Our Blog
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Investigation Results: How “EVER GIVEN” Blocked The Suez Canal
The colossal container ship Ever Given rammed the east bank of the Suez Canal 25 minutes after the pilots boarded and blocked the entire waterway for six days. Due to gusty winds and human error, the mega-ship swung out of control in the early morning of Tuesday, March 23, 2021, while carrying 10,788 containers. According…
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Master’s Payment Order (MPO) Explained
Have you ever wondered how seafarers can send extra funds beyond their regular allotments? The Master’s Payment Order (MPO) is the answer. Since crew members at sea have no access to banking services, the MPO allows seafarers to send money without visiting a bank or remittance center. It’s a convenient method, and if your ship…
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What is a Voyage Data Recorder? A Guide to the Ship’s ‘Black Box’
During the course of my career, I only saw the Voyage Data Recorder put to use once—when our ship struck port infrastructure in Spain. Often called the ship’s “black box,” I realized then that the VDR quietly records critical data during every voyage, even our bursts of laughter inside the bridge. This helped investigators piece…
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12 Types of Ship Captains You’ll Never Forget On Board
I recently switched my website from Seaman Memories to Captain’s Mode, and in the process, I couldn’t help but think about all the captains I’ve sailed with. Each one left their mark—some in unforgettable ways (for better or worse!). There were ship masters the crew loved even though they ran a tight ship, and then…
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Tips for Keeping a Proper Look-Out
Maintaining a proper look-out is a blessing from the sea gods. Vigilant observation of the surrounding waters had saved many hulls from ramming into other ships or obstructions. Of all the rules in ColRegs, the look-out rule in Rule 5 is my favorite and probably the most important one. It’s this rule that you have…
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What Information Must Be Plotted on the Voyage Charts?
Accurate and up-to-date charts are critical for safe navigation. Still, they aren’t enough to keep a vessel fully prepared. Even with modern ECDIS systems, manually marking key areas with important details is still a good practice to further enhance the ship’s safety. In this article, we’ll break down the essential information that should be plotted…
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Basic and Advanced Functions of ECDIS Officers Must Familiarize
Understanding the basic and advanced functions of the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) is crucial for all deck officers. This essential navigation tool enhances maritime safety by providing real-time charting information. But to fully benefit from it, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandates ECDIS training and familiarization for licensed navigational watchkeepers. This guide…
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Procedures for Taking Over the Navigational Watch
Watch changeover is a routine task on board that officers and watchkeepers perform regularly. As simple as it may seem, taking over the watch is very important. This process ensures a smooth transfer of situational awareness from the off-going Officer to the relieving OOW. Due to their importance, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and shipping…
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How to Anchor in Deep Waters
Ships generally prefer to anchor on depths of less than 50 meters. Beyond that can be considered deep and poses unique challenges that significantly differ from standard anchoring practices in shallow waters. While anchoring is a common procedure to secure a vessel, deep waters require more precise planning and execution. Here, let’s explore why anchoring…
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When Should You Call the Master? Here is a List of Scenarios
Calling the Master is one of the most critical responsibilities for any Officer On Watch (OOW). You always have the authority to alert the captain if something unusual happens or if you’re uncertain about any situation. This won’t make you look incompetent. In fact, it strengthens the captain’s trust that you’ll alert him before a…