Basics of ship sides: This includes knowledge of the basic directions and parts of a ship, such as the forward section (fore), the rear section (aft), the left side (port), and the right side (starboard). This is important for navigation and communication on board.
Draft of the ship: The draft of a ship is the depth of the ship in the water. Reading the draft is the process of measuring this depth to ensure that the ship has enough clearance below the keel for safe navigation, especially in shallow waters.
The ship is trimmed forward or aft: When we say that a ship is "improved" (or 'trimmed forward'), it means that its draft at the bow is greater than the draft at the stern. In other words, the ship is tilted forward or sits lower at the bow compared to the stern. When we say that a ship is 'increased' (or 'trimmed aft'), it means that its draft at the stern is greater than the draft at the bow. In other words, the ship is tilted aft or sits lower at the stern compared to the bow.
Gross Tonnage: is the total weight of the ship, including the cargo, but not including the space for passengers or crew. This is an important data point for assessing the capacity and size of the ship.
Net Tonnage: is the weight of the ship without cargo and luggage, which includes only the ship's structure and the space for passengers or crew. This is a useful measure for assessing the actual size of the ship and its ability to carry cargo.
Dead Weight: is the total weight of cargo that the ship can carry, including cargo that exceeds its nominal capacity. This is an important data point for planning cargo shipments and ensuring safe navigation.
Waterlines on the ship: Waterlines on a ship include various lines that mark different water levels on the ship's hull, including the load waterline, the ballast waterline, and the construction waterline. These lines help assess the ship's immersion and stability.
Displacement: Displacement is the weight of the water that the ship displaces when it is immersed in it. This is an important factor for calculating the stability and carrying capacity of the ship.
Pumps
A ballast pump, also known as a ballast pump, is used for filling and emptying ballast tanks on a ship. This pump allows controlled intake or discharge of water or other ballast materials from the tanks to adjust the ship's weight, trim, and stability.
A fire pump, or firefighting pump, is used to generate pressure in the ship's firefighting system. Its purpose is to ensure sufficient water pressure to supply fire hoses, nozzles, and other firefighting equipment in the event of a fire on board. These pumps often have high flow rates and pressure to effectively extinguish fires.
The emergency fire pump (EMCY fire pump) is an additional firefighting pump activated in emergencies when the main fire pump fails or when extra capacity is needed to control a fire. This pump provides additional firefighting capability in critical situations to ensure the safety of the crew and the ship.
Bilge Tanks: Bilges on a ship are reservoirs used to collect various waste liquids generated during ship operations. These include condensate, lubricating oil, coolants, and other fluids used in engine and equipment processes. These liquids must be properly collected to prevent their spread throughout the ship. The type and size of bilges vary depending on the type of ship and the equipment used. Monitoring and maintaining bilges is a regular part of operational procedures on board.
Ejector: In a ship's ballast system, an ejector is a device used to discharge ballast water from ballast tanks. It is a type of hydraulic device that utilizes the principles of fluid dynamics to create a vacuum inside the tank, allowing water to be pumped out freely. When the ejector is activated, the flow of fluid or gas through the system generates low pressure inside the ejector, causing ballast water to be drawn out of the tank and expelled from the ship through appropriate pipes or outlets. This technique enables quick and efficient emptying of ballast tanks to adjust the ship's stability and trim.
Main engine is the primary propulsion system of the ship, while the Auxiliary engines are smaller engines that perform various functions, such as generating electricity or powering auxiliary systems.
Bowtrusteris a propulsion device located at the bow of the ship and is used for maneuvering the vessel near the port or in narrow waters.