Our Blog
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Three Types of Lifeboats and Their Launching Mechanisms
There are many different types of lifeboats that 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 hull, and the most experienced crew but…
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3 Types of Line-Throwing Apparatus and How to Use Them
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 during ship-to-ship transfers when normal methods of contact using heaving lines don’t work. Since the use of LTA on ships is essential, SOLAS regulation…
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What are Fire Wires Or Emergency Towing-Off Pennants?
Emergency towing-off pennant, commonly known as “fire wire,” is a long wire deployed on the sea side of a tanker ship berthed in a terminal. Its 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…
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⚓ Chipping & Painting on Tanker Ships: Safety Procedures, Tools, Best Practices
Chipping and painting are two essential deck maintenance activities on all merchant vessels, especially on tanker ships. These tasks are part of a vessel’s corrosion control strategy, aimed at extending hull integrity and protecting structural components from rust damage. Ships operate in highly corrosive environments- constant exposure to seawater, salt spray, and humidity accelerates oxidation.…
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How I Got Promoted On a Tanker Ship After Going Ashore 58 Times
If you stay long enough in your seafaring profession, you begin to see and experience crazy and unexpected things. This happened to me after being promoted on a tanker vessel. But who doesn’t like one? Besides, a higher rank means a bigger salary, right? Well, if you were just living a carefree life on board…
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What is the Difference Between SOPEP and SMPEP?
When it comes to the prevention of marine pollution, SOPEP and SMPEP are at the top of the list. They are the vessel’s response plans and procedures in case you have a spill on board. You might have seen those big (sometimes small) yellow boxes on deck marked with SMPEP or SOPEP. What’s more interesting…
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Safety Tips Before, During, & After Loading Operation on Tankers
A tanker ship’s loading operation is a carefully planned activity where the cargoes are transferred from the shore terminal to the vessel’s cargo tanks. It sounds simple and it actually does. But unbeknown to most, it involves many moving parts from preparation to the disconnection of cargo arms. A safe loading operation happens with careful…
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🧭 Marine Navigation Explained: Traditional & Modern Methods Used at Sea
Marine navigation has come a long way- from ancient mariners steering by the stars to today’s GPS-driven bridge systems. But despite the rise of sophisticated electronics, the fundamentals of navigation remain the same. Whether you’re commanding a fishing boat or a huge oil tanker, understanding the different types of marine navigation is essential to safety,…
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IALA Buoyage System Explained: Region A vs. B, Cardinal Buoys, and More!
The IALA Buoyage System is a standardized global system of Aids to Navigation (AtoN) developed by the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA), formerly the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities. It ensures vessels navigate safely through channels, avoid hazards, and enter or leave ports correctly. This system uses…
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🌀 How Aneroid Barometers Work on Ships ⚓
An aneroid barometer is a precision instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure– the weight of the air above us. Onboard ships, it plays a vital role in weather forecasting and route planning. Unlike mercury barometers, the aneroid type contains no liquid, making it more suitable for marine environments. It provides real-time readings of barometric pressure…