Yearly archives: 2016

  When handing over the watch the Watchkeeping Officer must first ensure that the Relieving Officer is fit for duty. If there is reason to believe that the latter is not capable of carrying out the watchkeeping duties effectively, the master shall be notified. It is vital that all relevant information is […]

Handing Over the Watch

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  Grounding can lead to many further emergencies like pollution and fire. The actions of the OOW at the time of occurrence are vital to maintain the integrity of the vessel and maximise the possibility of successfully salvaging the vessel.   Immediate Actions following Grounding or Stranding:   Stop engines. Sound General Alarm, Muster […]

OOW Immediate Actions – Grounding or Stranding

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The notes below were produced by the author for the purposes of preparing for an Officer of the Watch oral examination in November 2015. As such they are intended only as simplified summaries and aide memoires and therefore do not give a true reflection of the original content or intention […]

Personal Study Notes November 2015 – OOW Orals Exam

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  On the 1st of January 2016 IMO Resolution A.1085(28) entered into force. This has introduced an amendment to International Regulations For Preventing Collisions At Sea, 1972, with Part F ‘Verification of compliance with the provisions of the Convention’ added. Part F contains three new rules: Rule 39 – Definitions Rule […]

COLREGS Part F January 2016 Amendments

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Deck Officers require a comprehensive knowledge of The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS). You must be able to correctly assess any situation you come across and determine the correct course of action to take in compliance with the COLREGS. You will be thoroughly examined on this area when sitting […]

Rule of the Road Quiz

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  A collision can be the start of a string of events, such as water ingress, loss of propulsion or steering, total power failure, fire, pollution, capsizing or even sinking. Therefore, it is vital the every OOW takes the correct immediate action should a collision occur. Your company SMS should […]

OOW Initial Action Following A Collision

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Corrosion Of Metals In Sea Water With dissimilar metals in sea water, galvanic action results and the more anodic metal corrodes. Any material in the Table below is anodic to those below it. For example steel is anodic to bronze in sea water and therefore it will corrode. We can […]

The BASIC Science behind the corrosion of metals on Ships

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Vessels are now almost exclusively fitted with lifeboats that are of the Totally Enclosed Motor Propelled Survival Craft (TEMPSC) variety. These can either have twin fall davit or freefall launching arrangements. A ships officers competence to launch a TEMPSC lifeboat is examined thoroughly during the Proficiency in Survival Crafts and Rescue Boats […]

TEMPSC Launching Checks and Procedure

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Overview (Typical Marine Radar Screen) A popular OOW orals question is to tests a candidates ability to properly set up a marine radar. Questions regarding the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) radar performance standards are also not uncommon. All Deck Officers should have a sound understanding regarding both of these areas. Remember every time you change […]

Radar Initial Setup and Performance Standards

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On my first ship there was two rudders so we had a port steering gear room and a starboard steering gear room. In each room there are two hydraulic power packs which can run independently or together as they have separate power supplies and oil tanks, which complies with SOLAS regulation. There […]

Emergency Steering Gear System

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Introduction Anchoring is an inherently risky operation, by following proper procedure this risk can be substantially reduced to a manageable level. Deck Officers are examined on their knowledge of the safe anchoring procedure on deck during the Efficient Deck Hand course and also during MCA oral examinations. The standard procedure is described below. You […]

Anchoring Procedure on Deck

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  Chapter VIII – Part 3 of The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) provides instruction and guidance for watchkeeping at sea. It stipulates the circumstances when an OOW must call the master. The International Camber of Shipping Bridge Procedures Guide (BPG) also supplements and supports the requirements […]

When to call the Master

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