DISTRESS SIGNAL

Distress signals are official emergency indicators used by vessels to show that they are in grave and imminent danger and urgently require assistance. These signals are recognized worldwide under COLREGS Annex IV, ensuring that seafarers, coastal stations, and rescue authorities understand the situation instantly—no matter the language or location. Distress signals can be visual, sound-based, or radio-based, such as red star shells, flares, flames on deck, SOS, Mayday calls, smoke, gunfire at one-minute intervals, code flags, dye markers, radio alarms, or waving of arms. Each signal serves the same purpose: to alert others that the vessel or individuals are in a life-threatening emergency. Knowing these signals is essential for all maritime personnel, as they play a critical role in saving lives and enabling fast rescue operations.

Common Ropes used on Cargo Ships

Merchant ropes are heavy-duty lines, often synthetic (nylon, polyester) or wire, used on commercial ships for mooring (securing to docks), towing, cargo handling, and safety, designed for extreme strength, durability, and specific elasticity to manage ship movement against wind, tides, and currents, with different types like spring lines and breast lines handling specific motions. Key Functions & Type ‣Mooring: Securing vessels to berths using bollards and cleats, controlling lateral (breast lines) and longitudinal (spring lines) movement. ‣Towing & Guiding: Assisting other vessels or guiding ships into port. ‣Cargo Handling: Lifting and moving cargo during loading/unloading. ‣Safety: Acting as lifelines or barriers on deck. Types of Ropes ‣Nylon: Excellent shock absorption (elasticity) for heavy impacts, good abrasion resistance, but degrades in UV light. ‣Polyester: Strong, low stretch, good UV and water resistance, ideal for steady loads but can be slack under tension. ‣Polypropylene: Lightweight, floats, affordable, resistant to chemicals, but high stretch and less durable long-term. ‣HMPE (Dyneema/Spectra): Extremely strong, low stretch, very light, excellent performance for heavy loads but costly. ‣Wire Rope: Steel cables for maximum strength in very harsh, heavy-duty applications. ‣Manila (Natural): Biodegradable, traditional, but susceptible to rot and UV damage.

PARTS OF A SHIP

Front (Bow) Area Bulbous Bow A rounded projection located below the waterline at the forward part of the hull. It reduces wave resistance and helps improve the ship’s fuel efficiency and stability. Bow The forward-most section of the ship designed to cut through the water as the vessel moves. Stem The vertical front edge of the bow that forms the main support where the two sides of the hull meet. Foredeck The deck area located at the forward part of the ship, often used for anchor handling and mooring operations. Fore Mast A mast positioned near the bow used to mount lights, radar, antennas, and other navigational instruments. Hatch Cover A watertight cover placed over cargo holds to protect the cargo from seawater and weather exposure. Deck The main working platform of the ship where crew activities and operations take place. Hull The main outer structure or body of the ship that provides buoyancy and keeps the vessel afloat. Anchor A heavy device lowered to the seabed to hold the ship in position and prevent drifting. Bridge The command center of the ship where navigation, control, and monitoring of vessel movement and operations are performed. Midship and Superstructure Superstructure The portion of the ship constructed above the main deck, housing key operational and living spaces. Accommodation The area where the crew lives and works. It includes cabins, mess rooms, offices, and other essential living facilities. Flying Bridge / Bridge Wings Side platforms extending from the bridge used for maneuvering and observation, especially during docking and unmooring. Monkey Island An open platform located above the bridge that provides access to radar, communication, and navigation equipment, as well as offering an unobstructed view of the surroundings. Main Mast The primary mast supporting communication systems, navigation lights, and other electronic devices.

HOW TO USE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

A fire extinguisher is a vital safety device designed to control or extinguish small fires in emergency situations. It works by releasing an agent—such as water, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂—that suppresses the fire, preventing it from spreading and minimizing damage or injury. Fire extinguishers are essential on ships, workplaces, and homes as a first line of defense against fire hazards. Proper operation of a fire extinguisher can be remembered with the PASS method: ‣ Pull – Remove the safety pin to unlock the extinguisher. ‣ Aim – Direct the nozzle at the base of the fire, where it feeds on fuel. ‣ Squeeze – Press the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent. ‣ Sweep – Move the nozzle side to side across the base until the fire is completely out.