What is a Ship?

A ship is a large watercraft that travels the world’s oceans and other sufficiently deep
waterways, carrying cargo or passengers or in support of specialized missions, such as
defense, research, and fishing.

Parts of a Ship

Monkey Island is located at the top most accessible height of a ship. Technically, it is a
deck located directly above the navigating bridge of the ship. It is also referred to as the
flying bridge on top of a pilothouse or chart house and the ship’s upper bridge.
Bridge The ship bridge is the preliminary part of a ship, which is called the commanding
station of the ship. This bridge control commands the total movement of the ship
through its navigational system.

A funnel is a chimney on the vessel used to flush out engine and boiler smoke in the
atmosphere. This funnel is also called a stack.

Accommodation is a place on a ship where all crew members live. 

Ship Deck It is a floor or covering of the ship hull structure. There can be multiple decks
on the ship. The topmost deck is called the main deck or weather deck.
Mast the mast is a vertical ship structure mounted on top of the bridge and next to the
bow.

Stem The front most part of the ship is called the stem. There are two types of the stem,
raked and plumb stem.

A forecastle is the leading or frontend part of a ship. The forecast length should not be
less than 7% of the total deck length.

The bulbous bow is projecting bulk just near the hull below the waterline. This bulbous
bow modifies & decreases the thrust of water. So, pump speed, range, and stability
increase significantly.

Stern is back parts of the ship.

Rudder As we know, steering is to steer the vehicle & the same happens in the ship.
But instead of steering, it uses a rudder to steer the ship.

A propeller is a mechanical device with blades fitted to the central shaft. When the shaft
rotates, the rotational motion of the propeller starts forcing seawater. So, its pushes
seawater backward, and the ship moves forward.

Ballast tanks are to store and carry the water. This water in the ballast tank is called
ballast water. The function of ballast water is to provide stability to the ship when it is
empty.

A keel is one of the main parts of a ship, which is responsible for proving the strength
and stability of the boat

Hatch Cover It covers all types of cargo storage from spoilage, especially in the rainy
season. The design of the hatch cover depends on the type of cargo vessel. But the
main requirement is it should be easy to use.

Freeboard is part of the ship located just above the waterline and measured at the
measurement between an upper deck of the ship and the waterline.

The hull is the watertight enclosure of the ship, which may be open, fully or partially
covered with deck. The function of the hull is to protect all goods, machinery, and cargo
from the weather and flooding.

An anchor is a metallic arrangement to secure a vessel bed of a body from the water
and prevent the craft from drifting due to wind. The anchor of the ship may be temporary
or permanent.
The draught is the part of a ship that is below the water. Draught is generally measured
in meters. If the draught is 9 meters, it means the draught is 9 meters below the water.

A lifeboat is small and rigid, used to vacate passengers in an emergency or dangerous

conditions. This lifeboat is a life-saving part of the ship because it saves the
passenger’s life.

Below are 3 types of lifeboats uses on ships.

 Open lifeboat- Open lifeboats have no roof and are considered the least safe
type of lifeboat, as there are no safeguards for bad weather and water ingress.
They normally use hand-propelled ores for propulsion.

 Closed lifeboat- are enclosed with a roof that shelters the people in it from rain,
seawater currents, and strong winds. These boats, if toppled, stay upright on
their own.

 Free-fall lifeboat- A free-fall lifeboat davit is a safety measure on large ships such
as bulk carriers and tankers that provides crews with a quick escape in case of
an emergency.

What is Navigation? Navigation is the art and science of determining the position of
a ship, plane or other vehicle, and guiding it to a specific destination.

Types of Navigation?

Celestial navigation. It is type of navigation that deals with the study of astronomy.
This technique uses the stars, moon, sun, and horizon to calculate position. It is very
useful on the open ocean, where there are no landmarks.

Terrestrial navigation. This type of navigation that applied in land by using

landmarks, buoy, headlands or any visible object that has fixed position used for
navigation and direction.

Dead reckoning

In navigation, dead reckoning is the process of calculating current position of a

moving object by using a previously determined position, or fix, and incorporating
estimates of speed, heading, and elapsed time. To calculate you must use the
following three equations (D = Distance in miles, T = Time in hours and S = Speed in
knots or mph): D=ST or S=D/T or T=D/S. However, you might want to calculate in
minutes instead of hours. In that case the formulas are: D=ST/60 or S=60D/T or
T=60D/S.
1 knot is equal to 1852 meters.

A nautical unit used for measuring the lengths of the cables and chains (especially
anchor chains), equal to 15 fathoms, 90 feet or 27.432 meters.

What are the 4 steps of navigation?

Ship Passage Planning

 Appraisal. Appraisal is the process of gathering all information relevant to the

proposed voyage, including ascertaining risks and assessing its critical areas.

 Planning. A passage plan or voyage plan is developed and used by a ship's

bridge team to find the safest, and the most favourable and economical route.

 Execution. It is executing the plan

 Monitoring. Monitoring is checking the position of the vessel by all available

means, to ensure it remains within safe distance from any hazardous areas.

What is Seamanship? It is the art of operating a ship or boat, a skill of an individual

in handling her ship in terms of navigation, practicing safety and handling any
operations on board.

What is Safety? The condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger,
risk, or injury.

What is Radar? Radio Detection and Ranging it is use to detect floating objects
landmass, vessels, aircraft, and range within the vicinity use to help in safe
navigation

What is Epirb? Emergency Positioning Indication and Radio Beacon Emergency

Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is a device to alert search and rescue
services (SAR) in case of an emergency out at sea. Once activated, PLBs transmit
for a minimum of 24 hours, while the battery life on an EPIRB is at least double (a
minimum of 48 hours).
What is Sart? Search And Rescue Transponder is a marine navigation device used
on ships during the time of distress. The height of the installed SART antenna
should be at least 1 m above the sea surface in order to obtain the five nautical mile
detection range required by IMO Resolution A. 697(17). with a capacity of working
96 hours in Standby Mode and 8 hours in continuous Transponder Mode.

2 types of radar is X band use for short detection S band is use for long range
scanning x band only detects sart, it is more sensitive than s band in case of heavy
rain the x band is not reliable because of its sensitivity the radar will show too much
rain clutter.

ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) ECDIS has some
functions which indicate not only chart's information but also other information and
has functions that give to ship's navigator an alarm when a ship is approaching or
entering into potentially dangerous areas.

There are two types of electronic charts that an ECDIS can display: Raster
Navigational Charts (RNCs) and Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs,) otherwise
known as vector charts.

Pyrotechniques in Ship

ROCKET PARACHUTE FLARES. Rocket propels a red flare attached to a

parachute to 300m and burns for 40 seconds. SOLAS requires that 12 rockets are
carried on Ships Bridge and 4 rockets are fitted in life rafts and lifeboats.

HAND FLARES. Is a small cylindrical stick which when activated, produces an

intense red smoke or light without an explosion. Should be held out leeward when
activated. Can be used by the day as well as night.

How long do hand-held flares last?

Approximately 3 minutes

BUOYANT SMOKE SIGNALS. The buoyant smoke signal shall: 1 emit smoke of a
highly visible colour at a uniform rate for a period of not less than 3 min when
floating in calm water. Buoyant smoke orange is a daylight distress signal and can
be used on ships, lifeboats and life rafts.

SELF-ACTIVATING SMOKE SIGNALS – 15 Minute.

Sound Signal
Rule 34 covers manoeuvring and warning signals, using whistle or lights.
One Short Blast- I’m altering my course to starboard
Two Short Blast- I’m altering my course to Port.

Three Short Blast- I’m operating astern propulsion.

Two prolonged blast followed by 1 short blast- I intend to overtake you on your
starboard side

Two prolonged blast followed by 2 short blast- I intend to overtake you on your port side

Vessel about to be overtaken when acting in accordance shall indicate her agreement.

1 prolonged 1 short 1 prolonged 1 short blast.

What is sextant? an instrument with a graduated arc of 60° and a sighting mechanism,
used for measuring the angular distances between objects and especially for taking
altitudes in navigation.

Latitudes are horizontal lines that measure distance north or south of the equator.
Longitudes are vertical lines that measure east or west of the meridian in Greenwich,
England.

A prime meridian is an arbitrary meridian in a geographic coordinate system at which

longitude is defined to be 0°.

GM (metacentric height) it is the measure of ships initial stability

KM (distance from keel to metacentre)

KG (height of the ships centre of gravity above the keel)

Formula of GM

KM-KG

Trim formula /// Aft draft – fore draft/ mean draft = fore- aft%2
Lights and Shapes

A vessel not under command is unable to manoeuvre as required by these Rules

and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel. shall exhibit: two
all-round red lights in a vertical line

Night Day

A vessel Restricted Ability to Manoeuvre the lights for this situation are a vertical row
of three lights, red/white/red, spaced 1 meter apart. The day signal is a
ball/diamond/ball.

Night Day

Sailing vessel

Fishing Vessel
How to read Chain Leading

Chain up and down

Refers to the anchor chain being

Perpendicular to the side of the ship,

or straight downward.

Short Stay

A short stay can be observed when

the anchor is leading just a few degrees

in any direction.

Medium Stay

The tilting on the anchor chain

is a bit wider than the short stay

Long Stay
The anchor is usually extended further
Out (longer) and usually represents a
ratio of 5:1 to the depth of the water.
 COLREG
The COLREGs include 41 rules divided into six sections: Part A - General; Part B -
Steering and Sailing; Part C - Lights and Shapes; Part D - Sound and Light signals.

Part A - General (Rules 1-3)

Rule 1 states that the rules apply to all vessels upon the high seas and all waters
connected to the high seas and navigable by seagoing vessels.
Rule 2 covers the responsibility of the master, owner and crew to comply with the rules.
Rule 3 includes definitions.
Part B- Steering and Sailing (Rules 4-19)
Section 1 - Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility (Rules 4-10)
Rule 4 says the section applies in any condition of visibility. A
Rule 5 requires that "every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight
and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing
circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the
risk of collision. L
Rule 6 deals with safe speed. It requires that: "Every vessel shall at all times proceed at
a safe speed. The Rule describes the factors which should be taken into account in
determining safe speed. S
Rule 7 covering risk of collision every vessel shall use all available means appropriate
to the prevailing circumstances and conditions to determine if risk of collision exists. R
Rule 8: Action to avoid collision Any action taken to avoid collision shall be taken in
accordance with the Rules of this Part and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit,
be positive, made in ample time and with due regard to the observance of good
seamanship. A
Rule 9 a vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway is obliged
to keep "as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard
side as is safe and practicable." N
Rule 10 states that ships crossing traffic lanes are required to do so "as nearly as
practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow." T
Section II - Conduct of vessels in sight of one another (Rules 11-18)
Rule 11 says the section applies to vessels in sight of one another.
Rule 12 states action to be taken when two sailing vessels are approaching one
another.
Rule 13 covers overtaking - the overtaking vessel should keep out of the way of the
vessel being overtaken.
Rule 14 deals with head-on situations. When two power-driven vessels are meeting on
reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision each shall alter
her course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of the other.
Rule 15: Crossing situation when two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to
involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall
keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing
ahead of the other vessel.
Rule 16 (Action by give-way vessel) Every vessel which is directed to keep out of the
way of another vessel shall, as far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep
well clear.
Rule 17 deals with the action of the stand-on vessel, including the provision that the
stand-on vessel may "take action to avoid collision by her manoeuvre alone as soon as
it becomes apparent to her that the vessel required to keep out of the way is not taking
appropriate action.
Rule 18 Responsibility between vessels. Vessels constrained by their draught. Any
vessel, except a vessel not under command or restricted in her ability to manoeuvre,
Section 3 Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
Rule 19 - Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
Every vessel shall have due regard to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of
restricted visibility.
Part C- Lights and Shapes
Rule 20 Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing
as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and
conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.
Rule 21 Definition
Rule 22 covers visibility of lights - indicating that lights should be visible at minimum
ranges (in nautical miles) determined according to the type of vessel. Rule 23 covers
lights to be carried by power-driven vessels underway.
Rule 23 covers lights to be carried by power-driven vessels underway
Rule 24 covers lights for vessels towing and pushing
Rule 25 covers light requirements for sailing vessels underway and vessels under oars.
Rule 26 covers light requirements for fishing vessels.
Rule 27 (Vessels not under command or restricted in their ability to manoeuvre)
Rule 28 covers light requirements for vessels constrained by their draught.
Rule 29 covers light requirements for pilot vessels.
Rule 30 covers light requirements for vessels anchored and aground.
Rule 31 covers light requirements for seaplanes

Part D - Sound and Light Signals (Rules 32-37)

Rule 32 gives definitions of whistle, short blast, and prolonged blast.
Rule 33 says vessels 12 metres or more in length should carry a whistle and a bell and
vessels 100 metres or more in length should carry in addition a gong.
Rule 34 covers manoeuvring and warning signals, using whistle or lights.
Rule 35 covers sound signals to be used in restricted visibility.
Rule 36 covers signals to be used to attract attention.
Rule 37 covers distress signals.
Part E - Exemptions (Rule 38)
Rule 38 says ships which comply with the 1960 Collision Regulations and were built or
already under construction when the 1972 Collision Regulations entered into force may
be exempted from some requirements for light and sound signals for specified periods.
Part F - Verification of compliance with the provisions of the Convention
The Rules, adopted in 2013, bring in the requirements for compulsory audit of Parties to
the Convention.
Rule 39 provides definitions.
Rule 40 says that Contracting Parties shall use the provisions of the Code for
Implementation in the execution of their obligations and responsibilities contained in the
present Convention.
Rule 41 on Verification of compliance says that every Contracting Party is subject to
periodic audits by IMO.
Annexes
The COLREGs include four annexes:
Annex I - Positioning and technical details of lights and shapes
Annex II - Additional signals for fishing vessels fishing in close proximity
Annex III - Technical details of sounds signal appliances
Annex IV - Distress signals, which lists the signals indicating distress and need of
assistance.

4 Pillars of IMO
SOLAS The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) is an
important international treaty concerning the safety of merchant ships. It ensures that
ships registered by signatory States comply with minimum safety standards in
construction, equipment and operation of ships.
STCW training certification is to set an internationally accepted standard set of safety
measures which can be implemented by seafarers all over the world and will make them
capable of handling any situation.
 MLC To ensure comprehensive worldwide protection of the rights of seafarers
rights; To establish a level playing field for countries and ship owners committed to
providing decent working and living conditions for seafarers, protecting them from unfair
competition from substandard ships.
MARPOL the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from
Ships (MARPOL) is the main international convention covering prevention of pollution
of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes. The
MARPOL Convention was adopted on 2 November 1973 at IMO.

MARPOL ANNEXES a Protocol was adopted to amend the Convention and a new
Annex VI was added which entered into force on 19 May 2005.
Annex I: Regulations for the prevention of pollution by oil
Annex II: Regulations for the control of pollution by noxious liquid substances in bulk
Annex III: Regulations for the prevention of pollution by harmful substances carried by
sea in packaged form
Annex IV: Regulations for the prevention of pollution by sewage from ships
Annex V: Regulations for the prevention of pollution by garbage from ships
Annex VI: Regulations for the prevention of air pollution from ships
Annex VII: Ballast water is pumped in to maintain safe operating conditions throughout
a voyage. This practice reduces stress on the hull, provides transverse stability, and
improves propulsion and manoeuvrability.

Types of Fire
Class A- Combustible-The commonly found ordinary combustible materials that Class
A fires use as fuel enables these types of fires to spread and intensify rapidly.
Class B fires use flammable liquids and gases as a fuel source. These fires typically use
petroleum greases, gasoline, tars, oils, oil-based paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols,
and flammable gases as a fuel base.
Class C fires are electrical fires caused by electrical components and energized
electrical equipment such as wiring, controls, motors, machinery, and appliances. These
types of fires are common in industries that make use of heavy electrical equipment
such as data centres and industrial manufacturing facilities.
Class D fires use combustible metallic substances as a fuel source. These types of fires
involve combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium,
and potassium.
Class K fires use combustible cooking oils, fats, and grease as a fuel source. Spillages
of cooking oils near the many heat sources found in commercial kitchens often result in
Class K fires.