by James King | Jul 9, 2023 | Engineering, Seamanship Centre News, Ship Safety
The Seamanship Centre ran the MCA Approved Engine Courses 1 & 2 over the last fortnight with all successfully meeting the course requirements. This post is simply a big thank you to our attendees past and present for their determination, support and adding to the...
by James King | Apr 11, 2023 | Engineering, Seamanship Centre News, Ship Safety
Newbuild deliveries are up – especially in the areas of Crew Transfer Vessels (CTV’s) and the leisure industry markets. For all machinery onboard, no time is more important than the running in period. Return of investment requires complete understanding of...
by Richard Timony | Jan 21, 2023 | Resources, Seamanship Centre News
We are delighted to have passed our LRQA audit with flying colours once again.
by James King | Jan 11, 2023 | Engineering, Seamanship Centre News, Ship Safety
The Seamanship Centre is underway and already up to speed with the first course of the year: Approved Engine Course 1! Only right getting the engines up and running before the other departments kick off! Wishing everyone a great 2023 -fair winds & safe seas ...
by James King | Jun 23, 2022 | Engineering, Seamanship Centre News, Ship Safety
The Approved Engine Course 2 (AEC2) is now into its third successful year of operation here in Killybegs. Course attendees in this time have come from Argentina, North America, South Africa not to mention all over the European continent. Running the course back to...
by James King | Mar 11, 2022 | Seamanship Centre News, Ship Safety
The inspection and maintenance requirements for any enclosed space needs to be categorised as a high-risk operation regardless of vessel type, due to the multitude of hazards, complications and unknowns that can unfold. Some key questions that must be asked each time...
by James King | Dec 13, 2021 | Boat Hire, Seamanship Centre News
The Seamanship Centre is still ticking over with classes right up to Christmas week before we ‘finish with engines’ until the New Year. Our thoughts go to those mariners who will be at sea over the festive period, those on watch in Coastguard stations, to...
by James King | Nov 29, 2021 | Engineering, Seamanship Centre News, Ship Safety
‘Maintenance’ begins and ends with me! Here we have a duplex type fuel filter unit which has ‘flagged’ indicating fouling/contamination whilst in service. Note the red hatching closing over on the display. By switching over to the stand-by...
by James King | Aug 16, 2021 | Engineering, Seamanship Centre News, Ship Safety
Becoming overly focused on just the engine, just the machine, equipment, without considering its surroundings can be a failing over time. Forgetting to monitor that which supports it for example, can lead to unexpected problems occurring down the line. This can be...
by James King | Jun 20, 2021 | Engineering, Seamanship Centre News
Getting the performance we expect from vessels and achieving what the sales team promised us at purchase enquiry stage will slowly fall-off over time. Undertaking a maintenance regime must commence from the moment of delivery. Sometimes however, planned maintenance...
by James King | Feb 14, 2021 | Engineering, Seamanship Centre News, Ship Safety
Good vessel upkeep requires a continuous inspection of all areas; hull, machinery and the various equipment inside and outside. With a focused mindset we can often identify issues more readily compared with normal day to day work practices. Time given to detailed...
by James King | Dec 24, 2020 | Seamanship Centre News, Ship Safety
Wishing everyone at sea and ashore a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from The Seamanship Centre Team.
by James King | Dec 23, 2020 | Engineering, Seamanship Centre News
The centres boat got her annual attention recently before being laid-up. Extra time was given to renewing the pencil anodes about the engine cooler box and outdrive, in addition to the usual checklist of items before calling the boat fully ‘winterised’.This...
by Richard Timony | Nov 28, 2020 | Engineering, IRPCS/ColRegs, Navigation, Seamanship Centre News, Ship Safety
Please download your copy of COSWP 2020 here. If you are studying any deck ticket you really need to be familiar with this document. COSWP 2020
by James King | Sep 5, 2020 | Engineering, Seamanship Centre News
Approved Engine Courses 1 & 2 meet with the latest MCA syllabus requirements that have come into operation. This image relates to the AEC 2 and the documentation aspects involved at sea. With ever increasing scrutiny of vessels environmental impact as well as the...
by James King | Aug 19, 2020 | Engineering, Seamanship Centre News
Here we see a non genuine exhaust valve which has cracked, without destroying the engine thankfully. Always use genuine spares for reasons of safety, reliability and warranty!
by James King | Aug 19, 2020 | Engineering, Seamanship Centre News
All too easy to overlook, but constant care is needed with fuel, from taking onboard, right up to its ignition. The image shows damage suffered to a fuel pump plunger where excess water has caused corrosion lowering delivery pressure. Learn more on the next Approved...
by Seamanship Centre | Dec 5, 2019 | Resources, Ship Safety
Safety issues See Full Report Summary At 1749 on 27 January 2019, the chief engineer on board the tug Millgarth, fell into the River Mersey from the north oil stage at the Tranmere Oil Terminal at Birkenhead, England. He had released Millgarth’s mooring lines and was...
by Seamanship Centre | Nov 15, 2019 | Boat Hire, Seamanship Centre News
Fatal man overboard from the creel boat Sea Mist (BF918) off Macduff, Scotland on 27 March 2019 Full Safety Flyer Safety lessons There was no means of separating the crew from the fishing gear on Sea Mist’s deck. It is unknown why the skipper was on deck while...
by Seamanship Centre | Oct 31, 2019 | Resources, Seamanship Centre News
MIN 603 Examination services will be provided at the following address, unless otherwise specified on your confirmation letter: Liverpool Seafarers Centre 20 Crosby Road South Liverpool L22 1RQ Phone: 0203 90 85110 Our next Master 200/500 Oral Prep course is Monday...
by Seamanship Centre | Oct 30, 2019 | Resources, Seamanship Centre News
Well done to this months successful AB Deck crew. Our next AB Deck/EDH, MSO/MCA Approved course is on Dec 9th to 13th Dec to book your place contact The Seamanship Centre team tel: +353 (0) 86 893 7225 or email: info@seamanship.ie
by Seamanship Centre | Oct 3, 2019 | Boat Hire, Seamanship Centre News
Monday 21st October – Thursday 24th October The Seamanship Centre situated at Killybegs on The Wild Atlantic Way, 2hrs 5mins drive from Knock International Airport, has a worldwide reputation for outstanding maritime training. The course covers the following...
by Seamanship Centre | Oct 1, 2019 | Ship Safety
Short accounts of accidents describing what happened, and lessons to be learned. This information is for: the shipping industry the fishing industry recreational craft users the general public
by Seamanship Centre | Sep 25, 2019 | Navigation
https://seamanship.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Radar-Plotting-Part-2-of-4.mp4...
by Seamanship Centre | Sep 5, 2019 | Navigation, Resources
by Seamanship Centre | Apr 8, 2019 | Ship Safety
Check out the MCA Fisherman’s Safety Guide for safety information boarding arrangements, enclosed spaces, etc. Click here for information MCA Fisherman’s Safety Guide
by Seamanship Centre | Apr 5, 2019 | Boat Hire, IRPCS/ColRegs, Resources
Rule 1 Explained Application (a) These Rules shall apply to all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith navigable by seagoing vessels. (b) Nothing in these Rules shall interfere with the operation of special rules made by an appropriate...
by Seamanship Centre | Apr 4, 2019 | IRPCS/ColRegs, Resources
Rule 2 Explained Responsibility (a) Nothing in these Rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the owner, master or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect to comply with these Rules or of the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary...
by Seamanship Centre | Apr 3, 2019 | Boat Hire, IRPCS/ColRegs, Resources
Rule 3 Explained. General definitions For the purpose of these Rules, except where the context otherwise requires: (a) The word “vessel” includes every description of water craft, including non-displacement craft, WIG craft and seaplanes, used or capable of being used...
by Seamanship Centre | Apr 2, 2019 | Boat Hire, IRPCS/ColRegs, Resources
Rule 4 Application Rules in this Section apply in any condition of visibility.
by Seamanship Centre | Apr 1, 2019 | IRPCS/ColRegs, Resources
Image reproduced by kind permission of The Steamship Mutual SSM P&I Club Rule 5 Look-out Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so...
by Seamanship Centre | Mar 31, 2019 | IRPCS/ColRegs, Resources
Image Courtesy of Steamship Mutual Rule 6 The Explanation follows Rule 6. Have a copy of the rule handy when reading the explanation Safe speed Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision...
by Seamanship Centre | Mar 30, 2019 | IRPCS/ColRegs, Resources
Explanation Rule 7 Taking compass bearings is one of the most important means of determining risk of collision. Good visibility is needed to use this technique and a series or number of bearings need to be taken. On smaller vessels bearings may be taken using a...
by Seamanship Centre | Mar 29, 2019 | IRPCS/ColRegs, Resources
Rule 8 Action to avoid Collision EXPLANATION (Rule 8 is below Explanation) Take action and make it early As soon as you identify a risk of collision, you must identify the correct action to avoid collision to ensure the vessels will pass at ‘a safe distance’. You...
by Seamanship Centre | Mar 28, 2019 | IRPCS/ColRegs, Resources
RULE 9 Narrow Channels. (a) A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable. (b) A vessel of less than 20m in length or a...
by Seamanship Centre | Mar 27, 2019 | Boat Hire, IRPCS/ColRegs, Resources
Rule 10 Traffic Separation Schemes Explained This is one of the longest rules, always remember the following: All of the other rules continue to apply within a traffic separation scheme. There is no right of way – a traffic separation lane does not give you right of...
by Seamanship Centre | Mar 26, 2019 | IRPCS/ColRegs, Resources
Video for Rule 12 Sailing Vessels Explained click on the image to access video Rule 12 Sailing Vessels (a) When two sailing vessels are approaching one another, so as to involve risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the other as follows: (i) when...
by Seamanship Centre | Mar 24, 2019 | IRPCS/ColRegs
(a) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Rules of Part B, Sections I and II, any vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken. (b) A vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking when coming up with another vessel from a direction...
by Seamanship Centre | Mar 24, 2019 | IRPCS/ColRegs, Resources
Rule 14 Head on Situation Video
by Seamanship Centre | Mar 23, 2019 | IRPCS/ColRegs
Rule 15 Crossing situation When two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the...
by Seamanship Centre | Mar 19, 2019 | IRPCS/ColRegs, Resources
Explanation of Rule 18 Responsibilities Between Vessels. Rule 18 follows Explanation Vessels constrained by their draught. Any vessel, except a vessel not under command or restricted in her ability to manoeuvre, must avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel...
by Seamanship Centre | Mar 18, 2019 | IRPCS/ColRegs, Resources
Rule 19 Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility, explained The Rules applying in restricted visibility include: Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules • Section 3 – Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility § Rule 19 – Conduct Of Vessels in Restricted...
by Seamanship Centre | Mar 15, 2019 | IRPCS/ColRegs, Resources
Rule 23 Power-driven vessels underway (a) A power-driven vessel underway shall exhibit: (i) a masthead light forward; (ii) a second masthead light abaft of and higher than the forward one; except that a vessel of less than 50 metres in length shall not be obliged to...
by Seamanship Centre | Mar 13, 2019 | IRPCS/ColRegs, Resources
Rule 25 Sailing Vessels Sailing vessels underway and vessels under oars (a) A sailing vessel underway shall exhibit: (i) sidelights; (ii) a sternlight. (b) In a sailing vessel of less than 20 metres in length the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule may be...
by Seamanship Centre | Mar 12, 2019 | IRPCS/ColRegs, Resources
by Seamanship Centre | Feb 21, 2019 | Navigation
AIS provides identification of targets together with the static and dynamic information Mariners should, use this information with caution noting the following important points: Collision avoidance must be carried out in strict compliance with the COLREGs. There is NO...
by Seamanship Centre | Jan 21, 2019 | Navigation
Principles of Voyage Planning One of the most important procedures on a ship is that of voyage planning. A passage plan is a thorough, berth to berth guide, that identifies potential difficulties or risks on the proposed voyage. There are four stages of Voyage...
by Seamanship Centre | Jul 6, 2018 | Resources, Stability
The following data can be extracted from a GZ curve; The metacentric height (GM) is found by drawing a perpendicular line at 57.2° (1 radian) where this line intersects the GZ Curve a right angle is drawn and where this intersects the GZ axis of the graph the GM can...
by Seamanship Centre | Jul 6, 2018 | Resources, Stability
In the diagram below G is above M and consequently when the vessel is inclined it forms a capsizing moment due to the negative GM. This is known as bad stability.
by Seamanship Centre | Jul 6, 2018 | Resources, Stability
Righting Lever (GZ) In the below diagram as M is above G it forms a righting lever this is stable as the ship will return to the upright and is GOOD STABILITY
by Seamanship Centre | Jul 6, 2018 | Resources, Stability
Shift of Buoyancy When a vessel is inclined the waterline changes as shown below from W1 to W2 and hence the underwater volume of the vessel. Consequently, the buoyancy in the blue wedge shape moves b to b1 and B moves from B to B1.
by Seamanship Centre | Jul 6, 2018 | Resources, Stability
The Metacentre (M) “M” is a point, generally on the centreline, at which the initial upward forces acting through B cut the upward forces acting through B¹ after the vessel has been inclined by an external force. For a vessel to be stable G must be below M. This...
by Seamanship Centre | Apr 4, 2018 | Boat Hire, Navigation
In 1978, the first experimental Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite was launched and was originally intended for military use, however in the 1980’s the system was made available for civilian use. GPS is a satellite-based navigation system consisting of 27...
by Seamanship Centre | Jul 30, 2017 | Resources, Ship Safety
ISPS Code, part B, paragraph 8.3, states the SSA should address risks to radio and telecommunication systems, including computer systems and networks. The ISM Code also states, “The objective of the company’s Safety Management System (SMS) is to provide a safe...
by Seamanship Centre | Jul 29, 2017 | Resources, Ship Safety
Shipping is an international business with over 90% of world good being moved round the world by shipping. To do this efficiency, large amounts of information and data are now handled and distributed electronically, information regarding crew, cargo details, ships...
by Seamanship Centre | Jul 5, 2017 | Resources, Stability
Box Shaped Vessel Centre of Gravity (C of G) In Fig 1, the C of G is the point at which the entire weight of a body may be considered as concentrated so that if supported at this point the body would be balanced. The location of a body’s centre of gravity may coincide...
by Seamanship Centre | Jan 18, 2017 | Boat Hire
Microbiological Infestation of Diesel Fuel, or ‘Diesel Bug’ occurs when bacteria, which occur naturally in water present in the fuel are allowed to grow. In order for the bacteria to grow, they must have favorable conditions – stagnant fuel, a warm...
