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 […]
Category: Maritime Safety
List of Shipboard Drills and Their Frequency Schedules
Safety drills are regular practice exercises on board that ensure the crew’s preparation and effective response during an emergency situation. Because these training exercises simulate real-life emergencies, vessel personnel can develop the muscle memory and critical thinking skills necessary to react effectively when a real crisis strikes. Safety drills are mandatory on board. SOLAS and […]
21 Distress Signals That Indicate a Ship is Asking for Help
Distress signals are among the most important communication tools on board every vessel. Because these emergency calls for help are universal, any seafarer should be able to tell that someone is in dire need of assistance. Over the years, the maritime industry has developed various types of distress messages from ships. If you receive any […]
10 Facts About Dali, The Container Ship That Hit Baltimore Bridge
Dali is a 300-meter container vessel that collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. After the ship hit one of the concrete center pylons, the whole bridge collapsed, resulting in fatalities from construction workers that have yet to be confirmed. Initial reports from eyewitnesses and various sources revealed that the ship […]
Understanding Ship Security Levels: What Happens at Each Stage?
ISPS Code and ship security levels are probably two topics that stuck with me when I was still in a maritime college, perhaps because I witnessed the 9/11 bombings on TV and the consequences that followed. So when I got on board, adjusting and implementing the theoretical knowledge in my arsenal wasn’t hard. Not that […]
12 Signs That You’re Dragging Anchor and What to Do About It
Every seasoned seafarer knows how precarious a dragging anchor can be. It’s one thing that keeps captains awake at night, especially when the weather gets bad, and you’re anchored close to the shore or with other vessels nearby. If your anchor drags, it’s not just the Master’s problem; it’s the whole crew’s. Damage to property, […]
How Much Anchor Scope is Needed? We Break Down the Formulas
All ships, no matter how big or small, have anchors installed to firmly fix the vessel’s position when needed. With this, they must also know the proper scope of the chain to attain maximum holding power. It was my first anchoring on the bridge when our captain asked me about the right scope for that […]
31 Fire Fighting Equipment On Ships & Where to Find Them
Fire presents a serious threat aboard vessels. It can spread quickly and cause extensive damage, putting the lives of crew members at risk. That’s why it’s essential for ships to have adequate fire fighting equipment on board. The type of extinguishing equipment varies depending on the size and type of vessel. However, the regulation states […]
34 Essential Lifeboat Equipment Items According to SOLAS
When it comes to emergency situations at sea, a properly equipped lifeboat can be the difference between life and death. The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) sets the standard for lifeboat equipment as well as safety items required on board ships. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at […]
What are Your Liferaft Equipment Packs, SOLAS A or SOLAS B?
A liferaft is a vital piece of safety equipment on board a ship that can provide refuge for crew members in the event of an emergency. It is one of those survival crafts that seafarers use during an abandon ship situation. In order to ensure the survivability of those on board the raft, it is […]