The Library

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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Overview   The Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (COSWP) is published and produced by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). It is endorsed by the National Maritime Occupational Health and Safety Committee, UK Chamber of Shipping, Nautilus International and the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers […]

Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers 2015 Edition

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During Deck Officer MCA oral exams it is almost guaranteed that the examiner will present the student with questions regarding the IALA buoyage system. These will either be standalone questions for example “Tell me everything you know about this buoy?” or form part of a rule of a rule of the […]

IALA Buoyage – Quiz

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