Flashcards Formatted
Describe the characteristics of an Aframax tanker.
- DWT: 80,000-120,000 MT
- Length: ~245m, Beam: ~42m, Draft: ~14m
- Equipment: Submerged cargo pumps, segregated ballast, inert gas system
- Cargo: Crude oil or clean petroleum products
- No cargo gear; relies on shore facilities
- Typical trade: Caribbean to US Gulf or Med-NW Europe crude runs
What must be shown in a side profile and cross-section drawing of a cargo vessel?
- Side profile: forecastle, hatch covers, cargo hold locations, engine room, bridge/accommodation block, draft marks, rudder, propeller
- Cross-section: double bottom, bulkheads, tank top, deck, cargo hold shape, tank arrangements
- Both must label key features and include approximate dimensions
Describe a trade route for a Kamsarmax bulk carrier.
- Example: Bauxite from Kamsar, Guinea to Qingdao, China
- Load: conveyor at Kamsar port
- Voyage: Atlantic > Cape of Good Hope > Indian Ocean > South China Sea
- Weather: Equatorial rain belts, SW monsoon
- Discharge: grabs & hoppers at Qingdao
- Hazards: moisture damage, cargo liquefaction, hull stress
What information is required to prepare a vessel’s operating budget?
- Vessel type, age, DWT, flag, class society, crew nationality, special equipment
- These affect manning, maintenance, insurance, spares, and compliance costs
- Info affected by owner decisions: flag changes, dry-dock schedule, trading area
List typical costs included in a vessel’s daily operating budget.
1) Crew wages and travel
2) Victualling and medical
3) Spares and stores
4) Insurance (H&M, P&I)
5) Technical management fees
6) Dry docking accruals
7) Class and statutory fees
8) Communication and admin
How are vessel operating costs monitored?
- Regular reporting from vessel and superintendent
- Budget vs actual comparison using software
- Unexpected variations from: breakdowns, crew changes, trading in war zones, insurance premium hikes, urgent dry-docking
What are the key elements in a voyage estimate calculation?
- Voyage distance and speed
- Port times and cargo rates (e.g., 15,000 MT/day)
- Bunker consumption (sea/port) and prices
- Port costs, canal fees, barge costs
- Freight earned and commission
- Daily running cost
- Safety margins and ROB requirements
Why is a fuel safety margin required in voyage planning?
To ensure compliance with MARPOL and good seamanship:
* Typically 5 days of consumption
* Covers unexpected delays, diversions, bad weather
* Often checked during PSC or vetting
When would you choose to stem bunkers at discharge port rather than load port?
- Lower bunker price at discharge port
- Vessel already has sufficient fuel to reach it
- Avoids barge delays or surcharges at load port
- Allows full cargo intake without trim/draft issues from heavy fuel tanks
Why must minimum ROBs be left for spot market employment?
- Ensures next charterer has fuel to reposition
- Avoids idle time or expensive emergency bunkering
- Often contractual in charter parties or recap terms
What are the functions of a Classification Society?
- Verifies vessel compliance with construction and safety standards
- Conducts technical surveys (hull, machinery, electrical)
- Issues key statutory and class certificates (e.g., Load Line, Safety Construction)
- Approves plans for newbuildings and modifications
- May act on behalf of Flag States for statutory compliance
What surveys are required by Class during a vessel’s life?
- Annual Survey: checks key systems, machinery, structure
- Intermediate Survey: every 2-3 years (depending on class)
- Special Survey: every 5 years; full drydock, structure, tanks
- Occasional Surveys: after damage, incident, or change of service
List five certificates issued by Classification Societies.
1) International Load Line Certificate - verifies freeboard and loading limits
2) Safety Construction Certificate - ship’s hull and safety features
3) Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate - firefighting/lifesaving gear
4) ISM Code Document of Compliance - company management
5) Safety Radio Certificate - GMDSS compliance
What is the purpose of the ISM Code and how does it relate to crew competency?
- Ensures safe operation of ships and pollution prevention
- Requires companies to maintain Safety Management System (SMS)
- Must employ QCM (Qualified, Certificated, Medically fit) crew
- Non-compliance can lead to detention or loss of insurance coverage
How can a company ensure QCM crew are employed and retained?
- Use approved crewing agents
- Verify STCW certificates and medical fitness
- Maintain training programs and career progression
- Competitive wages and rotations reduce attrition
What is the ISPS Code and what does it require from ships and managers?
- International Ship and Port Facility Security Code
- Protects ports from ship-borne threats (e.g., terrorism, smuggling)
- Requires Ship Security Plan, Ship Security Officer, regular drills
- Company must have a Company Security Officer and Document of Compliance
What documents are required to show ISPS compliance?
- International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC)
- Approved Ship Security Plan (SSP)
- Security records/logs
- Evidence of security drills, audits, and training
What factors affect choice of route between Panama, Suez, or Cape of Good Hope?
- Canal size limits and fees
- Piracy risk (e.g., Gulf of Aden)
- Bunker costs and availability en route
- Weather patterns (e.g., SW monsoon, typhoon season)
- Port rotation and cargo schedule
- Canal delays or booking restrictions
What resources are available to assist in routing decisions?
- NOAA and ECMWF weather forecasts
- BIMCO piracy and war risk maps
- Bunkerworld, Ship & Bunker for fuel prices
- Port agencies and agents for congestion updates
- Nav routing software (e.g., SPOS, Bon Voyage)
How can you ensure the quality and quantity of bunkers received?
- Use trusted bunker suppliers with ISO/IBIA compliance
- Retain representative fuel samples during bunkering
- Compare BDN against supplier’s lab report
- Perform laboratory testing (viscosity, sulphur, pour point)
- Monitor consumption and engine performance for anomalies
Name four areas where 0.1% sulphur fuel is required.
1) Baltic Sea SECA
2) North Sea SECA
3) US/Canada ECA
4) US Caribbean ECA
Also under EU Directive:
- All ships at berth in EU ports must use 0.1%S
These zones are shown on world maps in MARPOL Annex VI guidance
What are the risks of using off-spec or contaminated bunkers?
- Engine damage (e.g., injector fouling, filter blockage)
- Blackout or propulsion loss
- Breach of charter party terms
- Violation of MARPOL regulations
- Off-hire claims and disputes with charterers
What is the IMSBC Code and what does it cover?
IMSBC = International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code
- Regulates safe stowage and carriage of bulk cargoes
- Categorizes hazards: Group A (liquefaction risk), B (chemical hazards), C (non-hazardous)
- Requires: Cargo Declaration, Certificate of Moisture Content, TML, Shipper’s Declaration
- Aims to prevent shifting, liquefaction, fires, and gas emissions
What problem does the IBWMC address and what are its requirements?
IBWMC = International Ballast Water Management Convention
- Prevents transfer of invasive aquatic species via ballast water
- Requires: Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP), Ballast Water Record Book (BWRB)
- Equipment: Treatment system (UV or chemical), sampling point, flow meter
- Certificate: International Ballast Water Management Certificate (5-year validity)
