JET CHISEL

A jet chisel (also called needle scaler) is a pneumatic tool made up of multiple thin steel rods (“needles”) that rapidly move back and forth when connected to compressed air. The vibration of the needles chips away rust, old paint, scale, and marine growth on metal surfaces. Think of it as “pangbaklas ng kalawang, pero industrial version.” Purpose: • Remove rust, corrosion, and scale from steel surfaces • Prepare metal before painting, welding, or coating • Clean areas where grinders and wire brushes can’t reach (corners, tight spots, edges) • Reduce manual scraping time and physical fatigue How to Use: 1. PPE First • Safety goggles / face shield • Ear protection (maingay ’yan) • Gloves • Mask (dust/rust particles) • Proper coverall 2. Check the Tool • Inspect air hose, connectors, and needles • Ensure air compressor pressure is within recommended range (usually 90 psi ± depending on tool) 3. Connect to Compressed Air • Attach hose firmly • Open the air valve gradually 4. Operate • Hold the tool with both hands • Press the needles gently against the surface — do not push too hard • Let the vibration do the work • Work in steady strokes 5. After Use • Shut off air supply • Clean and oil the needles to prevent rust • Store in dry location

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.

Understanding Mooring Winch

A winch is a mechanical device with a rotating drum used to pull, lift, or control heavy loads using wire rope, cable, or synthetic line. It provides controlled movement of equipment, lines, and cargo on deck. Purpose of a Winch ‣Heave in or slack out mooring lines safely ‣Lift or move heavy objects with controlled tension ‣Assist in towing, anchoring, and cargo operations I‣mprove safety and efficiency during deck tasks

Maritime Zones Explained: The Boundaries of Our Seas

The concept of maritime zones is a cornerstone of international maritime law, defined primarily by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). These zones determine the extent of a coastal state’s rights, responsibilities, and jurisdiction over the waters and resources adjacent to its shores. Background • Maritime zones were established to resolve disputes over navigation, resource ownership, and national security. • Boundaries are measured from a country’s baseline (usually the low-water mark along the coast). • The key zones include: • Internal Waters – full sovereignty like land territory. • Territorial Sea – up to 12 nautical miles. • Contiguous Zone – up to 24 nautical miles. • Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) – up to 200 nautical miles. • Continental Shelf – may extend beyond 200 nautical miles depending on natural features. Purpose • Internal Waters – treated like land territory, full state control. • Territorial Sea (12 nm) – authority over navigation, resources, and law enforcement. • Contiguous Zone (24 nm) – enforcement against smuggling, illegal entry, and security threats. • Exclusive Economic Zone (200 nm) – exclusive rights to explore and exploit resources (fish, oil, gas). • Continental Shelf – rights over seabed resources even beyond EEZ. Importance • Safeguards national security and territorial sovereignty. • Ensures sustainable use of marine resources (fisheries, oil, gas). • Provides control over shipping routes and trade lifelines. • Strengthens sovereignty in disputed waters (vital for nations like the Philippines). • Globally, reduces conflict, promotes order and cooperation, and protects the marine environment.