Multi-purpose Ships Overview

Multi-purpose Ships

• Versatile vessels capable of transporting diverse cargo types, including containers, bulk cargo, and breakbulk cargo.
• Equipped with specialized cargo handling gear to accommodate different cargo types.

Ship's Dimensions

• Length Overall (LOA): Total length from the foremost to aftmost points.
• Beam: Width of the ship at its widest point.
• Depth: Vertical distance from the keel's bottom to the main deck.
• Draft: Distance between the waterline and the keel, indicating how deep the ship sits in water.
• Freeboard: Distance from the waterline to the lowest point of the deck edge.

Ship's Principal Structure

• Keel: Backbone providing structural integrity, running from bow to stern.
• Frames:
  • Transverse Frame: Vertical ribs from keel to deck, enhancing hull shape and strength.
  • Longitudinal Frame: Horizontal supports along the ship's length for added strength.
• Bulkheads: Vertical partitions enhancing rigidity and providing watertight integrity.
• Decks: Horizontal structures above the hull serving as floors, contributing to structural strength.
• Hull Plating:
  • Outer Plating: External shell offering watertight integrity.
  • Inner Bottom Plating: Internal layer in double-bottom hull for safety and strength.
  • Strakes: Longitudinal plating lines on the hull.
  • Sheer Strake: Uppermost strake at the deck level for additional strength.

Collision and Longitudinal Bulkheads

• Collision Bulkhead: Located near the bow, prevents water ingress into main compartments during collisions.
• Longitudinal Bulkheads: Run lengthwise for strength, dividing hull into smaller compartments to improve stability.

Accommodation and Tank Bulkheads

• Accommodation Bulkheads: Separate living areas from workspaces, enhancing comfort and noise reduction.
• Tank Bulkheads: Enclose tanks for liquids like fuel or ballast, designed to withstand internal liquid pressure.

Seaworthiness

• Condition of a ship ensuring safe operation at sea, requiring:
  • Structural Integrity: Hull and components must be defect-free.
  • Equipment: Navigation and safety gear must function properly.
  • Crew Competence: Adequately trained crew members.
  • Maintenance: Regular inspections to maintain seaworthiness.
  • Compliance: Adherence to international standards like SOLAS and MARPOL.

Seamanship

• Involves the skill and knowledge for effective ship operation, including:
  • Navigation: Planning safe courses using navigational aids.
  • Ship Handling: Maneuvering the vessel safely in various conditions.
  • Safety Management: Implementing safety procedures and conducting drills.
  • Communication: Effective interaction with the crew and external entities.
  • Knowledge of Maritime Laws: Comprehending international regulations.
  • Weather Awareness: Understanding weather impacts on navigation.

Plimsoll Mark

• Also known as the Load Line, indicating the maximum safe draft for loading a ship.
• Essential for maintaining stability and safety.
• Named after Samuel Plimsoll, an advocate for maritime safety in the 19th century.

Equipment and Safety Procedures

• Tools: Wrenches, screwdrivers, and other essential maintenance tools.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Includes hard hats, safety harnesses, gloves, and non-slip footwear.
• Maintenance Procedure:
  • Conduct safety briefings and inspect tools before use.
  • Follow safety protocols during maintenance tasks.
  • Document and report completed tasks and inspections.

Deck Equipment and Machinery Overview

Valves and Pumps

• Valves: Control flow and pressure, prevent backflow.
  • Types: Gate, Globe, Ball, Check, Butterfly valves.
• Pumps: Move fluids throughout the vessel.
  • Types: Centrifugal, Positive Displacement, Diaphragm, Submersible pumps.
• Safe Use: Inspect before operation, ensure proper settings, and follow manufacturer guidelines.

Lifting Gears

• Types: Cranes, Derricks, Davits, Winches.
• Facilitate safe lifting and lowering of heavy loads, enhancing operational efficiency.
• Inspect, train operators, and use appropriate signals during operations.

Deck Machineries

• Winches: Used for hauling ropes.
• Windlass: Primarily used for anchoring operations.
• Capstan: Vertical shaft for winding ropes and securing lines.
• Procedures include equipment inspection, clear areas during operation, and adherence to manufacturer guidelines.

Other Deck Equipment

• Hatches: Openings for cargo access.
• Watertight Doors: Prevent flooding between compartments.
• Port Holes: Small windows for visibility and light.