Ocean Geography and Marine Transport

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered by oceans?

71%

Name the five major ocean basins as recognized by geographers.

Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern.

How many square miles do oceans cover according to the text?

139 million miles².

What is the approximate volume of water contained in the oceans?

About 1.37 billion km³. Signup and view all the answers

Which hemisphere has a higher percentage of ocean coverage?

Southern Hemisphere with 81%. Signup and view all the answers

What is the geographical term for smaller ocean regions such as the Mediterranean Sea?

Seas, gulfs, and bays. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of the book mentioned in the content?

To cover the basics of the maritime industry for students. Signup and view all the answers

When was the Southern Ocean recognized as a fifth named ocean?

Recently, as per modern geographical classifications. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main environmental benefits of using LNG compared to coal or oil?

LNG has lower carbon emissions than conventional fossil fuels. Signup and view all the answers

Identify one major risk associated with the transportation of LNG and LPG.

They are highly flammable and potentially dangerous gases. Signup and view all the answers

What specialized requirement do gas carriers have for loading and unloading operations?

They require specialized infrastructure and facilities. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of high-speed craft in maritime transport?

They can significantly increase the efficiency of transporting people and goods due to their high speed. Signup and view all the answers

What is one disadvantage of high-speed craft compared to conventional vessels?

They are typically more expensive to construct, maintain, and operate. Signup and view all the answers

How do naval ships differ from civilian ships in terms of design and purpose?

Naval ships are designed for military purposes and are heavily armed. Signup and view all the answers

What role do naval ships play in national security?

They protect a country’s maritime assets by offering security and protection. Signup and view all the answers

Mention one challenge associated with operating advanced naval ships.

They can be extremely costly to construct, run, and maintain. Signup and view all the answers

What are offshore ships primarily used for?

Offshore ships are mainly used for oil exploration and construction at sea. Signup and view all the answers

List two advantages of using offshore ships.

Offshore ships provide essential support for operations and are equipped with safety features for crew protection. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key disadvantage of offshore ships?

Offshore ships rely heavily on weather conditions for safe and effective operations. Signup and view all the answers

Describe a primary function of passenger ships.

Passenger ships, or cruise ships, are primarily used for transferring passengers and providing leisure travel experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Identify two advantages of passenger ships.

They offer enjoyable travel experiences and significantly contribute to the local economy by promoting tourism. Signup and view all the answers

What environmental issue is associated with large passenger ships?

Large passenger ships can have a substantial environmental impact. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common issue that passengers may face on crowded cruise ships?

Overcrowding can result in clogged common areas and insufficient personal space for passengers. Signup and view all the answers

What length range do offshore ships typically fall within?

Offshore ships usually range from 50 to 100 meters (160 to 330 ft) in length. Signup and view all the answers

What major change regarding sea-time requirements was introduced with the 2010 amendments to the STCW Convention?

The amendments involved substantial reductions in sea-time from the requirements of ILO convention 74. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the competency tables being revised in the 2010 STCW amendments?

The competency tables were revised to reflect modern ship requirements and the demands of today’s vessels. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a candidate to obtain an alternative certification in a different department?

The candidate must qualify in all functions at a determined level of responsibility in one department first. Signup and view all the answers

How does the alternative certification approach affect the responsibilities of crew members?

Alternative certification does not allow ship-owners to reduce crew numbers or increase workload for remaining crew. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the alternative certification according to the amended STCW?

The purpose is to align shipboard organization with modern technological developments and open new career paths. Signup and view all the answers

What conditions must be met regarding medical fitness and standards of competence for alternative certification?

The standards of competence, age, and medical fitness are the same as for the traditional method. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 2010 STCW Convention state about the role of ship-owners concerning alternative certification?

Ship-owners are not allowed to use alternative certification to undermine the integrity of the profession. Signup and view all the answers

What are integrated ratings and how does the 2010 STCW Convention address crew numbers?

Integrated ratings allow for various qualifications, but the introduction is not intended to reduce crew numbers. Signup and view all the answers

What are the essential requirements to opt for the next higher certificate?

Approved training and education, minimum age, approved seagoing service, and medical fitness. Signup and view all the answers

What type of training must all officers complete upon joining a ship?

Ship-specific and security familiarization training. Signup and view all the answers

Why is documenting basic safety training important for officers?

It ensures that officers have met training standards required for safety and pollution prevention duties. Signup and view all the answers

What specific safety skills must officers cover in their basic safety training?

Personal survival techniques, basic fire prevention and firefighting, elementary first aid, and personal and social responsibilities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the time frame within which basic safety training must have occurred for it to be valid?

Within five years before being assigned to safety and pollution prevention duties. Signup and view all the answers

What new requirement was introduced in the amended 2010 STCW regarding security officers?

Each ship must have a qualified security officer responsible for crew familiarization in security matters. Signup and view all the answers

What additional competencies were required for senior officers by the revised STCW?

Bridge resource management, engine resource management, and leadership and management skills. Signup and view all the answers

What should officers retain as evidence of their competency in safety functions?

Documentary evidence such as records of drills or letters from training centres. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

### Ocean Geography

Geographers have divided the ocean into five major basins: Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern.
Smaller ocean regions, like the Mediterranean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and the Bay of Bengal, are called seas, gulfs, and bays.

Oceans & Earth's Surface

Oceans cover 71% of the Earth's surface, while land covers only 29%.
Oceans cover an area of 139 million miles² or 361 million km².
Oceans contain approximately 1.37 billion km³ of water.
Oceans cover 61% of the Northern Hemisphere and 81% of the Southern Hemisphere.

LNG Gas Carriers

Gas carriers support transportation of cleaner energy sources, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Disadvantages:
- Move highly flammable and potentially dangerous gases.
- Require specialized infrastructure and facilities for loading/unloading operations.

High-Speed Craft

Use air pressure to move at high speed over water and feature engines and turbine propellers.
Primarily function as fast ferries for passengers.
Advantages:
- Enhance efficiency by transporting people and goods at speeds faster than conventional vessels.
- Provide a smooth and comfortable ride even at high speeds.
Disadvantages:
- More expensive to construct, maintain, and operate than conventional vessels.
- Consume more fuel per unit of distance traveled compared to slower ships.

Naval Ships

Military ships used by the Navy, including battleships, destroyers, and corvettes.
Designed for engaging enemy forces on the high seas, but can also be used for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Advantages:
- Protect a country’s maritime assets by offering security and protection from potential threats.
- Frequently used for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Disadvantages:
- Can be costly to construct, operate, and maintain.
- Are exposed to modern weapons systems, such as submarines, torpedoes, and anti-ship missiles.

### Offshore Ships

Mainly used for oil exploration and construction at sea.
Perform various tasks, including logistic support and transportation of goods, equipment, and crew personnel.
Advantages:
- Essential for supporting offshore operations in the oil and gas sector.
- Equipped with safety features to protect personnel and address emergencies.
Disadvantages:
- Operations heavily reliant on weather conditions.
- Complex vessels with modern technology and equipment that require skilled personnel and specialized training.

Passenger Ships

Also known as cruise ships, primarily for transporting passengers from one place to another.
Usually used for round-trip voyages to various ports, where passengers can go on tours.
Modern cruise ships are described as "floating condominiums laden with balconies."
Advantages:
- Offer a unique and enjoyable travel experience, allowing passengers to visit different locations and participate in leisure activities.
- Make a significant economic contribution to the cruise industry by promoting local business growth, creating jobs, and bringing in tourism revenue.
Disadvantages:
- Can have a substantial environmental impact.
- May become overcrowded, resulting in clogged common areas, lengthy lines, and insufficient personal space.

STCW Convention - Alternative Certification

Enables seafarers to perform different functions that are not necessarily within the same department.
Requires candidates to qualify in all functions at a determined level of responsibility in one department (deck or engine) before qualifying for other functions (at the same level) in a different department.
Purpose is to align shipboard organization with modern technological developments and open up new career paths for seafarers.
The convention prohibits ship owners from using alternative certification to reduce crew numbers, increase workloads, or undermine the integrity of the profession.

STCW Convention - Integrated Rating

The 2010 STCW Convention introduced qualifications for an integrated rating with multiple options for achieving it.
The introduction of integrated ratings on vessels is not intended to reduce crew numbers.

STCW Convention - Next Higher Certificate

Requires approved training and education, minimum age, approved seagoing service, and medical fitness.

STCW Convention - Officers' Duties on Joining a Ship

All officers need to complete a period of ship-specific and security familiarization training before being assigned shipboard functions.
This requirement applies to all crew members, including hotel staff holding officer rank in passenger ships.

STCW Convention - Basic Safety Training for Officers

Officers with safety and pollution prevention responsibilities must complete basic safety training.
This includes personal survival techniques, basic fire prevention and firefighting, elementary first aid, and personal and social responsibilities.
The training should be documented within five years of the officers being assigned to safety and pollution prevention duties.

STCW Convention - 2010 Amendments

All ships must have a qualified security officer delegated by the company and master of the ship.
The security officer is responsible for ensuring the crew is familiarized and trained in security matters for the vessel.
The revised convention has introduced bridge resource management and engine resource management requirements for senior officers, and leadership and management skills within their certificate.

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Description

Explore the vastness of our oceans, covering the five major basins and various smaller bodies of water. Additionally, this quiz delves into the transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the technology behind high-speed craft. Test your knowledge on ocean geography and marine transport technologies.