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.

WHAT IS WINDLASS?

A windlass is a vital deck machinery system used on ships to hoist, lower, and control the anchor and its chain with precision and safety. Typically powered by either electric or hydraulic motors, the windlass relies on a gypsy or wildcat wheel, which is specially designed to fit the shape of chain links, ensuring a firm grip during operation. This setup allows the crew to manage heavy anchoring equipment efficiently, even in challenging sea conditions. Purpose • To lower or “let go” the anchor safely, ensuring it descends at a controlled speed • To heave up the anchor and its chain smoothly when departing or shifting position • To maintain proper control of tension and speed throughout anchoring operations, preventing damage to the equipment or sudden strain on the vessel Overall, the windlass plays a crucial role in securing a ship at anchor and ensuring safe, reliable maneuvering during critical anchoring procedures.

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

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.