Duties Of OOW During Anchoring Watch

Responsibilities of Deck Officer When Ship is at Anchorage Operating a ship at anchorage may seem less extensive than navigating in open waters, however, it requires constant observation and action in response to external currents to ensure safety. Deck officers need to be cognizant of their surroundings and make specific actions to avoid accidents and […]

Common Errors During Anchoring

Common Errors During Anchoring Operations: Anchoring is a key operation that demands accuracy and knowledge of the ship’s gear, seabed, and climatic conditions. A small mistake can result in serious consequences, such as dragging anchor or gear damage. The following are common errors that can undermine the safety and efficiency of anchoring. Inaccurate Chain Scope […]

ARPA

ARPA: Your Advanced Radar Partner at Sea Imagine cruising through a foggy night, encompassed by vessels you can’t see, but require to dodge. This is where ARPA steps in as the watch keeper’s best ally. What is ARPA? ARPA, Automatic Radar Plotting Aid, is something you’ll discover in today’s radar frameworks. What it does is […]

Anchor Terminology

Understanding Anchor Terminology in Merchant Shipping It is one of the most crucial tasks, performed in the course of merchant shipping, since anchoring properly guarantees safety, stability and control on a ship, or moreover awaiting information about it at sea. For those new to the merchant navy or anybody interested in the subject, understanding the […]

Anchor Gear And Equipment

Anchor Gear & Equipment Anchoring is more than a simple operation in merchant shipping; it’s a network of solid apparatus working in harmony under stress. Each smooth process runs on machinery constructed for strength, endurance, and precision. Understanding this setup isn’t just for engineers—it’s vital knowledge for every watchkeeper, cadet, or officer working anchor stations […]

Anchor Dragging

Anchor Dragging: Outsmarting the Silent Threat Anchor dragging isn’t loud, but it can be deadly. Whether you’re navigating congested anchorages or weathering rough seas, the anchor is your ship’s only grip on the seabed. But what happens when that grip slips? Understanding anchor dragging goes beyond textbooks. It’s about decoding subtle clues, thinking ahead, and […]

Anchor Chain & Markings

Markings and Anchor Chain: Everything You Want to Know One of the most critical jobs on a ship is anchoring, and a safe and efficient operation relies on familiarization with the anchor chains and their markings. A crucial aspect of anchoring operations are the markings on the anchor chain, which allow the crew to keep […]

AMVER

AMVER: A Global Lifesaver for MarinersThe Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue System (AMVER) is a global voluntary initiative run by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). AMVER has improved maritime safety since 1958. It continues, to this day, to be one of the most valuable programs to organize rescue operations in times of crisis at […]

AIS

Understanding AIS – The Eyes of the Sea In today’s tech-driven shipping world, AIS (Automatic Identification System) works like a digital handshake between ships. It’s not just a gadget — it’s a key player in modern navigation. By constantly sharing who’s around, where they’re heading, and how fast they’re moving, AIS helps vessels “see” each […]

Auto Pilot

Modern bridge navigation is incomplete without the autopilot system. Designed to reduce human workload, optimize steering, and enhance fuel effectiveness, the autopilot is one of the most critical nautical aids onboard merchant vessels. While it might feel like a’ set- it- and- forget- it’ tool, understanding its system, limitations, and proper operation is vital for […]