Our Blog
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OFW Hospital Adds More Services Also for Dependents, Still Free
The OFW Hospital is the country’s first hospital dedicated to Filipino migrant workers and their families is now expanding its services while keeping its promise of free health care. This initiative came as a way of thanking our modern-day heroes, the OFWs, for their immense contribution to the economy. The Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital…
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🚢 6 Types of Ship’s Side Ladders and Their Uses
Accessing a ship safely- whether at sea, at anchor, or alongside, is impossible without proper ladder systems. These ladders aren’t just tools; they are critical maritime equipment designed for safe pilot boarding, crew transfer, emergency escape, and day-to-day operations. Whether you’re a deck cadet preparing for shipboard life or an officer overseeing deck operations, understanding…
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MARINA Seriously Considers Reviving MLC to Pass IMO Whitelist
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) headed by Atty. Hernani Fabia sternly considers reviving the much controversial Management Level Course for Filipino Officers. According to the new Administrator, there was a finding by the Independent Evaluators that there is no evidence of formal education and training for management level officers. He sternly believes that by re-implementing…
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Specific Requirements for International Shore Connection
One of the most important firefighting components on board is the International Shore Connection (ISC). They are small but useful and have, what I like to call, a “VIP” (Very Important Purpose) status. It is essential that even maritime authorities, such as the Port State Control Officers, Coast Guards, and Vetting Inspectors, may come looking…
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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…