Four pillars of IMO:

 SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea)

 STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping)
 MARPOL 73/78 (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships)
 MLC (Maritime Labour Convention)

6 Annexes of MARPOL

 Pollution of Oil
 Noxious liquid substance
 Harmful substance
 Sewage
 Pollution of garbage
 Pollution of air

4 Annexes of COLREG

 Annex 1-Positioning and technical details of lights and shapes

 Annex 2-Additional signals for fishing vessels fishing in proximity.
 Annex 3-Technical details of sound signal appliances
 Annex 4-Distress signals

NAV 4 – CELESTIAL NAVIGATION

 Is the practice of position fixing using stars and other celestial objects that enables a navigator to
accurately determine their actual position.

NAV 6 – ECDIS

 Refers to the digital charts and navigational information so that the seafarers can plan their
routes much faster and better in which they can monitor where they are heading.

GREENWICH MEAN TIME – GMT

 GMT stands for Greenwich Mean Time. It is a time reference that was historically used as the
time standard against which all other time zones in the world were measured. GMT is based on
the mean solar time at the Prime Meridian, which passes through Greenwich, London, UK.

SEXTANT ERROR

 A sextant error refers to any deviation or inaccuracy in the measurement obtained using a
sextant, which is a navigational instrument used to determine the angle between two objects,
typically the horizon and a celestial body such as the sun, moon, stars, or planets.

SAFETY

 Is the protection of the crew and passengers aboard vessels, as well as those living or working
near bodies of water, from hazards and risk of injury or fatality.
SEAMANSHIP

 Seamanship refers to the art and skill of operating and managing a ship or boat effectively and
safely. It encompasses a wide range of knowledge and practices related to the navigation,
handling, and maintenance of vessels at sea or on other bodies of water. Seamanship is a
combination of practical skills and theoretical knowledge, and it is essential for ensuring the
safety of vessels and their crews while navigating the open waters. It is a fundamental discipline
for anyone involved in maritime activities, from professional mariners to recreational boaters.

NAVIGATION

 Navigation in maritime refers to the science and art of planning, controlling, and conducting the
movement of vessels, such as ships and boats, on water bodies like oceans, seas, rivers, and
lakes. It involves determining a vessel's position, course, and speed to ensure safe and efficient
passage from one location to another. Effective maritime navigation is crucial for the safety of
vessels, crew, passengers, and cargo. It requires a combination of traditional and modern
techniques, as well as a deep understanding of the environment and regulations governing the
sea.

DECK WATCHKEEPING

 Deck watchkeeping refers to the practice of maintaining a watch, or lookout, on the deck of a
ship or vessel to ensure its safe operation, navigation, and security, particularly during periods
when the ship is underway. This is a critical aspect of maritime operations and is essential for the
safety of the vessel, its crew, and other vessels in the vicinity. In summary, deck watchkeeping is
a critical aspect of maritime operations that involves maintaining a vigilant presence on the deck
of a ship to ensure its safe navigation, safety, security, and compliance with maritime
regulations. It is a fundamental duty of the crew to help prevent accidents and ensure the
smooth operation of the vessel.

Part A - General

Rule 1: Application - Defines the scope and application of the COLREGs.

Rule 2: Responsibility - States that compliance with the rules is mandatory and that no specific rule
overrides the general obligation to avoid collisions.

Rule 3: General Definitions - Provides definitions for key terms used throughout the COLREGs.

Rule 4: Application - Clarifies when the COLREGs apply, including situations where vessels are not under
command, restricted in their ability to maneuver, or constrained by their draft.

Part B - Steering and Sailing Rules

Section I - Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility

Rule 5: Lookout - Requires vessels to always maintain a proper lookout.

Rule 6: Safe Speed - Mandates that vessels proceed at a safe speed, taking into account factors like
visibility, traffic, and navigational hazards.

Rule 7: Risk of Collision - Outlines how to determine if there is a risk of collision and what actions to take
if such a risk exists.

Rule 8: Action to Avoid Collision - Details the actions vessels should take to avoid collisions when it
becomes apparent that a risk exists.

Rule 9: Narrow Channels - Addresses the navigation of vessels in narrow channels and specifies which
vessel has the right of way.

Rule 10: Traffic Separation Schemes and Inshore Traffic Zones - Provides rules for vessels navigating in
areas with traffic separation schemes and inshore traffic zones.

Rule 11: Application - Describes when the rules in Section I apply and when they take precedence.

Section II - Conduct of vessels in sight of one another

Rule 12: Sailing Vessels - Sets forth rules for sailing vessels, including the concept of the "give-way" vessel
and the "stand-on" vessel.

Rule 13: Overtaking - Defines the responsibilities of the overtaking and overtaken vessels.

Rule 14: Head-on Situation - Addresses situations where vessels are approaching each other head-on.

Rule 15: Crossing Situations - Covers situations where vessels are crossing paths.

Rule 16: Action by Give-way Vessel - Specifies the actions to be taken by the give-way vessel.

Rule 17: Action by Stand-on Vessel - Specifies the actions to be taken by the stand-on vessel.

Rule 18: Responsibilities Between Vessels - Outlines the responsibilities of vessels that are not meeting
head-on, overtaking, or crossing.

Part C - Lights and Shapes

Rule 19: Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility - Addresses how vessels should navigate when visibility
is restricted.

Rule 20: Lights - Provides specifications for the lights that vessels must display to signal their status, type,
and maneuvering intentions.

Rule 21: Definitions - Offers definitions of terms related to lights and shapes.

Rule 22: Visibility of Lights - Specifies the visibility requirements for lights and shapes.

Rule 23: Power-driven Vessels Underway - Details the lighting requirements for power-driven vessels
underway.
Rule 24: Towing and Pushing - Covers the lighting requirements for vessels towing or pushing other
vessels.

Rule 25: Sailing Vessels Underway and Vessels Under Oars - Addresses the lighting requirements for
sailing vessels and vessels under oars.

Rule 26: Fishing Vessels - Specifies the lighting requirements for fishing vessels.

Rule 27: Vessels Not Under Command or Restricted in Their Ability to Maneuver - Provides lighting
requirements for vessels not under command or restricted in their ability to maneuver.

Rule 28: Vessels Constrained by Their Draft - Covers the lighting requirements for vessels constrained by
their draft.

Rule 29: Pilot Vessels - Details the lighting requirements for pilot vessels.

Rule 30: Anchored Vessels and Vessels Aground - Specifies the lighting requirements for anchored
vessels and vessels aground.

Rule 31: Seaplanes - Addresses the lighting requirements for seaplanes.

Rule 32: Distress Signals - Outlines the signals to be used in situations of distress.

Part D - Sound and Light Signals

Rule 33: Definitions - Provides definitions of terms related to sound and light signals.

Rule 34: Maneuvering and Warning Signals - Specifies the sound and light signals that vessels should use
to indicate their maneuvers and intentions.

Rule 35: Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility - Covers the use of sound signals in conditions of restricted
visibility.

Rule 36: Signals to Attract Attention - Addresses the use of signals to attract attention in emergency
situations.

Rule 37: Distress Signals - Describes the signals to be used to indicate distress.

PART E – Exemptions

Rule 38: Exemptions

Bridge equipment:

 Radar: Radar systems are used to detect other vessels, land, and navigational hazards by
emitting radio waves and receiving their echoes. This helps in collision avoidance and navigation.
 GPS (Global Positioning System): GPS devices provide accurate positioning and navigation
information by receiving signals from satellites. They help in determining the ship's exact
location, speed, and course.
 Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS): ECDIS displays electronic navigational
charts and integrates various navigation data sources. It assists in route planning, monitoring,
and collision avoidance.
 AIS (Automatic Identification System): AIS transponders transmit and receive vessel
information, including position, speed, and course, to other ships and shore-based stations. It
aids in collision avoidance and situational awareness.
 Gyrocompass: A gyrocompass provides accurate direction information based on the Earth's
rotation and is used for determining the ship's heading.
 Magnetic Compass: Despite advanced technology, ships still carry traditional magnetic
compasses as a backup for determining the vessel's direction.
 Auto-Pilot: An auto-pilot system can control the ship's steering to maintain a specific course set
by the navigator.
 Echosounder: Echosounders measure the depth of water beneath the ship, helping in safe
navigation and anchoring.
 Wind and Weather Instruments: These instruments provide information on wind speed and
direction, barometric pressure, temperature, and other meteorological data important for
navigation and safety.
 VHF Radio: Very High-Frequency (VHF) radios are used for communication with other vessels,
coastal stations, and maritime authorities.
 Satellite Communication Equipment: This includes satellite phones and data terminals for long-
distance communication and obtaining weather reports.
 Searchlights and Signal Lights: These lights are used for signaling and visual communication with
other vessels.
 Binoculars and Telescopes: Optical instruments for visual observation of distant objects,
including other ships, navigational marks, and shore landmarks.
 Rudder Angle Indicator: It displays the angle of the ship's rudder, helping the helmsman steer
accurately.
 GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) Equipment: GMDSS includes emergency
communication devices like EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) and SARTs
(Search and Rescue Transponders) for distress situations.
 Navigation Lights: These lights, including red, green, and white lights, are used to signal the
ship's status and direction to other vessels at night or in poor visibility.
 Chart Tables and Plotters: These are used for manual chart plotting and route planning.
 Alarms and Warning Systems: Various alarms and alerts, such as collision alarms and proximity
alarms, enhance situational awareness and safety.
 Computers and Consoles: Modern bridge systems often have computer consoles for data
processing, route planning, and interfacing with electronic navigation systems.
Duties and responsibilities of a deck cadet:

 Learning and Training: Deck cadets are often recent graduates from maritime academies or
training programs. They are onboard to gain hands-on experience and put into practice what
they have learned in their theoretical studies.
 Assisting Navigation: Deck cadets assist the ship's officers in navigation tasks, which may include
plotting courses, using navigation equipment like GPS and radar, and maintaining navigational
charts and publications.
 Watchkeeping: Deck cadets are usually assigned to a watchkeeping schedule where they help
monitor the ship's position, weather conditions, and other navigational parameters. They report
any anomalies or changes to senior officers.
 Safety and Security: Deck cadets participate in safety drills and are responsible for maintaining
safety equipment and ensuring compliance with safety regulations and procedures on board.
This includes fire drills, man-overboard drills, and the use of life-saving equipment.
 Maintenance: Cadets assist in general maintenance and upkeep of the ship's deck, hull, and
equipment. This can involve painting, cleaning, and routine inspections of deck machinery.
 Cargo Operations: In some cases, deck cadets may be involved in cargo operations, including
loading and unloading cargo, securing cargo on deck, and ensuring it is properly stowed.
 Mooring and Anchoring: Cadets may assist with mooring and anchoring operations, helping to
secure the ship when it arrives at a port or anchorage.
 Bridge Duties: They gain experience on the bridge of the ship, learning about collision
avoidance, communication with other vessels, and responding to navigational challenges.
 Charts and Publications: Deck cadets are responsible for updating and maintaining navigational
charts and publications, ensuring that the information is up-to-date and accurate.
 Environmental Compliance: They play a role in environmental protection by helping to ensure
that the ship complies with environmental regulations, such as ballast water management and
waste disposal procedures.
 Record-Keeping: Keeping accurate records of navigation, safety drills, maintenance activities,
and other ship-related tasks is an essential part of a deck cadet's responsibilities.
 Learning and Progression: Throughout their time as cadets, individuals are expected to learn
and grow in their understanding of shipboard operations, navigation, and safety. They work
towards earning the necessary qualifications to advance to higher ranks, such as becoming a
third officer.

A Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) is a crucial component of modern ships designed to prevent
the transfer of potentially harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens from one part of the world to
another. Ballast water is used in ships to maintain stability, control draft, and compensate for changes in
cargo or fuel load. However, when ships take on ballast water in one location and discharge it in another,
they can inadvertently transport non-native species of plants, animals, and microorganisms across
oceans, leading to ecological and economic problems.

WHY DO SHIPS FLOAT?3

- Buoyancy is the upward force that objects experience when submerged in a fluid (liquid or gas),
such as water or air. It is a result of the pressure difference between the top and bottom of an
object in the fluid due to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. Ships float because they
are designed to be less dense than the water they displace. The shape and structure of a ship are
carefully engineered so that the weight of the ship, including its cargo and passengers, is
distributed in a way that makes it less dense than the water it displaces. This causes the upward
buoyant force to be greater than the downward gravitational force, allowing the ship to stay
afloat on the water's surface.

WHAT IS EBL AND VRM IN NAVIGATION?

- EBL stands for Electronic Bearing Line, which is a navigational tool that displays a digital line on a
radar screen to indicate the direction of a specific bearing or course. VRM stands for Variable
Range Marker, a feature on radar displays that allows the user to mark and measure the distance
from the radar to a particular target or point of interest, helping in navigation and collision
avoidance.

WHAT IS HAZARD

- Hazard in navigation refers to any potential danger or obstacle that poses a risk to the safe
passage of a vessel or aircraft. Hazards can include natural features like rocks, reefs, and shoals,
as well as man-made obstacles such as shipwrecks or submerged objects, and are crucial
considerations for safe navigation.

THE MINIMUM AMOUNT OF OXYGEN NEED WHEN ENTERING ENCLOSED SPACE

- The minimum amount of oxygen required when entering an enclosed space is typically 19.5% by
volume. Below this level, the atmosphere may not support combustion, but it may still be unsafe
for human respiration. Oxygen levels below 19.5% can pose a risk of asphyxiation, and
additional precautions, such as using respiratory protection, may be necessary. Always ensure
adequate ventilation and monitoring when entering enclosed spaces to ensure a safe oxygen
level for both humans and potential fire hazards.

WHAT IS ORB IN MARITIME

 - An oil record book is a document used in the maritime industry to record all activities related to
the handling and disposal of oil and oily waste on a ship. Its purpose is to ensure compliance
with international regulations, such as MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of
Pollution from Ships), by providing a clear and detailed record of oil-related operations on
board.
- This includes the storage, transfer, and discharge of oil, as well as the maintenance of equipment
designed to prevent oil pollution. The oil record book helps authorities monitor and enforce
environmental standards at sea, preventing oil pollution and protecting marine ecosystems.

WHAT IS EMISSION CONTROL AREA AND SULFUR EMISSION CONTROL AREA IN MARITIME

- An Emission Control Area (ECA) in maritime refers to a designated region where stringent
regulations are enforced to limit the emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx),
and particulate matter from ships, typically by mandating the use of cleaner fuels or exhaust gas
cleaning systems (scrubbers). Sulfur Emission Control Areas (SECA) are a subset of ECAs
specifically focused on reducing sulfur emissions, requiring ships to use low-sulfur fuels or
employ emission reduction technologies when operating within these zones.

WHAT IS LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN NAVIGATION

- Latitude and longitude are geographical coordinates used to pinpoint specific locations on the
Earth's surface. Latitude lines, also known as parallels, run horizontally and measure the
distance north or south of the equator, with the equator itself at 0 degrees latitude. Longitude
lines, or meridians, run vertically and measure the distance east or west of the Prime Meridian,
which is located at 0 degrees longitude and passes through Greenwich, England.
- These coordinates are crucial for navigation because they provide a universal and precise way
to describe any location on Earth. Navigators use latitude and longitude to determine their
exact position on a map or GPS device, allowing them to plot routes, calculate distances, and
navigate accurately across oceans, through the air, or on land.

Navigation at sea involves a variety of terms and concepts that are crucial for safe and efficient sailing.

 Bearing: Bearing refers to the direction of an object or point relative to your current position. It
is typically measured in degrees clockwise from the north direction. Bearings are often used for
navigation to determine the direction of a landmark or other vessels.
 Heading: Heading is the direction in which a vessel's bow (front) is pointed. It is usually
expressed in degrees and is the direction the vessel is steering or intended to steer.
 Draft: Draft is the vertical distance between the waterline and the deepest point of a vessel's hull
(usually the keel). It is essential to know the draft of a vessel to ensure it has sufficient water
depth for safe navigation.
 Speed Over Ground (SOG): SOG is the speed at which a vessel is moving in relation to the
ground or the Earth's surface. It is determined by GPS or other positioning systems and can be
different from the vessel's speed through the water due to currents and tides.
 Course Over Ground (COG): COG is the direction in which a vessel is actually moving over the
ground. It is also determined by GPS or similar systems and may differ from the vessel's heading
due to factors like wind, currents, and steering errors.
 Dead Reckoning (DR): Dead reckoning is a method of estimating a vessel's current position
based on a previously known position, the course steered, and the distance traveled. It is a
critical skill for navigation when GPS or other position-fixing methods are unavailable.
 ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival): ETA is the predicted time when a vessel is expected to reach a
specific point, such as a port, waypoint, or destination. It is calculated based on the vessel's
speed, course, and the remaining distance to travel.
 CPA (Closest Point of Approach): CPA is a term used to describe the closest distance between
two vessels that are on a converging course. It is crucial for collision avoidance. A safe CPA
ensures that vessels pass each other at a safe distance.
 Navigation Fix: A navigation fix is a specific point at which a vessel's position is precisely
determined. This can be done through various methods, including GPS, celestial navigation,
radar, and visual landmarks.
 Waypoint: A waypoint is a predetermined point or location used for navigation. It can be a point
along a route or a specific destination. Waypoints are used in GPS and electronic navigation
systems.
 Tide: Tides are the periodic rise and fall of sea levels caused by gravitational forces, primarily
from the moon and the sun. Understanding tidal patterns is crucial for safe navigation in coastal
areas.
 LOP (Line of Position): A line on a chart or plot that represents all possible positions of a vessel
based on a celestial sight, radio signal, or other navigational fix.
 Leeward: This term refers to the side or direction that is sheltered from the wind. When sailing,
the leeward side of the vessel is the side away from the wind, and it's often the more stable and
comfortable side.
 Windward: The windward side is the side of the vessel that faces into the wind. It's the opposite
of the leeward side.
 Deviation: Deviation is a navigational error caused by the magnetic influences of a ship's metal
components, such as the engine, electronics, and other equipment. It affects the accuracy of a
ship's compass, and correction tables or adjustments are used to account for it.
 Variation: Variation, also known as magnetic variation or magnetic declination, is the angular
difference between true north (geographic north) and magnetic north (the direction a magnetic
compass points). This variation varies depending on your location on the Earth's surface and
changes over time.
 Gyro Error: Gyro error refers to inaccuracies or errors in a ship's gyrocompass. Gyrocompasses
are used to find true north, and they can have errors due to mechanical or electrical factors.
These errors need to be corrected to obtain accurate navigational information.
 True Course (TC): True course is the direction of the vessel's track over the ground with
reference to true north. It is the actual direction in which the vessel is moving when factors like
current and wind are taken into account.
  Magnetic Course (MC): Magnetic course is the direction of the vessel's track over the ground
with reference to magnetic north. It considers the magnetic variation or declination for the
specific location where the vessel is located. Magnetic compasses on board are used to
determine the magnetic course.
 Track Over the Ground (TOG): Track over the ground, on the other hand, is the actual path the
vehicle or vessel is following over the Earth's surface. It considers factors like wind, currents, and
drift, which may cause the vehicle's true heading and track over the ground to differ.

BOXING THE COMPASS

 Cardinal Points

These points are considered the most well-known, as they represent the four core directions of the
marine compass: N – North, E – East, S – South, W – West

 Intercardinal Points

The cardinal points and the intercardinal points come together to form the 8 principal points of the
compass, which are commonly used around the world. The intercardinal points include the following 4
directions: NE – Northeast, SE – Southeast, SW – Southwest, NW – Northwest

 Half Points

Half points can be obtained by cutting the angles of the 8 principal directions in half. They are lesser-
known than their often-used counterparts and play an important role in maritime navigation:

NNE – North-northeast, ENE – Easy-northeast, ESE – East-southeast, SSE – South-southeast, SSW –

South-southwest, WSW – West-southwest, WNW – West-northwest, NNW – North-northwest

 Quarter Points

You can obtain a further 16 points by cutting the angles between the 16 points above in half. These
points are called quarter points; however, they are also known as by points. If you want to learn more
about these directions, you will find additional information in the bullet points below:

First quadrant – NxE (north by east), NExN (northeast by north), NExE (northeast by east), and ExN
(east by north)

Second quadrant – ExS (east by south), SExE (southeast by east), SExS (southeast by south), and SxE
(south by east)

Third quadrant – SxW (south by west), SWxS (southwest by south), SWxW (southwest by west), and
WxS (west by south)

Fourth quadrant – WxN (west by north), NWxW (northwest by west), NWxN (northwest by north), and
NxW (north by west)
PROS AND CONS OF BEING A SEAFARER

- Pros of being a seafarer include the opportunity to travel and see the world, potentially earning
a competitive salary, and the chance to work in a unique and adventurous environment. Cons of
being a seafarer include long periods of time away from family and friends, exposure to
challenging and potentially dangerous working conditions, and the risk of isolation and mental
health issues due to the isolation and confinement on a ship.

PROS OF ECDIS:

 AVAILABILITY
 SPEED AND ACCURACY
 CORRECTIONS
 CONTINUOUS MONITORING OF VESSEL’S POSITION
 ANTI-GROUNDING ALARMS AND SETTINGS
SHALLOW CONTOUR
SAFETY DEPTH
SAFETY CONTOUR
DEEP CONTOUR
 USER DETERMINED ALARM SETTINGS
 ENHANCES SEARCH AND RESCUE CAPABILITY ONBOARD
 COST EFFICIENT
 ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

CONS OF ECDIS:

 OVER RELIANCE
 GARBAGE IN GARBAGE OUT
 WRONG SETTINGS
 ALARM DEAFNESS
 SYSTEM LAG
 DIFFERENT TYPES
 ANOMALIES
 INFORMATION OVERLOAD
 RESISTANT TO CHANGE

Gnomonic Chart (Projection):

 Imagine you're looking at the Earth from space, and you place a flat piece of paper right against
it, touching at one point (like touching a globe with a piece of paper).
 On this paper, the shortest path between any two points on Earth will appear as a straight line.
It's like drawing a straight line on a curved surface.
  This is useful when you want to figure out the quickest way to get from one place to another, like
when you're flying or sailing. But it's not so good for showing big areas because things far away
from the center point can look very distorted.

Mercator Chart (Projection):

 Imagine wrapping a piece of paper around the Earth like a cylinder and then flattening it out.
 On this flat paper, lines that show which way is north (like lines on a compass) stay straight. So, if
you're sailing and you want to keep going in a constant direction, this map is handy.
 However, places near the top and bottom of the map, like the North and South Poles, can look
much bigger than they actually are, which can be misleading when you're trying to compare the
sizes of different regions.
 In simple terms, gnomonic charts are good for finding the quickest routes between places, while
Mercator charts are good for keeping a constant direction while traveling.

1 shackle = 27.5 meters

1 degree = 60 minutes
1 nautical mile = 1852 meters
1 nautical mile = 10 cables
1 cable = 6 minutes
1 cable =220 meters

1. A vessel at anchor shows a single ball.

2. A sailboat moving under power (motor-sailing) shows a cone with the

apex pointing down. A Canadian modification to the COLREGS makes this shape optional for vessels of
less than 12 metres.

3. A vessel engaged in towing, if the tow exceeds 200m, will show a diamond shape. The towed vessel
or object will show a diamond as well if the tow exceeds 200m.

4. A vessel engaged in fishing will show two cones, apex to apex, in the shape of an hourglass.

5. A vessel not under command will show two balls.

6. A vessel engaged in mine clearance will show three balls. One at the top of a foremast and one at
either end of a yard below the first ball. All three in a triangle configuration.

7. A vessel restricted in ability to manoeuvre(RAM) will show two balls with a diamond between them.
When on a vessel engaged in towing there may be a separate diamond shape if the tow exceeds 200m.

8. A vessel constrained by draft will show a cylinder.

9. A vessel aground will show three balls.

10. A vessel restricted in ability to manoeuvre will show the ball-diamond-ball shapes and, if there is
equipment obstructing a side, the blocked side will be indicated by two balls and the open side by two
diamonds.
11. A vessel engaged in fishing that has gear over the side extending more than 150m from the vessel
will indicate the location of that gear with a cone with the apex pointing upwards

Deadweight= is the actual amount of weight in tonnes that a vessel can carry when loaded to the
maximum permissible draught (includes fuel, fresh water, gear supplies, catch and crew).
Lightweight= is the actual weight of the ship with no passengers, cargo, bunkers, lube oil, ballast, fresh
water, stores, etc., on board.
Gross Tonnage= is based on "the molded volume of all enclosed spaces of the ship"
Net Tonnage= is based on "the molded volume of all cargo spaces of the ship"

Stability= is determined by the force of buoyancy provided by the underwater parts of a vessel,
coupled with the combined weight of its hull, equipment, fuel, stores and load. Deals with how
a ship behaves at sea, both in still water and in waves, whether intact or damaged.

Trim= is the angle by which the ship tilts in a loading condition relative to its baseline. It’s either
trim by the head or trim by the stern. The difference between forward draft and aft draft.

Draft or Drought= is the vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull
(keel)

Keel= a flat blade sticking down into the water from a sailboat's bottom.
Freeboard= is the distance between the waterline and the main deck of a vessel.

Air draught= is the vertical distance from the summer waterline to the highest point in the ship,
usually the top of a mast.

IALA BOUYAGE SYSTEM (INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MARINE AIDS TO NAVIGATION AND

LIGHTHOUSE AUTHORITIES)

REGION A REGION B

REGION A= IALA A is used by countries in Africa, most of Asia, Australia, Europe and India

REGION B= IALA B is used by countries in North, Central and South America, Japan, Korea and
the Philippines.
*Mariners will be safe if they pass north of a north mark, south of a south mark,
east of an east mark and west of a west mark.
SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea)
=The first version was adopted in 1914, in response to the Titanic disaster
Chapter 1. General Provisions= Includes regulations concerning the survey of the various types
of ships and the issuing of documents signifying that the ship meets the requirements of the
Convention. The Chapter also includes provisions for the control of ships in ports of other
Contracting Governments.
Chapter 2.1. Construction - Subdivision and stability, machinery and electrical installations
Chapter 2.2. Fire protection, fire detection and fire extinction
Chapter 3. LSA (Life-saving appliances and arrangements)
Chapter 4. Radiocommunication
Chapter 5. Safety of Navigation
Chapter 6. Carriage of Cargoes
Chapter 7. Carriage of Dangerous Cargoes
Chapter 8. Nuclear Ships
Chapter 9. Management for the Safe Operation of Ships
Chapter 10. Safety measures of high-speed craft
Chapter 11.1 Special Measures to enhance Maritime Safety
Chapter 11.2 Special Measures to enhance Maritime Safety
Chapter 12 Additional safety measures for bulk carriers
Chapter 13 Verification of compliance
Chapter 14 Safety measures for ships operating in polar waters
ECDIS= Electronic Charts Display and Information
System.
RADAR/ARPA= Radio Detection and
Ranging/Automatic Radar Plotting Aid
GMDSS= Global Maritime Distress and Safety
System
STCW= International Convention on Standards of
Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for
Seafarers
EPIRB= Emergency Position Indicating Radio
Beacon
VHF= Very High Frequency

Question:

Example: "What is your current position?"

Explanation: Questions in the SMCP are used to request specific information from other vessels or
authorities. They are a key part of effective communication to gather necessary details.

Answer:

Example: "Our current position is latitude 35.1234°N, longitude 120.5678°W."

Explanation: Answers provide the requested information in response to a question. They should be clear
and concise to convey the necessary details accurately.

Information:

Example: "There is heavy fog in the vicinity."

Explanation: Information statements convey important facts or conditions to other vessels. They help in
sharing situational awareness, especially when visibility or safety factors are concerned.

Instruction:

Example: "Proceed to anchorage and drop anchor."

Explanation: Instructions provide clear directions or orders to guide the actions of a vessel. They are
essential for safe and coordinated maneuvering.

Advice:

Example: "I advise you to reduce speed due to strong currents."

Explanation: Advice in the SMCP is used to suggest actions or precautions to improve safety or efficiency.
It is often based on the experience and expertise of the communicator.

Request:

Example: "Request permission to enter the port."

Explanation: Requests are used to seek permission, assistance, or specific actions from other vessels or
authorities. They are polite and formal in nature.

Intention:

Example: "Our intention is to anchor in the designated area."

Explanation: Intentions state the planned actions of a vessel. They help other vessels understand what to
expect and can aid in coordination.

Warning:
Example: "Warning, there is a submerged object in your path."

Explanation: Warnings are used to alert other vessels to potential dangers or hazards. They are crucial
for preventing accidents and ensuring safety at sea.