Description

Seamanship Notes – Second Edition 

 

This informative book is designed to support students working towards their MCA Certificate of Competency exams. It is for any seafarer wishing to refresh or update their knowledge, covering navigation, cargo handling and stowage, emergency response and onboard ship operations. 

This book is based on the MCA examination syllabus and has been written to make the syllabus less daunting. Its structured study approach – using tables and bullet points to highlight key pieces of information – will help the reader gain confidence in the topic areas. 

 

 

It also brings together links to publications produced by the IMO, the MCA, the International Chamber of Shipping, P&I Clubs and other non-governmental organisations to help the reader source additional knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of each topic. 

This book aims to support students studying towards their Maritime and Coastguard Agency professional exams. 

 

 

The contents of the book are structured around the MCA examination syllabus. The book has been written to provide a brief overview of each topic. Tables and bullet points have been used as I greatly advocate the ‘flashcard’ study technique, and this style lends itself to that. 

There are links to primary sources of information and documents which will help you gain a deeper understanding of each topic. 

 

 

There are so many excellent publications in the public domain produced by the likes of IMO, the MCA, the International Chamber of Shipping, P&I clubs and other non-governmental organisations that can really develop your knowledge and be taken forward in your professional environment. 

I wanted to bring this book together because, on first reading, the syllabus can seem quite daunting. By taking a structured approach to your studying and knowing where to find key sources of information, you can soon gain confidence in the topic areas. 

 

 

Contents Listing:

Section 1 – Navigation

1 Passage Planning 

2 Navigational Charts and Publications 

3 Radio Navigational Warnings 

4 Ships Routeing Information 

5 Mandatory Reporting Systems 

6 IALA Systems of Maritime Buoyage 

7 Electronic Navigation Systems 

8 Electronic Chart Systems 

9 Radar and ARPA 

10 The Azimuth Mirror 

11 Marine Sextant 

12 Sources of Meteorological Information 

13 Meteorological Instruments 

14 Characteristics of Weather Systems 

15 Reporting and Recording Systems 

16 The Principles of Navigational Watchkeeping 

17 International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) 

18 Practical use of RADAR and ARPA 

19 Bridge Equipment 

20 Steering Control Systems 

21 The Bridge Procedures Guide 

22 Compasses 

23 Gyro Compass 

24 Associated Equipment 

25 Manoeuvre the Ship 

26 Preparation and Duties 

27 Use and Care of Mooring Lines and Associated Equipment 

28 Ship Handling 

29 Turning Short Round 

30 Action in the Event of a Failure 

31 Proper Procedures for Anchoring 

Section 2 – Cargo Handling and Stowage

32 Use and Care of Synthetic Fibre and Wire Ropes 

33 IMO Conventions and Guidelines Concerning the Safe Handling of Cargoes Onboard the Vessel 

34 Carriage of Goods by Sea 

35 Use of the Hydrometer 

Section 3 – Response to Emergencies

36 Response to Navigational Emergencies 

37 Precaution for the Protection and Safety of Passengers 

38 Use of the International Aeronautical and Marine Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual 

39 Distress and Emergency Signals 

40 Search and Rescue Around the UK and Worldwide 

41 Organisational Procedures for Emergency Parties and Drills 

42 Knowledge of Fire Prevention and Fire-Fighting Appliances 

43 Classes of Fire 

44 Properties of Fire Extinguishers 

45 Use and Care of Life Saving Appliances 

46 Markings on Survival Craft and Associated Equipment 

47 Launch and Manage Survival Craft 

48 Knowledge of SOLAS Training Manual 

49 Basic Principles of Survival 

50 Emergencies in Port 

51 Sources of Medical Information 

52 International Code of Signals and IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases 

53 IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases 

Section 4 – Onboard Ship Operations

54 MARPOL Prevention of Pollution 

55 MARPOL Precautions to Prevent Pollution from Ships 

56 The Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) 

57 Contents of SOPEP Plan 

58 Garbage Management Plan 

59 Anti-Pollution Equipment 

60 Fundamentals of Watertight Integrity 

61 Preparations for Heavy Weather 

62 Legislative Requirements 

63 Merchant Shipping Health and Safety Legislation 

64 IMO Conventions 

65 International Safety Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention (ISM) 

66 The Maritime Labour Convention 

67 Flag State and Port State