Introduction: General Ship Knowledge (Shipboard Activity)

NATURE OF JOBS ONBOARD AT SEA & IN PORT:

Onboard:

Work Schedule:

1. Structured days with watchkeeping ensuring 24/7 vigilance.
2. Rotations for diffe rent duties and maintenance tasks.
3. Limited free time due to work demands and long stretches at sea.

Physical Demands:

1. Manual labor involved in deck and engine department tasks.
2. Adapting to physical challenges posed by sea motion.
3. Maintaining physical fitness crucial for safety and efficiency.

Mental Demands:

1. Isolation from land and loved ones can impact mental well-being.
2. Adapting to confined living spaces and limited social interaction.
3. Stressful situations from weather, emergencies, or technical issues.

Personal and Professional Growth:

1. Opportunities to develop resilience, resourcefulness, and teamwork.
2. Learning new skills and gaining valuable qualifications.
3. Experiencing diverse cultures and witnessing incredible natural wonders.

•In Port:
• Increased Activity:
• In Port:

Increased Activity:

1. Faster pace with cargo loading/unloading, refueling, and provisions restocking.
2. Potential for shore leave and interaction with local communities.

Time Pressure:

1. Strict deadlines for cargo operations and departure schedules.
2. Working longer hours to meet turnaround times.

Variety of tasks:

1. Assisting with cargo operations, maintenance, and onboard preparations.
2. Interaction with port authorities and service providers.

Social Interaction:

1. Opportunity to connect with other crews and port personnel.
2. Potential for shore leave and exploring local areas.

Overall:

1. Both onboard and in-port roles require dedication, adaptability, and teamwork.
2. Work environment presents unique challenges related to isolation, physical demands, and time pressure.
3. Rewards include personal growth, travel opportunities, and witnessing the marvels of the ocean.
4. Careful consideration of lifestyle preferences and individual strengths is crucial before choosing a seafaring career.

Additional Points:

1. Specific job nature varies depending on department, rank, and vessel type.
2. Safety training and adherence to regulations are paramount. Strong communication and collaboration are essential within the crew.

HANDTOOLS:

Deck Department Hand Tools:

General Tools:
Hammers, wrenches (adjustable, socket, box-end), screwdrivers (flathead, Phillips), pliers (combination, lineman, needle-nose), tape measure, utility knife, hacksaw, level, chisel, mallet, wire brushes, cleaning rags.

Specific Deck Tools: 
Marlinespike (unraveling knots), mooring lines, shackles, shackles keys, winches and associated tools, cargo lashing bars and tensioners, hatch securing tools, life raft maintenance tools, navigation tools (sextant, binoculars, charts).

Engine Room Hand Tools:

General Tools:
Same as deck department, plus feeler gauges, dial indicators, torque wrenches, micrometers.

Specific Engine Room Tools: 
Wrenches crowbars, chisels, punches, scrapers, bearing pullers, gasket scrapers, ring compressors, valve spring compressors, fuel injector cleaning tools, specialized gauges for measuring engine parameters.

Additional Notes:
The specific tools used will vary depending on the size and type of ship, as well as the specific tasks being performed.

Safety is paramount, and crew members must be trained in the proper use of all tools. Many tasks require specialized tools beyond the scope of hand tools, such as welding equipment, power tools, and hydraulic tools.

SHIP MAINTENANCE:

Importance of Ship Maintenance:

1. Safety Assurance :
Regular maintenance ensures that all ship systems are in optimal working condition, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring the safety of crew and cargo.

2. Operational Efficiency:
Well-maintained ships operate more efficiently, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity, thereby reducing overall operational costs.

3. Compliance with Regulations:
Maintenance practices ensure that ships comply with international maritime regulations and standards, preventing penalties and legal issues.

4. Longevity of assets:
Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of ship components and systems, protecting the investment in the vessel and reducing the need for costly replacements.

5. Environmental Protection:
Regular maintenance helps minimize the environmental impact of shipping operations by ensuring efficient fuel consumption, reducing emissions, and preventing oil spills or leaks.

Types of Ship Maintenance based on operation:

1.  Preventive Maintenance:
Regular inspections and scheduled maintenance tasks conducted to prevent equipment failures and ensure optimal performance.

This includes routine checks of engines, hulls, electrical systems, and safety equipment to identify and address potential issues before they escalate.

2. Corrective Maintenance:
Reactive maintenance undertaken in response to equipment failures or malfunctions.

Corrective maintenance involves troubleshooting, diagnosing problems, and performing repairs or replacements as necessary to restore the ship’s functionality and minimize downtime

Ship Maintenance Procedures:

1. Engine Room Maintenance:
Regular checks of engines, fuel systems, and propulsion systems.

2. Hull and Structural Maintenance:
Inspection for corrosion, cracks, and leaks.
Deck maintenance jobs including derusting and painting to prevent corrosion and maintain structural integrity.

3. Electrical and Electronic Systems Maintenance:
Testing and calibration of navigational equipment. Inspection and repair of electrical wiring and communication systems.

4. Safety Equipment Maintenance:
Inspection and testing of lifeboats, life rafts, and firefighting equipment. Maintenance of emergency alarm systems.

Dry Dock: Dry dock is a facility where ships are brought for extensive maintenance and repairs.
Jobs carried out in dry dock include hull inspections, propeller and rudder maintenance, and painting of the ship’s underwater hull to prevent fouling and corrosion.

These are a few essential jobs among many others that are carried out as required to ensure the safety, efficiency, and longevity of ships in maritime operations.

ROPE WORK:

Introduction to Rope Work: Rope work is an integral aspect of maritime operations, with ropes serving essential functions aboard ships since ancient times. From securing cargo to maneuvering sails, ropes play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of maritime activities.

Understanding the significance of rope work and mastering basic and advanced techniques is fundamental for seafarers to navigate the challenges of the sea and uphold the traditions of seamanship.

Types of Ropes and Their Usage:

1.  Natural Fiber Ropes:

Manila Ropes:
Traditionally made from abaca fibers, suitable for heavy-duty applications like mooring lines and towing.

Hemp Ropes:
Historically used in sailing vessels, now commonly employed for decorative purposes or in traditional maritime settings.

2. Synthetic Ropes:

Nylon Ropes:
Strong, stretch-resistant, and durable, often used for mooring, towing, and anchoring due to their resilience to abrasion and UV exposure.

Polyester Ropes:
High strength, low stretch, and resistance to moisture make them ideal for rigging, halyards, and standing rigging.

Polypropylene Ropes:
Lightweight and buoyant, suitable for applications like lifelines, rescue lines, and general-purpose lines due to their floating properties.

3. Wire Ropes:

Steel Wire Ropes:
Extremely strong and durable, commonly used in heavy lifting applications, crane operations, and rigging.

Galvanized Wire Ropes:
Coated with zinc for corrosion resistance, utilized in marine environments for rigging, lifelines, and structural purposes.

Each type of rope has distinct characteristics suited to specific tasks, ensuring versatility and reliability in various maritime operations.

Knots, Bends & Hitches:
A knot involves use of only 1 rope.
A bend is used for joining the end of two ropes.
A hitch is used to fasten one rope to another rope or rods (or similar objects).
Some frequently used knots, bends & hitches are:

1. Knots:

Overhand knot

Figure of 8

Bowline

2. Bends.

Single sheet bend

Double sheet bend

Carrick bends

3. Hitches

Bucket hitch

Clove

Timber hitch

4. Splicing

Splicing is essential for creating strong and permanent connections between ropes, eliminating the need for knots that can weaken the line. It’s used when joining ropes or forming loops, ensuring reliability and safety in maritime operations.

1. Eye Splicing- Forms a permanent loop at the end of a rope, ideal for creating attachments or securing lines.

2. Long Splicing- Joins two ropes together by interweaving their strands, creating a seamless connection with minimal increase in diameter.

3. Back Splicing- Prevents unravelling of rope ends by weaving the strands back into the rope itself, providing a neat and secure finish.

BLOCKS, SHEAVES AND TACKLES

A block consists of one or more pulleys or sheaves fitted in a wood ormetal frame.

It is constructed for use with either fibre rope or wirerope. Wire rope blocks are heavier, with larger sheaves and deepergrooves than fibre rope blocks, to prevent the sharp bending of wirerope. Image below shows the components of a block.

The image below shows the components of a two fold purchase in use.

Two blocks reeved together to gain lifting power are calledTackle or Purchase. There are different types of tackles and purchases as shown in the image below.

ANCHORING & MOORING OPERATIONS

Anchoring Operation
Device, usually made of metal, attached to a ship or boat (usually forward) by a cable or chain and lowered to the seabed to hold the vessel in a particular place by means of a fluke or pointed projection that goes inside the sea bottom.

They have many parts and functions, including flukes, shank, crown and arms. There are 2 types of anchors namely, Stock Anchor and Stockless Anchor. The image above is a stockless anchor. The image below shows a Stockless Anchor.

A shackle is a unit of length and equal to 15 fathoms or 90 feet and is the standard length of a chain

1. The image below shows the arrangement of anchor and windlass on forecastle deck.
   

Mooring Operation:
Mooring is a procedure to tie the ship to a fixed or floating element and keep it connected during loading or unloading operations.

Planning:

1. Identify the designated berth where the ship needs to berth and review its mooring instructions.
   
2. Assess weather conditions, wind, and current.
   
3. Determine type and quantity of mooring lines based on regulations and ship size.
   
4. Mooring layout and instructions should be clearly discussed with mooring crew.

Equipment Check:

1. Inspect mooring lines, shackles, winches, fenders, rope stoppers, chaffing guard, and communication equipment for any damage or wear.
   
2. Ensure mooring lines are of the correct size and type for the specific operation as per the requirements of jetty.
   
3. Verify proper lubrication and functionality of winches and brakes prior mooring operation.
   
4. Assign roles and responsibilities to crew members involved in the operation.

Communication:

1. Establish clear communication channels between bridge, mooring crew, and shore personnel.
   
2. Agree upon hand signals or verbal commands for coordinated operation.

Mooring Process:

I. Approaching the Berth:

Pilot onboard: Consult with the pilot on optimal approach based on wind, current, mooring layout, and berth layout.

Slow and controlled manoeuvring: Reduce speed gradually as instructed by the pilot. Follow the orders of pilot as and when given.

Communication: Maintain continuous communication with bridge and shore personnel.

Line Handling:

1.Shore crew throws mooring lines: Catch lines securely on designated bollards or fairleads.

2.Connecting lines: Connect lines to ship’s winches using shackles and secure them properly.

3.Tensioning lines: Slowly apply tension to lines under coordinated control from bridge and shore.

4.Fenders positioning: Deploy fenders between ship and berth as needed.

Securing the Ship:

1.Final line adjustments: Adjust line tensions to achieve proper positioning and stability of the ship.

2.Double checking: Verify all lines are securely connected and properly tensioned. The tension on the ropes should not be too much or too less.

3.Locking devices: Engage locking devices on winches to prevent line slippage. The brake should be accurately applied so that the rope does not slip.

INTRODUCTION TO TANKERS & TANK SAFETY

Introduction:
Tankers are specialized vessels designed for the transportation of liquid cargoes in bulk, ranging from crude oil and petroleum products to chemicals, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and other liquid commodities.

Their primary purpose is to efficiently and safely transport large quantities of liquids across oceans, rivers, and other waterways, serving as crucial links in the global supply chain.

They play a vital role in facilitating international trade, ensuring the smooth flow of energy resources, industrial chemicals, and other liquid commodities essential for economies worldwide.

Cargo handling Equipment:
Cargo handling equipment on tankers plays a pivotal role in loading, unloading, and transferring liquid cargoes efficiently and safely. This equipment includes:

Pumps:
Used to transfer liquid cargo between tanks and between ship and shore.

Valves:
Control the flow of liquid within the cargo system, allowing for regulation and isolation as needed.

Pipelines:
Connect various parts of the cargo system, facilitating the movement of liquids throughout the tanker.

Gauges:
Provide real-time measurements of cargo levels, pressures, and temperatures, ensuring accurate monitoring during operations.

Manifolds:
Allow for the distribution of cargo to and from different tanks and loading/unloading points.

Basic Tanker Cargo Operation:

Preparation:
Tanks are inspected, cleaned, and prepared for loading, ensuring they are in proper condition.

Loading: Cargo is pumped into the tanker’s tanks from shore facilities or other vessels, monitored closely for proper levels and pressures.

Transit:
The tanker sails to its destination while maintaining stability and monitoring cargo conditions.

Discharge:
Upon arrival, cargo is discharged using similar equipment and procedures as loading, with careful attention to safety and environmental regulations.

Safety:
Throughout the operation, adherence to safety protocols is crucial to prevent accidents, spills, and environmental damage.

Basic Safety Procedures:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Always wear appropriate PPE such as helmets, safety shoes, gloves, and safety goggles to minimize the risk of injury during operations.

Emergency Response:
Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures including fire drills, abandon ship drills, and man overboard procedures.

Know the location and proper use of firefighting equipment, life-saving appliances, and emergency exits.

Hazard Awareness:
Stay vigilant and be aware of potential hazards onboard such as slippery surfaces, moving machinery, and hazardous chemicals.

Report any unsafe conditions or incidents to your supervisor immediately.

Communication:
Maintain clear and effective communication with your team members and supervisors.

Follow instructions carefully and ask for clarification if needed to ensure tasks are performed safely.

Safety Culture:
Foster a culture of safety onboard by promoting awareness, accountability, and proactive risk management among crew members.

Remember, safety is everyone’s responsibility onboard, and adhering to these basic safety procedures is essential for ensuring a safe and productive working environment for all.

Environmental Risks in Tanker Operations:
Tanker operations pose significant environmental risks due to potential oil and chemical spills, air and noise pollution, and ballast water discharge.

Efforts to mitigate these hazards are crucial for protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring sustainable maritime practices.

Oil Spills:
Accidental release of oil during loading, unloading, or transit poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems, leading to water pollution, harm to marine life, and damage to coastlines and beaches.

Chemical Spills:
Leakage or spillage of hazardous chemicals during cargo handling can result in contamination of waterways, posing risks to aquatic life and human health.

Chemical spills may also lead to long-term ecological damage and require extensive cleanup efforts.

Air Pollution:
Tanker operations contribute to air pollution through emissions of greenhouse gases, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter from engines and exhaust systems.

These pollutants can impact air quality, human health, and contribute to climate change.

Ballast Water Discharge:
Transfer of ballast water between different regions can introduce invasive species, pathogens, and pollutants into marine ecosystems, disrupting ecological balance and biodiversity.

Oil Spills:
Accidental release of oil during loading, unloading, or transit poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems, leading to water pollution, harm to marine life, and damage to coastlines and beaches.

Chemical Spills:
Leakage or spillage of hazardous chemicals during cargo handling can result in contamination of waterways, posing risks to aquatic life and human health.

Chemical spills may also lead to long-term ecological damage and require extensive cleanup efforts.

Air Pollution:
Tanker operations contribute to air pollution through emissions of greenhouse gases, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter from engines and exhaust systems.

These pollutants can impact air quality, human health, and contribute to climate change.

Ballast Water Discharge:
Transfer of ballast water between different regions can introduce invasive species, pathogens, and pollutants into marine ecosystems, disrupting ecological balance and biodiversity.

Noise Pollution:
Tanker operations generate noise from engine machinery, propellers, and cargo handling activities, affecting marine mammals, fish, and other aquatic organisms, leading to disturbances in communication, navigation, and feeding behaviors.

Efforts to mitigate these environmental hazards include strict regulatory compliance, adoption of advanced pollution prevention technologies, and implementation of best practices in tanker operations to minimize environmental impact.

Introduction to LSA/FFA Equipments:

Introduction
Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) encompass all equipment designed to aid in the rescue and survival of persons in distress at sea. This includes lifeboats, life rafts, lifebuoys, immersion suits, and personal flotation devices (PFDs).

Fire Fighting Appliances (FFA), on the other hand, comprise equipment and systems intended to detect, control, and extinguish fires onboard ships.

This includes fire extinguishers, fire hoses, fire detection and alarm systems, and fixed fire suppression systems.

Importance of LSA and FFA Equipment

Safety Assurance:
LSA and FFA equipment ensure the safety and survival of crew members and passengers during emergencies at sea.

Risk Mitigation:
Properly maintained LSA and FFA equipment help mitigate risks such as fires, collisions, and abandon ship situations, reducing potential injuries and loss of life.

Regulatory Compliance:
Compliance with international regulations and standards regarding LSA and FFA equipment installation, maintenance, and operation is essential for upholding maritime safety standards.

Asset Protection:
LSA and FFA equipment safeguard maritime assets by minimizing damage to vessels and preventing costly accidents.

Peace of Mind: Having reliable LSA and FFA equipment onboard provides peace of mind to crew members, ensuring readiness for any emergency situation.

Types of LSA equipments:

Lifeboats:
Rigid or inflatable boats designed to accommodate a specific number of people for evacuation in emergencies. They are equipped with oars, engines, and other essential supplies for survival.

Liferafts:
Inflatable rafts designed to accommodate a larger number of people than lifeboats. They are equipped with survival supplies such as food, water, and signaling devices and are deployed when abandoning ship.

Lifebuoys:
Floating devices, usually circular, with a buoyant core and a rope attached. They are thrown to persons in distress to provide flotation and aid in rescue operations.

Immersion suits:
Insulated, waterproof suits worn by individuals to protect against hypothermia in cold water. They provide thermal insulation and in some cases buoyancy to keep the wearer warm and afloat.

Life Jackets:
Wearable flotation devices designed to keep the wearer’s head above water. They come in various types, including inherently buoyant jackets and inflatable vests, providing essential buoyancy and aiding in staying afloat.

These types of LSA equipment are vital for ensuring the safety and survival of personnel in emergencies at sea, providing essential support during evacuation and rescue operations.

Types of FFA equipments:

Fire Extinguishers:
Portable devices containing fire-extinguishing agents such as water, foam, dry powder, or CO2, used to extinguish small fires quickly.

Fire hoses:
Flexible hoses connected to fire hydrants or fixed installations, used to deliver water or foam to extinguish fires in various areas of the ship.

Fire hydrants:
Fixed outlets connected to the ship’s water supply system, providing water for firefighting purposes through fire hoses.

Fire Detection and Alarm Systems:
Systems consisting of smoke detectors, heat detectors, and alarm panels designed to detect and alert personnel to the presence of fire or smoke onboard.

Fixed Fire Suppression Systems:
Automated systems designed to suppress fires in specific areas of the ship using agents such as CO2, foam, or water mist.

Fireman’s Outfit and Breathing Apparatus:
Protective clothing, including fire-resistant suits, helmets, gloves, and boots, worn by crew members involved in firefighting operations.

Breathing apparatus provides respiratory protection in environments with smoke or toxic fumes.

These types of FFA equipment are essential for preventing, detecting, and extinguishing fires onboard ships, ensuring the safety of personnel and the protection of maritime assets.

Introduction to SOLAS Convention:
The Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention is an international treaty that sets minimum safety standards for the construction, equipment, and operation of ships.

Under SOLAS, regulations govern the provision and maintenance of Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) and Fire Fighting Appliances (FFA) onboard ships.

Compliance with SOLAS requirements ensures that vessels are equipped with adequate LSA/FFA equipment, contributing to the safety and protection of crew members, passengers, and maritime assets at sea.