Our Blog
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Ship’s Crew Got Blasted by the Fog Horn
Ever been startled so badly your heart jumped into your throat? Imagine that feeling multiplied by a thousand, delivered by a ship’s foghorn blasting a few meters from you. Yeah, that happened to one unlucky crew member on a particular voyage. What started as a routine paint job on the “monkey island” (that deck above…
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🎯 Can You Use Floating Aids to Navigation for Position Fixing?
Short answer: Only with caution! Never as your primary fix method. Floating aids to navigation, such as buoys, lightships, ODAS buoys, and light floats, are not fixed objects. Though they are anchored, they can shift position due to weather, currents, or maintenance delays. This makes them unreliable for precise position fixing. That said, in certain…
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Top 10 Ranks of Filipino Seafarers Working on International Ships
The Philippines stands as the global leader in supplying maritime manpower, with Filipino seafarers renowned for their skills and dedication. Among the approximately 100,000 merchant ships navigating the world’s oceans, Filipino seafarers play a crucial role in various capacities. But what specific ranks and skills do these seafarers hold? In this detailed article, we’ll explore…
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116 USCG-Approved Training Centers in the United States
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) maintains a comprehensive list of training centers authorized to conduct STCW courses for seafarers. These centers, located across various states, meet USCG standards to ensure high-quality maritime training. USCG-approved training centers play a vital role in maintaining safety and competency in the maritime industry. If you’re looking to enhance…
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🛳️ Different Types of Dry Cargo Vessels Explained
Dry cargo ships are merchant vessels designed to transport solid, non-liquid goods across oceans and inland waters. These include unpackaged or packaged cargoes such as coal, grains, machinery, vehicles, electronics, steel, and timber– materials that power global industries and everyday life. In fact, much of what you see at home- your furniture, food items, or…
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Crew Familiarization 24 Hours & 14 Days After Signing-on
Shipboard familiarization is one of the first tasks newly signed-on crew members must complete upon joining a vessel. Within 24 hours of embarkation, the initial familiarization process ensures they understand essential safety procedures on board. Over the next 14 days, a more in-depth familiarization takes place for a thorough understanding of their roles, ship procedures,…
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112 Promotion Checklists From 3rd Officer to 2nd Officer
Promotion from Third Mate to Second Mate can be challenging but is equally rewarding. There may be overlaps in their duties on the bridge, but it can still feel overwhelming knowing that the safety of the ship’s passage is in your hands. Not only that, but you also need to become more familiar with cargo…
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👋 First Time as an Ordinary Seaman (OS)? What to Expect and How to Excel
Starting your first contract as an Ordinary Seaman (OS) can feel overwhelming. You might wonder what your duties are, how to fit in, or if you’ll measure up to the expectations of seasoned crew members. Don’t worry. everyone starts somewhere! This guide will help you understand your job, what senior crew expect from you, and…
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The Maritime Industry’s Fastest, Largest, Busiest, and First
The maritime industry has consistently set records with groundbreaking advancements in speed, size, efficiency, and environmental innovation. As one of the largest industries powering international commerce, shipping companies and ports are pushing the boundaries in shipbuilding, port infrastructure, and sustainable practices. This article explores the maritime industry’s superlatives—from the fastest ships and busiest ports to…
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10 Ways How the Shipping Industry Can Reduce Carbon Emissions
The shipping industry contributes approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, equating to nearly 10% of the transportation sector’s total carbon footprint. With over 90% of the world’s goods transported by sea, decarbonizing maritime shipping is crucial to curb its environmental impact. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) aims to cut the carbon intensity of international…