Maripedia

Do you know what the bulbous bow is for?

06/02/20

Ships are extraordinary designs, which even with just their size can amaze. But there is one specific element of a ship’s design that stands out, and what is more, not many know what it does exactly. We are talking of course, about the bulbous bow. The bulbous bow is that strange protrusion at the ships’ forward end, sticking out below the water. It serves a very important role for the ship, and in this article we are going to analyze it. Disclaimer: The article contains a little bit of maths, but don’t worry we will keep it simple.

Do you know what happens to a ship when it’s too old to sail anymore?

04/02/20

The average lifespan of a ship is 25-30 years. After this span, the ship may become too expensive to operate, but most importantly, to become unseaworthy putting human safety at risk. So, have you ever wondered what happens to a ship when it is too old to sail?

Do you know what a Ship Security Alert System is?

22/01/20

After the 9/11 attacks that changed the world, IMO requires every ship above 500 GT sailing the world’s oceans to have a Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) to enhance security. Have you ever wondered what this system is and how it works?

Do you know how many types of lifeboats exist?

17/01/20

Chances are that you have never boarded a lifeboat to date, except you are a seafarer who has performed lifeboat drills or someone who has found himself in the very unwelcome experience of a sinking ship. Except from the fact that they save lives, what do we really know about lifeboats?

Do you know what happens after you flush the toilet on a ship?

16/01/20

The average person uses about 80-100 gallons of water per day and flushing the toilet accounts for the largest share of this use, surprisingly topping even showers! While wastewater does not seem to be a problem for households, have you ever wondered what happens when we flush the toilet onboard a ship?

Do you know how many ranks and duties exist onboard? 

20/12/19

Seafaring is a profession that requires ranks and duties to be specific, so that everyone onboard will know what to do, as several procedures have to be conducted at the same time; Thus, each one of these roles carries unique responsibilities which are crucial for the successful operation of a vessel.

Do you know how many types of ships exist?

04/12/19

There is a wide range of different vessels. The international dry cargo and tanker markets are immense and are served by numerous ships of several types and of various sizes. Some of them follow standard designs and can carry a variety of cargoes while others are more specialized and able to carry commodities which the standard vessels cannot. According to the UNCTAD, in early 2019 the total world fleet stood at 95,402 ships accounting for 1.97 billion dead-weight tons (dwt) of capacity.

Do you know why IMO number is important for vessels?

03/12/19

The IMO Ship Identification Number is a unique seven-digit number which remains unchanged through a vessel’s lifetime and is linked to its hull, regardless of any changes of names, flags, or owners. In fact, the IMO number is a unique seven digit number that is assigned to propelled, sea-going merchant ships of 100 GT and above upon keel laying, with the exception of ships without mechanical means of propulsion; pleasure yachts; ships engaged on special service, such as lightships; hopper barges; hydrofoils, air cushion vehicles; floating docks and structures classified in a similar manner; ships of war, troopships as well as wooden ships.

Do you know when to abandon a ship?

03/12/19

In the unlikely event of a life-threatening situation onboard, it may be time for vessel abandonment, ordered by the Master. Abandoning the ship needs to take place at the right time, followed by specific steps and procedures, as the decision to leave the vessel and fall into the sea comes with great risk.

Do’s and don’ts when dragging anchor

19/11/19

A dragging anchor is one of the many unwelcome incidents a ship may encounter during its operational life at sea. Sometimes the anchor may drag, something that may not be in control of the crew. So, what rests for the crew to do is to recognize the signs of a dragging anchor: Early identification is the key to avoid accident-related to the dragging anchor situations.