Our Blog
-
Top Ten Largest Shipping Companies in the World
Finding the largest shipping companies on earth is quite a bit of a challenge. At first, I thought this was an easy task. Just by thinking about the ships I see while sailing, it’s deceiving to conclude the company behind them is the biggest. Sailing for more than ten years made me think that the…
-
🚢 Shipboard Organization Explained: Ranks, Duties, and Seafarer Salaries
A shipboard organization is the backbone of every vessel’s safe and efficient operation. Much like a national government, ships have a structured hierarchy that assigns specific roles and responsibilities to each crew member. This hierarchy ensures that operations, from navigation to engine maintenance and catering, run smoothly and without confusion. Every merchant vessel- whether it’s…
-
💪 Bosun Duties, Responsibilities, Salary, and Career Path
A Bosun, also known as Boatswain, Bos’n, or Deck Boss, is the most senior rating in a ship’s Deck Department. Tasked with organizing and supervising daily deck operations, the Bosun plays a critical leadership role in maintaining the vessel’s hull, equipment, and external structure. Whether you’re an Able Seaman aiming to level up, or a…
-
🌍 Best Mobile Top-Up Sites for Seafarers & Travelers
Staying connected at sea or while traveling internationally is essential for seafarers, tourists, and digital nomads alike. Whether you’re contacting family, coordinating crew changes, or managing online transactions, having mobile credit ready on-demand is a must. Fortunately, mobile top-up sites make this possible. These platforms allow you to recharge international SIM cards or eSIMs online-…
-
🛰️ Top Free Vessel Tracking Websites (Reviewed & Ranked for Seafarers)
Vessel tracking has become an essential tool for seafarers, ship owners, maritime analysts, and even hobbyists. Thanks to AIS-based tracking platforms, we can now follow a ship’s movement live across oceans, ports, and terminals- all without stepping foot onboard. But with so many tracking websites out there, which one is the most reliable? Which offers…
-
Expiring Seaman’s Book in 2020 is Extended for Another 12 Months
Recognizing the restriction this pandemic has brought us, MARINA extends the validity of the expiring Seaman’s Book for all Filipino seafarers. The Maritime Industry Authority, through its Advisory No. 2020-67, auto-renews all Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB) and Seafarer’s Identification Record Book (SIRB) expiring between March 13, 2020 to December 31, 2020 for another 12 months…
-
Seafarers’ Training to Continue Using Blended Learning Mode
Online/ offline training or Blended Learning Mode is now available for seafarers. You can now apply for or renew your SCTW certificates despite the raging coronavirus pandemic. Distance learning, which is new to the industry, will help us get our COP and COC much faster. The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) launched its Blended Learning Advisory…
-
MARINA Implements One-Year Extension on Expiring STCW Certificates
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) approves the ONE-YEAR EXTENSION validity of all COP, COE, and COC for seafarers who are either ON BOARD or ASHORE. MARINA Advisory No. 2020-73 series of 2020 adds another 12-month life span for STCW Certificates expiring between 13 March 2020 to 31 December 2020 from the date of its expiration. This…
-
Crew Change Update: What to Expect Upon Arrival in Manila
Arrival in Manila Summary Here is the summary of things to expect upon arrival in Manila. Everything will be explained below. Crew Change Experience With efforts from various maritime organizations, many ports today allow crew changes with proper COVID-19 Protocols. These measures vary from place to place. Others are what I deemed slack, while some…
-
📝 SOLAS Convention of 1974: Chapters & Regulations in Summary
The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) is the most critical maritime safety treaty ever enforced. Adopted in 1974 and administered by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the convention outlines international rules to ensure: Today, SOLAS governs all seagoing ships of 500 gross tonnage and above on international voyages. If you’re…