship to ship: Information exchange between ships in the vicinity and the vessel in distress.
Search and rescue operation
["he International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual (IAMSAR Manual) provides
detailed guidelines for all authorities and ships that are likely to )e involved in a search and rescue (SAR)
mission at sea.
Here are various terms used during Search and Rescue operations:
MRCC.
Search action plan.
Search pattern.
OSC.
MRCC
Maritime rescue co-ordination centers (MRCC) are land-based authorities established
to efficiently organize and coordinate the conduct of search and rescue operations
within a region.
MRCCs acknowledge the distress alert in their specified areas and communicate with
the ship in distress to assess the situation.
An MRCC has the authority to summon all available resources to assist in the rescue
effort.
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osc
The SMC or MRCC appoints a rescue ship as on-scene co-ordinator (OSC) to
co-ordinate the search and rescue efforts at, or near, the distress position.
The OSC is usually the ship best equipped for rescue efforts or the first ship
to arrive on the scene.
Completion of search
These detailed procedures ensure that every effort is made to locate and rescue the persons in distress by
all available means.
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Chapter 4
Navigation and aids to navigation
The learning objective of this chapter is to provide an understanding of maritime vocabulary used for:
Basic principles of navigation and position fixing.
Bridge equipment and its layout.
Collision regulations.
Navigational aids, such as buoys and lights.
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Chart plotting
A navigator plots the ship's position at frequent intervals to confirm the correct route is being taken.
Waypoints
One passage may consist of many turning points called waypoints.
Course
The course is the intended direction of the ship's travel from one point to another.
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Navigational console
This console provides basic controls for navigation. It consists of:
RADAR System
Radar is an electronic system that sends out wave pulses that are subsequently reflected back by
any object within its range. The bearing and distance of the object can be read on the radar screen.
ARPA calculates the time and distance when the object will be closest to the ship.
GPS
The GPS uses satellite technology to provide accurate information on the ship's position.
ECDIS
The electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) monitors the vessel's track on the
electronic navigation chart.
Aids to navigation console
This console provides aids to navigation. It consists of:
Echo sounder
The echo sounder gives the depth of water below the ship.
Speed log
The speed log measures the ship's speed and the distance it has travelled.
Barometer
The barometer is used to check the atmospheric pressure and is an aid to weather monitoring.
Whistle and fog signal control
The whistle and fog signals are used to attract the attention of other ships in restricted visibility and
narrow channels.
GMDSS
This equipment provides the means of communication. It includes:
VHF equipment and DSC
This equipment is used to communicate within short ranges (approximate 20 miles), digital
selective calling equipment is used to attract the attention of the watch keeping officer if he is not
keeping a listening watch.
MF/HF equipment and DSC
This equipment is used to communicate within comparatively larger ranges (100-200 miles).
SatC/SatA
Satellite A and Satellite C communication systems can be used for exchanges of information over
large distances and for data transferrals. Most ship to shore communications will use Sat.A or Sat.C.
Safety communication equipment
SART
The Search and Rescue Transponder (SART) is used in distress situations to attract the attention of
other ships. Signals sent by SART are picked up by the radars of nearby ships.
EPIRB
The Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon sends the ship's identification and the position to
the shore authorities through satellite in case of distress.
NAVTEX
The NAVTEX system is used for the automatic broadcast of localised maritime safety Information
(MSI) using radio telex.
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General responsibility
The 'Rules of the Road' apply to all vessels sailing on the high seas and all connected waters navigable by
seagoing vessels.
The master, owner and crew of all ships must comply with these rules to ensure safety of navigation.
Look-Out
A proper lookout by sight, sound and all available means must be kept at all times.
Depending on the situation lookouts can be posted at various locations such as bridge wings and the
forecastle.
Safe Speed
Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a speed that would enable effective action to be taken to avoid
collision and to be able to stop within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and
conditions.
Factors to be considered for deciding safe speed include:
- Prevailing visibility.
- Traffic density in the area.
- Manoeuvring capabilities of own ship and others around.
- Background light.
- Wind, sea, current and weather conditions.
- The proximity of navigational hazards.
- The draft in relation to the available depth of water.
- The performance of navigational equipment.
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Risk of Collision
All available means should be used to determine if the risk of collision does exist. These include lookouts,
electronic devices such as radar and ARPA, and the frequent taking of bearings and soundings.
A risk of collision would be deemed to exist:
If the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not change noticeably.
If there is any doubt that a collision risk exists. (Risk may sometimes exist even when bearing change
is evident, particularly when approaching a very large vessel.)
Action to avoid collision
Any action to avoid collision should be made in accordance with the rules and by observing good practices
of seamanship.
Action can be alteration of course or speed adjustment or both and all actions must:
Be positive.
Be made in ample time.
Be sufficiently obvious to be apparent to other vessels.
Be such as to result in passing at a safe distance.
Be such that it does not result in another close-quarters situation.
Overtaking situation
Any vessel overtaking any other vessel shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.
Any overtaking vessel, be it a sailing vessel or a fishing vessel or a ship, shall alter its course to Port or
Starboard and pass at a safe distance from the vessel being overtaken.
Head-on situation
When two power-driven vessels are meeting on head-on or nearly head-on courses which involves a risk of
collision, each shall alter her course to starboard so that each shall pass at a safe distance on the one
another's port side.
Crossing situation
When two power-driven vessels are crossing and a risk of collision exists, the vessel which has the other on
her own starboard side shall keep out of the way.
Narrow channels
A vessel proceeding in a narrow channel or a fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel,
which lies on her starboard side, as is safe and practical.
Small vessels, fishing vessels or crossing vessels must not impede the passage of a vessel, which can safely
navigate only within a narrow channel.
All vessels must avoid anchoring in a narrow channel.
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Responsibilities
Except otherwise stated, as in an overtaking situation or in narrow channels, the responsibility between
vessels is listed as follows:
A power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:
A vessel not under command.
A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre.
A vessel engaged in fishing.
A sailing vessel.
A sailing vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:
A vessel not under command.
A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre.
A vessel engaged in Fishing.
A vessel engaged in fishing when underway shall, so far as possible, keep out of the way of:
A vessel not under command.
A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre.
Restricted visibility
When navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed and
shall have her engines ready for immediate manoeuvre.
Every vessel should give sound signals to indicate its presence.
To avoid collision, when taking an action, vessels should not alter course:
To port for a vessel forward of the beam, other than for a vessel being overtaken.
Towards a vessel abeam or abaft the beam.
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Masthead light
The masthead light is over the fore and aft centerline of the vessel, over an arc of the
horizon of 225 degrees.
Sidelights
The sidelights are a green light on the starboard side and a red light on the port side, each
showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 112.5 degrees.
Sternlight
The sternlight is situated at the stern, showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of
135 degrees.
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Towing light
The towing light is a yellow light sharing the characteristics as the sternlight.
All-Round Light
The all-round light is an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees.
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Power-driven vessel
A power-driven vessel shows:
Masthead light forward.
Second masthead light abaft of and higher than the
forward one, except that a vessel of less than 50
metres in length shall not be obliged to exhibit such
a light, but may do so.
Sidelights, green on starboard side and red on port
side.
Sternlights
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Sailing Vessel
A sailing vessel shows:
Sidelights
Sternlight
A Sailing Vessel underway may, in addition to the lights
prescribed above, exhibit at or near the top of the Mast,
two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being Red
and the lower Green.
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Pilot Vessel
Vessels engaged in pilotage duties show:
Two all-round lights in a vertical line at or near the
masthead, the upper being white and the lower
red.
In addition, when underway, sidelights and a
sternlight.
Vessel at Anchor
A vessel at anchor shows:
An all-round white light in the fore part.
An all-round white light at or near the stern and at
a lower level than the forward all-round light.
Deck lights to illuminate the deck, if the vessel's
length is 100 metres or more.
Vessel Aground
A vessel aground shows:
Two all-round red lights in a vertical line.
An all-round white light in the fore part.
An all-round white light at or near the stern and at
a lower level than the forward all-round light.
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Lights signals
Fixed (F)
Flashing (Fl)
Long-flashing (LFL)
Occulting (Occ)
Quick flashing (Q)
Very quick flashing (VQ)
Interrupted quick flashing (IQ)
Isophase (Iso)
Group flashing (Gp Fl(x+x))
Fixed flashing (F.FI.)
Alternating (AL)
Morse code lights (MORSE"U") (Mo (U)) Sector lights
Leading lights (range lights)
Fixed (F)
Fixed light is the light that is Unblinking and shines continuously and steadily.
Flashing (Fl)
A fashing light is one in which the duration of the light is always less than the duration of darkness in one
complete period. The frequency does not exceed 30 flashes per minute.
Long-flashing (LFL)
A long-flashing light has one long flash of at least 2 seconds in a period.
Occulting (Occ)
An occulting light is one in which the duration of the light is always more than the duration of darkness in
one complete period. It is the opposite of flashing.
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Lateral marks/buoys
Lateral marks define the borders of channels and indicate port or
starboard of the route to be followed.
Lateral lights can have any calm phase characteristic except FL (2 + 1).
Red buoys have red lights and green buoys have green lights.
Shape
Starboard side buoys have a conical shape or conical top mark,
while port side buoys have a cylindrical (Can) shape or
cylindrical top mark.
Positioning
Positioning of these buoys is done on the basis of the
conventional direction of buoyage.
Under IALA A, red buoys mark the port side of the channel when returning from sea, whereas under IALA
B, green buoys mark the port side of the channel when sailing towards the direction of buoyage.
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Cardinal marks
The four cardinal buoys indicate the safe side of a danger or obstacle for ships to
pass.
For example the west cardinal buoy has safe water on its west and the
danger is usually on the other side.
The colour of the buoys is a distinctive sequence of yellow and black
bands.
The top marks consist of two black cones above the black/yellow
scheme of the buoy. An easy reference is that the apex of the cone
represents the black colour on the buoy.
The shape of these buoys is either a pillar or spar.
The light is usually white with a series of clockwise quick flashing or
group flashing rhythms.
When a new obstacle (not yet shown on charts) needs to be marked, two Cardinal buoys will be used to
indicate this 'uncharted' danger.
The Cardinal System is identical in both the IALA A and the IALA B Buoyage Systems.
Here is a detailed description of all Cardinal Marks:
North
Colour: Black band above yellow band.
Shape: Usually pillar or spar.
Top Mark: Two cones, both apex upwards.
Light Colour: White.
Light rhythm: Q. or VQ.
South
Colour: Black Band below yellow band.
Shape: Usually Pillar or spar.
Top Mark: Two Cones, Both apex downwards.
Light Colour: White.
Light Rhythm: Q (6) + LFI. or VQ. (6) + LFI.
East
Colour: Black Band above and below yellow band.
Shape: Usually Pillar or spar.
Top Mark: Two Cones, Both apex outwards.
Light Colour: White.
Light rhythm: Q (3) or VQ. (3).
West
Colour: Black Band with yellow band above and below.
Shape: Usually Pillar or spar.
Top Mark: Two Cones, Both apex inwards.
Light Colour: White.
Light rhythm: Q (9) or VQ. (9).
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Special marks
Special Marks are not primarily intended to assist navigation but they pass on
very useful information to assist mariners in identifying:
ODAS buoys or weather buoys.
Military exercise zones.
Spoil ground marks.
Pipelines or cable lines.
Recreational zones.
Colour - yellow.
Shape - optional, but should not conflict with other marks in the area.
Top mark - single yellow X shape.
Light - yellow colour, with rhythm, which is not already used by
WHITE lights.
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Chapter 5
Ship Operation and Seamanship
The learning objective of this chapter is to provide some basic information related to ship operations and
seamanship and introduce some of the basic maritime english vocabulary associated with:
Various knots and bends.
Terms used during berthing.
Meanings of flag signals.
Knots, bends and hitches
Knots
A knot is a method for fastening or securing ropes of similar size by tying or interweaving.
Bends
A bend is a method for fastening or securing ropes of different size by tying or interweaving.
Hitches
A hitch is a method for making an eye at the end of the rope by tying it against itself.
In this section, we will learn about various knots, bends and hitches and their correct shipboard
application.
Sheet bend
Double sheet bend
Bow line
Clove hitch
Figure of Eight Knot
Reef knot
Round turn and two half hitches
Rolling hitch
Sheet bend
The sheet bend is used to join two ropes of different size together or for making a rope
fast to an eye.
Bow line
The bow line is used for making an eye in the end of a line.
Clove hitch
The clove hitch is used to tie the rope to a pillar or a strong point.
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Rolling hitch
The rolling hitch is used when you want a hold on a thicker cable.
Berthing
The objective of this section is to understand the various terms and phrases used when berthing or casting
off a ship.
This section will cover various terms used for the following operations:
Terminology used for mooring lines.
Superstructure for berthing operations.
Additional terms in berthing.
Miscellaneous phrases for berthing operation.
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Buoy line
The mooring line used in securing a vessel to a mooring buoy.
Towing Line
The rope or wire used by tugs for pulling/towing vessels.
Headline
The mooring lines at the forward part of a vessel that lead ahead onto the dock/mooring buoy.
Forward breastline
The mooring line at the forward part of the vessel leading at about right angles from the vessel onto the
dock/mooring buoy.
Forward spring
The mooring line at the forward part of the vessel that leads towards aft onto the dock/mooring buoy.
Aft spring
The mooring line at the aft part of the vessel that leads towards forward onto the dock/mooring buoy.
Aft breastline
The mooring line at the aft part of the vessel leading at about right angles from the vessel onto the
dock/mooring buoy.
Sternline
The mooring lines at the aft mooring station that lead aft onto the dock/mooring buoy.
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Centrelead / Panamalead
The Centrelead or Panamalead are fairleads at the ends of the ship at the fore and aft centreline.
Bitts
Bitts are usually cylindrical shaped small posts (pillars) fixed on the vessel/quay to tie the moorings lines.
Single-post bitts are called bollards.
Windlass
The Windlass is a piece of machinery for lifting and lowering the anchor cable and it consists of revolving
drums. Anchor drums have teethed cleats that fit in the chain links of the anchor cable to facilitate lifting.
Fairlead
Fairleads are openings in the vessel's bulwark/hull to guide mooring lines and ropes. They are specially
designed to prevent chafing of ropes.
Drums
Drums are revolving cylindrical structures on the mooring machinery around which turns of ropes are
taken to facilitate heaving or slackening of lines.
Heaving Line
The Heaving Line is a small and light line that is used to pass objects from the ship, for example a mooring
line from the ship to shore personnel. One end of the heaving line is weighted in a ball shape to enable it to
be thrown long distances.
Stopper
Stoppers are small bits of rope or chain. They are used to take the weight of mooring lines and facilitate
their transfer from one bitt to bitt, or bitt to drum, without any slackening.
Tug
Tugs are small powerful boats used in pulling or towing a ship. Tugs assist the ships in berthing/unberthing.
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