Our Blog
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How Safety Drills on Ships Can Help You Survive an Emergency
Safety drills are an essential part of our seafaring life at sea. At one point in our careers, we all experience emergencies in one form or another. My first one was a fire in the swimming pool while discharging gasoline in the Port of Amsterdam. Fortunately, I managed to survive and live on to tell…
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What are the Types of Ship’s Emergency Alarm Signals?
Emergency alarms on ships are essential for crew safety, signaling the need for immediate action. These alarms notify the crew of different situations, ranging from minor issues to life-threatening dangers. Knowing how to respond to each type of signal is critical, whether it’s a fire, a man overboard, or a general evacuation. But not all…
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MARINA to Speed Up Processing of COP/ COC Using New Policy
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) posted new policies for the filing of applications and rapid processing of Certificates of Competency (COCs) and Certificates of Proficiency (COPs). In their latest guideline which came out last October 10, 2022, Advisory 2022-54 emphasized several measures to accelerate the application and release of the sought-after STCW certificates. It can…
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SIRE 2.0 Will Upgrade Your Vetting Experience. Are You Ready?
A new inspection regime, called SIRE 2.0, will be served to all tanker vessels in the 4th quarter of 2022. According to OCIMF, this modern approach to vetting inspection will have significant improvements compared to the current version of SIRE. But we still don’t know how vetting exams will behave under SIRE 2.0. Though it…
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Huge Backlog on Seaman’s Book Application Hits Seafarers
Thousands of seafarers may have to wait as early as December before they can get an appointment on their seaman’s book renewal application while shipping companies are on a hiring spree for people to man their ships. CF Sharp’s legal counsel, Atty. Carmela Magpantay said that many of their crew applying for the renewal application…
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How to Prevent Accidents Involving Ship’s Combination Ladders
A ship’s combination ladder is a setup where a pilot ladder is used together with an accommodation ladder to facilitate the embarkation and disembarkation of marine pilots. Since ladders are the primary means of access on board, their proper rigging is always an issue, especially the level of safety when rigged on the ship’s side.…
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🚢 Embarkation Ladder: Purpose, Types, and SOLAS Requirements
An embarkation ladder is a SOLAS-required rope ladder used during emergency abandon ship situations. It’s rigged at survival craft stations- typically near lifeboats or liferafts, to allow crew members to safely descend into the water or survival craft after launch. Unlike gangways, accommodation ladders, or pilot ladders used during regular operations, an embarkation ladder is…
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10 Simple Steps on How to Rig an Accommodation Ladder Safely
Seafarers rig an accommodation ladder upon arrival in port to provide access between the ship and shore personnel. Though fixed in position, they are versatile enough to be used in harbors, anchorage areas, or even at sea while the vessel is underway. Proper safety awareness and correct procedures in rigging an accommodation ladder make all…
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目 What is an Accommodation Ladder on a Ship? (Definition + Function)
One of the safest and most efficient means of accessing a ship is through the accommodation ladder– a movable staircase used for safe embarkation and disembarkation of crew, visitors, and pilots. These ladders are essential ship access equipment commonly rigged in harbors, at anchorage, or even at sea. They serve as a reliable bridge between…
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This is The Only Correct Way To Rig a Pilot Ladder! See How
You might be rigging pilot ladders for many years already without knowing that your methods may not be correct. As a matter of fact, the International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA) studied 3,322 pilot boarding arrangements and discovered that 13.43% of them are non-compliant! From Africa to South America, they conducted the study in six geographical…