The following should be born in mind when handling mooring lines/ropes: Be constantly aware of what is happening around you. Never sit on the bulwark or railing while waiting for something to happen. When throwing a heaving line, never stand on the edge of the deck. When waiting to send out a line, never stand…
When working with ropes the following should be borne in mind at all times: Never lead a rope around a sharp bend or over an edge. The chaffing action will quickly wear away the rope and cause it to part. To minimise this, always lead the rope around a smooth, rounded surface or preferably around…
There are five types of synthetic ropes, namely Nylon (Polymide). Nylon is the strongest of all ropes in common use and is slightly stronger than polyester. However, if it is much used, it becomes weaker than polyester. It is also the most elastic of all ropes and can stretch up to 30% of its length.…
There are five types of natural rope, namely the following: Manila. Manila is a golden brown colour and is made up of strands from a type of banana plant (the abaca) which grows in the Philippines, Borneo and central America. When mature the abaca plant grows to a height of three to ten metres. It…
The collective term used for all types of rope, twine and lines is cordage. Unlike the past when rope was measured by its circumference, it is now measured across its diameter. It is made either from vegetable or man-made fibres. The fibres are twisted together to form yarns, which are then twisted together in the…
At sea a ship requires personnel to operate it on a continuous basis. In order to do this the crew have to work shifts or watches. The system of watchkeeping may differ from ship to ship, but the system usually employed is based upon a three watch rotation, ie four hours on and eight hours…
The deck department comprises all the navigating officers and seaman ratings carried onboard. Their duties and responsibilities are as follows: Navigating officers. They are responsible for the “driving” of the vessel. By this is meant: The safe navigation of the vessel. Managing the day to day running of the vessel. As watchkeepers, they are in…
There are considerable differences between the organisation of naval and merchant ships and yet there are also basic similarities. In this module we will be looking at the merchant navy structure. The master of a ship is usually referred to as the captain which is usually the rank of the officer appointed in that post…
Hull plating. The outer surfaces of the hull is built of steel plates that are welded together and to the main internal structural members of the hull. The plates are welded end to end to form a panel of plating which runs forward and aft and is known as a strake. The most important and…
Water-borne vessels are constructed of various materials, ie steel, aluminium, wood, glass reinforced plastics (GRP). Steel is used for large vessels. Aluminium is used for very small craft and for on-board structures, ie minor bulkheads, deck houses, guardrail and awning stanchions, non-watertight doors and furniture. Wood is used for pleasure craft, yachts, small to medium…