The introduction of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) enhances the communication and alerting system among ship stations as well as stations ashore. This system was enforced for mandatory installation as of February 1, 1999 to passenger vessels and cargo vessels of 300 gross tonnage and upwards engaged on international voyages. During that date the Morse code was phased out. This new system provides rapid and automated alerting and will increase the chance of rescue following a distress incident as satellite, locating and other equipments were integrated into the system. The system is designed to be capable of performing the communication functions described by SOLAS chapter IV. Continue to the MERSAR page>>

This powerpoint presentation explains and summarizes the duties and responsibilities of a Rating forming part of navigational watch. It is essential that Deck officers know the role of Ratings during a watch since these ratings will be working under the watchful eye of the duty officer. When on a navigational duties, a rating must be able to perform efficiently and competently and whether assigned as a Look-out or a helmsman, a rating must be able to keep full attention. The powerpoint presentation also covers Standard Helm Orders and Procedures. Download the free powerpoint or you may also proceed to the main Deck watchkeeping page>>

This free downloadable powerpoint presentation was made available to provide education and training resources to benefit the students and instructors in the Maritime Profession, especially the students of Capitol University particularly the College of Maritime Education and anyone interested in learning the Deck Watchkeeping for Officers. It was hoped to give information and guidance on the keeping and maintaining a safe watch at sea in accordance with STCW 95 requirements. This covers the areas such as the Duties and Responsibilities of Masters, officers, and ratings in keeping a safe navigational watch; Standard Helm Orders; Competence for duty; the Principles to be observed in keeping navigational watch with or without a Pilot; Watch arrangements, handing over and taking over the watch; Maintaining an efficient look-out; Safe Speed; Protection of the Marine Environment; Checks and Maintenance of Navigational Equipments; Compliance with SOLAS Chapter V/19; Conduct of Watch in Clear and in Restricted Visibility; Bridge Team Composition; Maneuvering and Warning Signals; and other information essential in keeping of a Navigational Watch. Continue to the download page >>

Navigation or Marine Navigation is an art and science of navigating or conducting a ship from one place to another in a shortest and safest distance. It is an Art because it depends on the skill and knowledge of the Navigator that performs such ability. Navigation is also a Science in a sense that it refers to a wide body of systematic knowledge and practices. Marine Navigation covers Terrestrial navigation wherein the navigator conducts a vessel by aids to navigation such as observing lighthouses, buoys, beacons, landmarks and determined soundings and depths of water. This also includes Dead Reckoning, a technique of determining an estimation of ship’s position taking into account factors like distance and direction traveled. Electronic Navigation is also one of the branches in Marine navigation wherein the navigator conducts a vessel by electronic aids such as radar, echo sounder, Global Positioning System or GPS, and Electronic Chart Display and Information System or ECDIS. Marine Navigation covers as well the Celestial Navigation wherein the navigator conducts a vessel with the aid of a sextant used on determining position by observing celestial bodies such as the moon, stars, planets, and the sun. However in navigating a ship safely, a thorough knowledge and skill, and competence of the navigator are a necessity on, but not limited to: marine meteorology and oceanography, collision regulations at sea, GMDSS, SOLAS, and all other fields which is of vital importance to the marine profession.

It should be the policy of an organization to take all rational and practicable steps to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees and to protect all other persons against hazards to safety and health under their premises and its activities. The Safety awareness among individuals in an organization and realistic emergency procedures should be strictly in place to safeguard against accidents and injuries. But when your Emergency arrangement is not yet well structured or there is no such arrangement in your organization at all, at least you or your superior must be able to react efficiently at your own level and capabilities to evacuate others away from danger. That is why it is very important to assign a responsible person in case an emergency arises. Herein you will find the general procedures on an emergency and how to evacuate safely from your building premises to a safe area:
1.        Immediately upon hearing the fire alarm or an announcement to evacuate, all personnel shall do so calmly. On your way out, turn off lights and all electrical equipment and proceed to your designated assembly points; or to an area clear from walls, buildings and other dangers in case you do not have this arrangement.
2.        A responsible person shall let their subordinates to form two lines (only when dealing with a huge crowd or evacuating from narrow corridors) inside the premises and prepare to move out. Unless they receive contrary instructions, they shall lead towards the exits until they reach the assembly point.
3.        Everybody shall walk briskly but do not run, push nor attempt to overtake one another. The responsible person shall call the roll to account for individuals under their look-out. Should there be anybody missing, the responsible person shall immediately inform authorities so that actions can be made.
4.        Do not let anybody to re-enter the building unless it has been secured and confirmed that it is clear and out of danger.
Emergencies are unpredictable. So be prepared when it happen.
You may also like to read: http://www.web-articles.info/e/a/title/The-Bear-Facts-about-Personal-Safety-and-Self-Defense/

The focus of these downloads is to gain insights on how the atmospheric pressure is distributed around the earth and its effect on the prevailing winds and ocean surface currents, as well as shipborne meteorological instruments and their operation, various weather systems, reporting procedures and recording systems, the meteorological information, and the ocean currents and waves.

Hence, the download page was established to provide education and training resources to benefit the students and instructors in the Maritime Profession, especially the students of Capitol University particularly the College of Maritime Education and anyone interested in learning the basics of Marine meteorology and oceanography. The PowerPoint download is provided for free and is the own work of 2/M John Jaromahum, my co-instructor at Capitol University, College of Maritime Education. Click here to go to METEO 1 main download page

Under old traditions of the sea and various provisions of laws internationally, merchant ships are obligated to assist those in distress at sea whenever they can safely do so. Their responsibility to render assistance to a distressed vessel or aircraft is based on compassionate factors and as established by international practice. Specific obligations can be found in several conventions, including Annex 12 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, and Regulation V/33 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS 1974).

Hence,  the Merchant Ships Search and Rescue download page was established to provide education and training resources to benefit the students and instructors in the Maritime Profession, especially the students of Capitol University particularly the College of Maritime Education and anyone interested in learning the role of Merchant ships during Search and Rescue Operation. The PowerPoint download is provided for free and is proudly my own work. Click here to go to MERSAR main download page. For more Maritime Education powerpoints go to the Download Section.

Fire is probably the greatest single safety-related threat to our workplaces, our homes and the members of it.   Even if everyone were to escape safely, a fire could destroy our facilities and all our documents and data.   It is important therefore that we do as much as we can to prevent a fire starting.   If despite our best efforts a fire should start, a fast and effective response can help save life and property.  So I made a simple guide and hope this will make you aware of the procedures in case a fire arises.

If you discover a fire, it is important to take the following steps in the order given:
1)         Sound the alarm whether the fire is still small as no fire is so small that the alarm does not need to be sounded.  A fire extinguisher should not be discharged onto a fire until the alarm has been sounded.
2)         Get someone to call the fire department.
3)         Warn others in the area by shouting “fire”!  as some people do not always respond immediately to fire alarms and may only think of it as a false alarm.
4)         Only if you can do so without putting your own safety at risk, attempt to fight the fire with a suitable extinguisher, otherwise close the door to the area where the fire is to contain the fire and leave the building and await the arrival of the fire brigade.           

If you hear the fire alarm (normally a continuous ringing of the bell for more than 10 seconds):
1)         Check the rooms near to yours, if you can, to ensure the occupants have heard the alarm and have left
2)         Leave the building by the nearest exit and go to the assembly points
3)         If you have any information about someone who might be still in the building, report to the person in charge.
Do not re-enter the building until the fire alarm has been silenced.
Always make it a daily habit to check that corridors and escape routes must be kept clear. Combustible materials should not be stored in corridors or on escape routes where they could become a source of fire and smoke.
 
Furniture and other items should not be placed so they partially block escape routes. Narrowing of escape routes will reduce the rate at which people can leave the building in an emergency.  In a corridor filled with smoke, furniture can create a serious obstacle for someone who is trying to find their way out. To read on the overview of Fire, click here or check the gallery section for firefighting photos.

     The word hazard could either be any activity, situation or substance that can cause harm. Hazards can:
     * be actual or potential
     * be physical, biological or behavioural, including temporary conditions such as fatigue, shock, alcohol or drugs
     * arise or be caused within or outside a place of work.
      Overall, the aim of this is to minimise accidents and ill health on workplace.
    To further minimize accidents and/or minimize ill health on workplaces an assessment should first establish what (if any) hazards are present at the place of work and then identify the most effective way to manage them. The assessment will depend on the nature of the activity and the type and extent of the hazards and risks. The process should be simple, but meaningful.
     The preferred action or safe guard is to eliminate the hazard so that it no longer poses a risk to safety. If this can’t reasonably be done, the hazard should be isolated. If this can’t reasonably be done, the danger posed by the hazard must be minimised.

 Bomb threats are very rampant now especially in the Philippines. So I made a safety measure which could help you guide whenever a Bomb threat is called in or you find a suspisious package left unattended.
Indicators of a possible:
-Strange, unusual, unattended baggages, bags, boxes or parcels;
-Tightly wrapped and compact packages or parcels;
-Oily strains on an envelope or wrapping;
-A ticking sounds similar that of a clock is heard;
-Presence of electric wires, plastic cord and batteries in a baggage, bag or box;
-Delivery of unexpected package or parcels;
-Keep in mind that bombs can be constructed to look like almost anything and can be placed or delivered in many ways.
Don’ts 
-Don’t panic;
-Don’t touch the suspected incendiary device or bomb;
-Don’t move or attempt to open suspicious or unattended packages;
-Don’t receive any package, bag, box or parcel from strangers;
-In case of actual explosion, don’t tamper with the debris. 
Do’s
-Move at least 300 feet away from the bomb;
-Turn off electrical and gas units when possible;
-Report immediately the presence of suspicious packages to the building administrator or chief security guard or uniformed personnel;
-Call the nearest police station.
In Case a Bomb Threat is called in…
-Keep the caller or line as long as possible. Record every word spoken by the caller;
-Ask the caller where the bomb is located and what time it will detonate;
-Pay attention to background noises, such as motors running or music playing, which may give a clue as to the location of the caller;
-Listen closely to the caller’s voice (male, female), voice quality (calm, exited), accent, speech impediment;
-Report information immediately to the authorities;
-Remain available. Law enforcers will want to interview you.