Okay, here's an essential summary of Chapter 3, "Basic Seamanship," with key-point
explanations, tailored for your exam. This covers all the main sections, including the crucial
"Anchoring and Mooring Station," and omits any sections not present in the chapter content.
Chapter 3: Basic Seamanship - Essential Summary for Exam
This chapter lays the fundamental knowledge and practical skills required for deck operations
on a ship.
1. Draft Marks & Ship's Inclination (List & Trim)
● Reading Draft Marks: Understand how to read the numerical markings on the ship's hull
which indicate the vertical distance from the waterline to the keel.
● Purpose: Draft readings are vital for determining ship's displacement, under keel
clearance, cargo quantity, freeboard, and detecting hogging/sagging.
● List vs. Trim:
○ List: Transverse inclination (sideways tilt) of the ship, usually due to internal weight
distribution.
○ Trim: Longitudinal inclination (fore and aft tilt) of the ship, calculated from forward
and aft draft readings.
2. Sounding & Density Measurement
● Hand Lead Line: An traditional tool for measuring water depth, particularly in coastal
waters or during grounding, and determining the nature of the seabed.
● Hydrometer: An instrument used to measure the relative density of liquids (e.g., dock
water), crucial for calculating cargo quantities accurately.
3. Access Equipment (Pilot Ladders, Jacob's Ladders, Bosun Chairs, Stages,
Scaffolding)
● Pilot Ladders:
○ Arrangement & Rigging: Know proper setup, securing (well clear of discharge),
manropes, and lighting as per regulations (SOLAS).
○ Safety & Maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance are crucial for safe
use.
● Jacob's Ladders: Understand their construction and basic maintenance.
● Bosun Chairs, Rigging Stages, Scaffolding: Used for working aloft or over the ship's
side. Always adhere to strict safety precautions (e.g., proper rigging, safety harnesses,
tool lanyards).
4. Ropes and Wire Works
● Types of Ropes: Be able to identify and differentiate between vegetable fibers, synthetic
fibers, and wire ropes based on their properties and common uses.
● Handling & Maintenance: Basic knowledge of proper handling, splicing, and
maintenance to ensure their longevity and safety.
5. 3.6 Anchoring and Mooring Station (CRUCIAL SECTION)
This section is critical for safe ship handling during arrival and departure.
● Anchoring Operations:
○ Key Terms: Understand terms like "short stay," "long stay," "foul anchor,"
"catenary," "windrode," "tide rode."
○ Procedure: Know the step-by-step process for letting go and heaving up anchor,
emphasizing Chief Officer's supervision.
○ Windlass & Brake: Importance of checking windlass brake effectiveness and
securing the anchor properly for sea passage, especially in heavy weather.
● Mooring Operations:
○ Mooring Lines: Understand the purpose and characteristics of different mooring
lines (e.g., head/stern lines, breast lines, spring lines) and the types of ropes used
(synthetic, wire).
○ Procedures: Know pre-arrival checks, actions during mooring/unmooring, and the
importance of clear communication (signals) and watch-keeping.
○ Safety: Critical awareness of the dangers of transferring tension to stoppers and
safe working practices near taut lines.
● Use of Tugs:
○ High Risk: Recognize tug line handling as a high-risk operation requiring precise
communication.
○ Precautions: Emphasize pre-checks (equipment condition) and strict safety
measures during operations to prevent accidents, especially avoiding standing near
stressed tug lines.
Focus on understanding the why behind each procedure and the associated safety precautions,
as these are often tested in exams. Good luck!
