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.

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.

EMERGENCY GENERATOR

Ship Emergency Generator: Essential Safety Power at Sea On board a ship, electricity powers almost every operation from navigation and communication systems to lighting, pumps, and emergency alarms. When the main power supply fails, the safety of the vessel, its crew, and cargo relies on a reliable backup source. This is where the ship’s emergency generator becomes indispensable. Mandated by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the emergency generator is a critical piece of equipment designed to supply electrical power to essential systems during emergencies. Background and Purpose The emergency generator serves as the ship’s lifeline during power loss or blackout. It automatically starts and transfers load to an emergency switchboard to ensure that key systems remain operational. Its purpose is not to run the entire ship but to sustain safety and emergency functions until the main power supply can be restored or the ship is brought to safety. The generator powers essential equipment such as emergency lighting in accommodation spaces, machinery areas, lifeboat embarkation points, and escape routes. It also supplies energy to fire detection and alarm systems, communication equipment, navigation instruments like radar and GPS, and in some cases, the steering gear. Pumps for fire-fighting and bilge operations, as well as emergency batteries and chargers, also depend on this backup system. Location and Construction To maximize reliability, the emergency generator is installed in a separate compartment from the main engine room—typically on an upper deck with its own ventilation, fire protection, and access. This arrangement prevents the generator from being compromised by incidents in the engine room. Most are diesel-driven alternators chosen for their rapid start-up capability and rugged design. They have independent fuel tanks, cooling systems, and starting mechanisms to ensure operation even if the main systems fail.

Chain Block

What is a chain block A chain block, also known as a manual chain hoist, is a mechanical lifting device widely used in maritime, shipyard, construction, and industrial environments. The image illustrates the key internal and external components of a chain block, including the steel frame, gear casing, load chain, braking system, hooks, and internal bearings. These parts work together to lift, lower, and hold heavy loads safely using manual force. The robust steel frame houses the internal gears and brake mechanism, while the upper hook allows secure attachment to a beam or lifting point. The load chain passes through the chain guide, ensuring smooth movement and proper alignment during operation. Inside the gear casing, bushings, bearings, and gears reduce friction and multiply force, enabling efficient lifting. Purpose The primary purpose of a chain block is to lift, suspend, and precisely position heavy loads in areas where electrical or hydraulic lifting equipment may be unavailable or impractical. In maritime operations, chain blocks are commonly used for engine maintenance, cargo handling, machinery installation, and ship repair work. The integrated mechanical load brake and pawl-and-ratchet mechanism are critical safety features. They automatically hold the load in place when lifting force is released, preventing accidental lowering and ensuring controlled, step-by-step operation. This makes chain blocks especially suitable for confined spaces and onboard ship environments.