WHAT IS ECDIS?

ECDIS stands fo ELECTRONIC CHART DISPLAY AND INFORMATION SYSTEM replaces traditional paper nautical charts with a digital interface that complies with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards. It uses data from GPS, radar, AIS (Automatic Identification System), and other sensors to give the ship's crew a detailed and accurate picture of their surroundings and navigation route

Understanding Ship Draft

Ship draft is the vertical distance between the waterline and the lowest point of a vessel’s hull, usually the keel. It indicates how deep a ship sits in the water and is a critical factor in safe navigation. Draft changes depending on the vessel’s load, including cargo, fuel, ballast, fresh water, and provisions. A deeper draft means the ship is heavier, while a lighter ship has a shallower draft. Understanding draft is essential when entering shallow ports, canals, rivers, or during berthing, as insufficient water depth can lead to grounding and structural damage. There are different types of draft. Forward draft is measured at the bow, aft draft at the stern, and mean draft is the average of both. These measurements help officers assess trim, stability, and compliance with port restrictions. Draft also affects a ship’s speed, fuel consumption, and maneuverability, making accurate monitoring vital for efficient operations.

Sewage Treatment Plant

Sewage Treatment Plants Onboard Ships: Keeping Our Oceans Clean Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) onboard ships play a crucial role in protecting our oceans from pollution. This article explores their history, purpose, importance, and operation highlighting how modern vessels manage wastewater responsibly to meet international standards and support sustainable maritime practices under MARPOL Annex IV. Introduction: Why Ships Need Sewage Treatment Plants Every ship produces sewage from toilets, galleys, and accommodation areas. If discharged untreated, this waste can harm marine life and coastal waters. To prevent pollution, ships are fitted with Sewage Treatment Plants compact systems that treat and disinfect wastewater before release, ensuring compliance with IMO regulations. Passenger ships and vessels over 400 gross tonnage must be equipped with STPs to safeguard human health and marine ecosystems. A Brief History of Sewage Treatment at Sea In the past, ships routinely released raw sewage into the ocean. Growing awareness of pollution’s impact led to international action. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) introduced MARPOL Annex IV in 2003, requiring all ships to properly manage sewage. Over time, basic holding tanks evolved into modern biological treatment units capable of producing clean effluent. Some nations, like the United States, had already established strict sewage control laws, paving the way for global standards. Purpose of a Shipboard Sewage Treatment Plant The main goal of a shipboard STP is to treat and purify wastewater before discharge. It aims to: •Remove solids and organic matter •Eliminate harmful bacteria and pathogens •Reduce odors and contaminants •Meet MARPOL and flag-state requirements Treated effluent must meet specific IMO limits on biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), suspended solids, and coliform bacteria before being safely discharged.

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