Gangway Watch
Why the most “boring” watch on board quietly carries legal, safety, and fatal risk Estimated read time: 40–50 minutesSkill level: Cadet → AB → Junior Officer Contents 1. Introduction – Why Gangway Watch Is Consistently Underestimated Gangway watch is often assigned as: That perception is wrong. Across commercial shipping, gangway incidents generate more injury claims […]
Self-Tensioning Winches
Automation, brake physics, control logic, and why “set and forget” is one of the most dangerous phrases on deck Estimated read time: 35–45 minutesSkill level: Cadet → AB → Junior Officer → Chief Mate Contents Use the links below to jump to any section: 1. Introduction – Why Automation Changed Mooring (and Risk) Self-tensioning winches […]
Mooring Arrangements
The geometry of restraint, load-sharing reality, and why “more lines” can still fail Estimated read time: 35–45 minutesSkill level: Cadet → AB → Junior Officer → Chief Mate Contents Use the links below to jump to any section: 1. Introduction – Strength Doesn’t Save Bad Geometry A mooring arrangement is not “a bundle of strong […]
Snap-Back Zones – The Physics Behind the Kill
A full operational guide to mooring danger areas, load limits, winch braking, geometry, and the habits that keep people alive Estimated read time: 35–45 minutesSkill level: Cadet → AB → Junior Officer → Chief Mate Table of Contents Use the links below to jump to any section: 1. Introduction A deck can look calm while […]
Why Mooring Lines Fail Without Warning
Stored energy, false confidence, and the physics that kill experienced seafarers Estimated read time: 25–30 minutesSkill level: Cadet → AB → Junior Officer → Chief Mate Contents Use the links below to jump to any section: GlossaryRelated ArticlesTags 1. Introduction – The Most Dangerous “Normal” Operation on Board Mooring is treated as routine because it […]
What “Seamanship” Really Means at Sea
Why deck work is less about tradition — and more about judgement, force, and consequence Estimated read time: 18–22 minutesSkill level: Cadet → Junior Officer → Senior Officer Contents Use the links below to jump to any section: 1. Introduction – Why Seamanship Is Misunderstood Ask ten people at sea what seamanship means and you […]
How Navigation Systems Actually Fail
Why most navigation accidents begin quietly, long before the grounding or collision Contents Use the links below to jump to any section: 1. Introduction – Navigation Systems Do Not “Break”, They Drift Navigation systems rarely fail in a dramatic way. There is almost never a moment where an officer looks at the bridge and says, […]
Emergency Response Planning for Oil Spill Response
Contents Use the links below to jump to any section: 1. Introduction – The Complexity of Oil Spill Response Oil spill response is a high-stakes operation requiring coordination, quick decision-making, and substantial resources. When an oil spill occurs, it can have devastating environmental, economic, and social impacts, which is why timely and effective response measures […]
Dynamic Positioning (DP) Case Studies & Lessons Learned
Contents Use the links below to jump to any section: 1. Introduction – The Cost of Complacency Dynamic Positioning (DP) is often hailed as a sophisticated system designed to keep vessels stationary in even the harshest conditions. While DP systems are effective, they are not infallible. Case studies involving DP failures often highlight that while […]
DP Class
Why DP class does not mean what many operators believe it means Contents Use the links below to jump to any section: 1. Introduction – Why DP Class Is Often Misunderstood Dynamic Positioning class is commonly treated as a badge of safety. “DP2 vessel” is spoken as though it represents immunity from loss of position. […]