Seafarer's Question Answers

IMO has developed guidelines for identification and designation of Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA). Once an area falls under this category and IMO puts this area in the category of PSSA, there are one of these measures that will be implemented according to nature of concern for that area that makes it a sensitive sea area. These measures are The area may be adopted as a special area un...

As per  ISGOTT:  Dilution method takes place when the incoming inert gas mixes with the original tank atmosphere to form a homogeneous mixture throughout the tank so that, as the process continues, the concentration of the original gas decreases progressively. It is important that the incoming inert gas has sufficient entry velocity to penetrate to the bottom of the tank. To e...

Ship sanitation control exemption certificate certifies that the condition of sanitation is good on board the vessel. The certificate is issued by the port health. The certificate neither certifies anything related to flag of the vessel not it is issued by the flag of the vessel. So even if the flag of the vessel changes, it is not required to renew the ship sanitation control exemption cert...

eNOA need to be submitted at least 96 hours prior arrival if the voyage duration is more than 96 hours. But there is no limit mentioned for the earliest time that eNOA can be submitted. However it is understood that the earliest eNOA can be submitted is after departure from the previous port to the US arrival. Ideally if the time permits eNOA should be sent 6 days before arrival. Extra 2 d...

By new ship, I would assume yard delivery of a ship. In this case, the primary responsibility of the master would be to ensure that the ship is seaworthy. There are three areas that master needs to look for when ensuring the seaworthiness of the ship. to ensure that vessel is issued with all the statutory and mandatory certificates to ensure that the vessel is complying with the ISM code t...

Ship Broker is completely different profile from the sailing staff. Most of the ship brokers may never have sailed on a ship. The key skill required for a ship broker is the ability to negotiate and relationship building skills. Having said that, basic knowledge of ships and how the ships operate definately help when choosing to be a ship broker. Advanced knowledge of ships and ship handling is g...

Back in 70's Chemical tanker was an alien subject. But carriage of chemicals through the ships was on the rise. IMO (IMCO at that time) felt a great need to develop procedures for the tankers to carry chemicals. But this was a tough task due to lack of studies on the carriage of chemicals. In 1971, IMO by its resolution A. 212(VII) adopted the BCH code, the compliance to which was only ...

Yes it applies as per rule 10a this rule doesnt relieve any vessel of her obligation under any other rule except sailing vessel and fishing vessel whhic has to comply with 10i and 10j. For example if svsl is crossing pd vsl from stbd side and if she becomes aware of approach of pdvsl and when they are not in sight of one another then as per rule 10j she shall not impede the passage of pdvsl and as...

(G.T) Is a common measurement of the total internal volume of a ship(holds , tanks , stores , E/R ,bridge & accommodation & any close areas One ton=2,83 m3 (N.T) N.T=GT – deductions for space occupied by crew accommodation , E/R, BRIDGE & TANKS It represents space available for cargo & passengers...

Abort point is the point on the passage beyond which there is no sufficient sea room to turn back the vessel. When approaching or entering a port or procedding in a channel, the width of the channel may not be sufficent to turn the vessel.  The point where width of the channel becomes narrow enough that vessel cannot make a turn would be called Abort point. Point of no return is not relat...