Our Blog
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What are Your Liferaft Equipment Packs, SOLAS A or SOLAS B?
A liferaft is a vital piece of life-saving equipment on board a ship that can provide refuge for crew members in the event of an emergency. It is one of those survival crafts that seafarers use during an abandon ship situation. In order to ensure the survivability of those on board the raft, it is…
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⚓ Ultimate Guide to Mooring Operations Best Practices & Techniques
When a ship arrives at a port, one of the first priorities is securing it safely to the berth. This process is known as mooring– a critical maritime operation that allows cargo handling, bunkering, maintenance, and crew changes to be carried out safely. But mooring is more than just “tying up” the vessel. It’s a…
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15 Merchant Ships Bombed During the Russia – Ukraine War
It has been almost two years since Russia invaded Ukraine last 2022. The ongoing conflict between the two countries has taken a devastating toll on merchant ships and seafarers in the region. Since the start of the Russian Invasion last February 20, 2022, there were already 15 merchant ships that have sunk or been damaged.…
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10 Worst Maritime Disasters in 2022
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 human error. Despite the safety measures and unlimited drills seafarers undergo, it…
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❤️ 99 Reasons I Love Working on Ships – Life at Sea, Crew Bonds, & Perks
Some people say it’s all about the money. And for me, it’s about the money too, along with 98 other things why I love working on ships! So on one starry night, with a cold beer in my left hand and a few more bottles behind, this idea popped into my head. I initially thought…
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Everything You Need to Know About the Ship Security Alert System
A Ship Security Alert System or SSAS is not your ordinary emergency alarm and is one of the vessel’s critical components that should not be overlooked. But before delving into that topic in detail, let’s have a recap of what we discussed lately. A few days ago, we talked about the ship’s emergency alarms and…
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⚡ Ship Emergency Generator: Purpose and SOLAS Rules
Electricity is the lifeline of any ship- whether it’s a fishing boat, a container vessel, or a supertanker. From steering and communication to lighting and navigation, every system onboard depends on electrical power. But what happens if all the ship’s main and auxiliary generators fail? In the middle of the ocean, a blackout isn’t just…
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🚢 Types of Bulk Carriers by Design: A Seafarer’s Guide
Bulk carriers are merchant ships specifically designed to transport unpackaged dry cargo- such as iron ore, coal, grains, and fertilizers in large quantities. Rather than using containers, these vessels load directly into massive cargo holds. According to SOLAS Chapter IX/1.6, a bulk carrier is defined as: “A ship constructed with a single deck, top-side tanks,…
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👨🎓 What Does a Deck Cadet Do and How Much is the Salary?
If you’re planning to become a Deck Cadet, you’re entering one of the most crucial training phases in a seafarer’s career. But despite their presence on many ships, deck cadets are not mandatory crew members– they are apprentices, not yet licensed officers. However, shipping companies that invest in cadetship programs recognize their value in addressing…
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Man Overboard: The Urgent Response Every Seafarer Must Know
What’s the big deal when a person falls into the water? If you are a seaman, you can just swim to the nearest shore, right? Or you can wait for the ship to turn around and pick you up. But that is not the case. As a matter of priority, when you hear a man…