Our Blog
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🚢 Third Officer Duties and Responsibilities: The Ultimate Guide
A Third Officer (also called Third Mate or 3/O) is the entry-level licensed deck officer on board merchant ships. While often considered a junior officer, the Third Officer holds crucial responsibilities that directly impact the safety, navigation, and emergency preparedness of the vessel. Whether you’re a cadet preparing for your first contract or a newly…
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🛒 Bonded Store vs. Slop Chest on Ships: Key Differences
Onboard ships, crew members often hear the terms “slop chest” and “bonded store” used interchangeably. While both refer to shops on the vessel where seafarers can purchase personal items, they differ significantly in purpose, regulations, and types of goods sold. This article clarifies the difference between a bonded store and a slop chest, explains what…
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Seafarer Packing List – What to Bring When Joining Your Ship
Every time you join a ship for work, it’s always a must to bring all the necessary items in your luggage. I know the pain of realizing that I forgot useful items upon reaching my cabin and that’s why I created this seafarer packing list to help you as well. You don’t want to be…
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Filipino Seafarers Rejoice! Canadian Ships Now Open to Pinoy Seamen
Thanks to a new reciprocity agreement between the two countries, Filipino seafarers can now work on Canadian merchant vessels. This means that Filipino seamen with valid STCW certificates can now work on Canadian-flagged ships. They don’t need to undergo training for these documents for them to work on those vessels. This is a major win…
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Accredited Medical Centers for Seamen & OFWs 2023
Accredited medical centers play a crucial role in the employment of our seafarers and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). They are responsible for conducting pre-employment medical examinations (PEMEs) and periodic medical examinations (PMEs) for our “heroes”. Before they can work abroad, they have to pass the medical exams. But there are so many of them and…
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31 Fire Fighting Equipment On Ships & Where to Find Them
Fire presents a serious threat aboard vessels. It can spread quickly and cause extensive damage, putting the lives of crew members at risk. That’s why it’s essential for ships to have adequate fire fighting equipment on board. The type of extinguishing equipment varies depending on the size and type of vessel. However, the regulation states…
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Ultimate List of Seafarers’ Centers in The Philippines
Seaman’s centers are non-profit organizations that provide support and services to seafarers. Here in the Philippines, they are usually located near port areas and within the city making it easy for seafarers to access the services they need. I’ve been to many seafarers’ centers throughout my sailing career and these places are truly a safe…
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🌍 15 Ways Seaman’s Clubs Support Seafarers Worldwide
Life at sea is exciting, but it can also be lonely and stressful- especially when your ship docks in a foreign port where you know no one. That’s where Seaman’s Clubs– also known as Seafarers’ Centers or Missions to Seafarers step in. These centers are a home away from home for thousands of seafarers. Whether…
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List of Maritime Review Centers in the Philippines 2023
The maritime industry in the Philippines is booming once again, and as a result, so are maritime review centers. If you want to get that promotion and a bigger salary on board, you need to pass the MARINA licensure exam first. Our country’s seafarer deployment is on track to pre-pandemic records. Opportunities for career advancements…
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🚢 How to Check Gyro Error: 8 Proven Methods for Accurate Navigation
Gyro error is the angular difference between the reading of your gyro compass and the true geographic north. Unlike magnetic compasses that point to magnetic north, the gyro compass aligns with true north, making it a crucial navigational tool for every seafarer. Even though it’s highly accurate, the gyro compass can drift due to mechanical…