Question and Answers

The variation in atmospheric pressure reading gives an early indication of the weather that may be encountered depending upon the fact that whether the pressure is rising or falling. For eg rapidly falling pressure reading may indicate formation of low pressure area nearby the vessel and that tough weather is likely to be experienced. Hence, atmospheric pressure readings are quite useful in predicting the weather pattern vessel may encounter.

The Tidal Diamonds are the symbols marked usually on British Admiralty Charts that indicates the direction and speed of the Tidal Streams at particular location. The Tidal streams are given in the form of the table and tidal diamonds are marked in the first row. The Tidal diamonds are marked by purple color rhombus and contains Alphabetical letter starting from A, B, C and so on... The Tidal diamonds accompanies the position (mentioned in Latitude and Longitude) next to it and refers to the position on the chart on which the calculated tidal stream is expected.

Apparent trim is the value of the trim obtained after subtracting the VISUAL aft draft from the VISUAL forward draft. True trim is the value of the trim obtained after subtracting the CORRECTED AFT draft from the CORRECTED forward draft. The CORRECTED DRAFTS are the drafts at perpendiculars.

The Moisture Content of the cargo determines whether the cargo would develop flow state or not. The higher the Moisture content, higher the chances that the Cargo will shift (due to development of flow state). The Moisture content at which the Cargo develops Flow State is called the Flow Moisture Point (FMP). The value of Moisture Content at which the cargo can be safely transported is called Transportable Moisture Limit or TML. The TML is usually 90% of the FMP.

Lightening holes are used to access the tank in ford/aft/athwartship direction. They also reduce the overall weight of the plates and gives strength to the overall design through the grid structure

A Document of Compliance issued by the Flag State (or RO on behalf of the Flag State) is valid for a maximum of 5 years and certifies: • that the construction and equipment of the ship was found to comply with the provisions of regulation II-2/54 of SOLAS 74, as amended, and • that the ship is suitable for the carriage of those classes of dangerous goods as specified in the appended Schedules to the certificate, subject to any provisions of the IMDG Code and the Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes (BC Code) for the individual substances (more)

NOx compliance depends upon the design requirements of engines onboard. Compliance is insured by EIAPP ( Engine international air pollution prevention certificate) issued by the manufacturer of the engine. IAPP( international air pollution prevention certificate) issued by class. EIAPP is issued by the manufacturer of the Engines stating that the engine comply with the NOx requirements. IAPP is issued by the Class after physical verification of the compliance post fitting of engines onboard. The procedure to verify compliance throughout the ships life is stated in NOx technical file maintained onboard which tells you what all parameters you are suppose to (more)

The Code of Safe Practice for Ships Carrying Timber Deck Cargoes, 2011 (2011 TDC Code) is non-mandatory and applies to all ships of 24 m or more in length carrying a TIMBER DECK CARGO. The Code aims to ensure that stowage and cargo securing arrangements for timber deck cargoes enable a safe yet rational securing of the cargo so that it is satisfactorily prevented from shifting. The 2011 TDC Code also includes alternative design principles, taking into account the acceleration forces cargo may be subjected to throughout the voyage. More specifically, the 2011 TDC Code provides: Practices for safe transportation (more)

Loading precautions for wheat - 1. Check whether regularly and be ready to close holds in case of any precipitation. 2. Check that The loading should always be carry out evenly. 3.All empty spaces shall be carefully filled by the loading hopper/spout/grab, to maximise the usage of grain capacity and reduce scope of shifting 4. No naked lights on deck/ no smoking 5. Loading grain gives rise to dust so ask the personnel to use dust masks/ face shield etc. 6. Visual checks shall be done in order to ensure that no ‘rotten’ cargo is being loaded. So visually verify (more)

The FPD or Fall preventer device has two ends usually fitted D-Shackle arrangement for fixing manually. One end is fixed to the Floating Block of the Lifeboat falls and the other end is fixed to the Eye on the Boat. The attached picture shows the arrangement.

Rule 13 (Overtaking) ALWAYS supersedes Rule 18 (Responsibility between Vessels). So, in this case it is the Responsibility of the Overtaking vessel (NUC Vessel) in this case to keep clear of you. Own vessel has to give ”wake up signal” of five short blasts on the ship’s whistle. If no action is taken by other vessel, give wide alteration to Port and take a round turn after passing by the stern of the NUC vessel.

The boat hook is Mainly used for docking/undocking of boat. Additionally, it may be used to retrieve fallen objects from the sea.

The best way is to do a quick PM test (Performance Monitor) test. This along with the Magnetron Current value and Value of Attenuation of the Transceiver will give OOW an idea about whether the RADAR is working satisfactory or not.

One of the methods is to check the Admiralty Sailing Directions for the area the vessel is currently at. The surface pressure chart of that area will state the Value which is expected in that month and location. This method, unfortunately, is not always accurate and there can be variations in reading that might be encountered. The best way here is to compare your readings with vessels in the vicinity. Similar readings will suggest that the Barometer is showing correct readings. This is certainly the quickest way of determining the accuracy of your Barometer.

Steady order is usually given when the vessel is required to be steered on a certain course as ordered by the Master. (Eg Steady on Course 180 deg) Steady as she goes order is given when the vessel is required to keep on the course that she is steering CURRENTLY.

Following are the ways – 1. Electronic Position Fixing methods such as GPS 2. Radar Fix 3. Visual Bearing Fixes 4. Celestial Fixes (such as Long by Chron, Mer Pass, Polaris etc) 5. Horizontal Sextant Angles 6. Vertical Sextant Angles 7. Running Fix 8. Three point bearing