PONDICHERRY MARITIME ACADEMY

 Differences between IT and OT systems Whereas IT systems manage data and support business functions, OT is the hardware and software that directly monitors/controls physical devices and processes and as such are an integral part of the ship and must function independently of the IT systems onboard. The systems can, however, be connected to the IT network for performance monitoring, remote support etc. Such systems are sometimes referred to as belonging to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT). There may be important differences between who handles the purchase and management of the OT systems versus IT systems on a ship. IT managers are not usually involved in the purchase of OT systems and may or may not have a thorough understanding of cyber security. The purchase of such systems should involve someone, who knows about the impact on the onboard systems but will most probably only have limited knowledge of software and cyber risk management. IT covers the...

Marine propulsion systems are incredibly complex units that have to function efficiently and smoothly without fail. Unlike car engines that can take some wear and tear, along with occasional breakdowns, marine engines must keep performing without any issue. It cannot afford to a breakdown in the middle of a voyage, since the nearest source of aid might be thousands of kilometres (technically, nautical miles) away. Thus, to keep the propulsion systems functioning effectively, a combination of sub-systems and integral machine parts are required to work in a synchronized manner. Should even one component give out, the entire engine might face catastrophic failure that could have far-reaching consequences on the safety of crew members and passengers. One highly probable reason for an engine to malfunction could be the buildup of fumes within the system. These fumes are generated during the normal functioning of the engine when fuel is ignited within the engine cylinders. Marine E...

Differences between IT and OT systems Whereas IT systems manage data and support business functions, OT is the hardware and software that directly monitors/controls physical devices and processes and as such are an integral part of the ship and must function independently of the IT systems onboard. The systems can, however, be connected to the IT network for performance monitoring, remote support etc. Such systems are sometimes referred to as belonging to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT). There may be important differences between who handles the purchase and management of the OT systems versus IT systems on a ship. IT managers are not usually involved in the purchase of OT systems and may or may not have a thorough understanding of cyber security. The purchase of such systems should involve someone, who knows about the impact on the onboard systems but will most probably only have limited knowledge of software and cyber risk management. IT covers the spec...

Mechanized power In the second half of the 20th century, rising fuel costs led to the demise of the steam turbine. In fact, since 1960, most of the new ships were built with diesel engines, which was a revolution. In fact, most modern ships use a piston diesel engine as their prime mover due to their ease of operation, reliability, and fuel economy compared to most other prime mover mechanisms. Alternative fuel engines Shipping companies are currently required to comply with IMO decarbonization regulations. To achieve compliance, many operators choose to use alternative fuels as their engine. One of these fuels is LNG. LNG The first LNG vessel dates back to 1959, when Methane Pioneer shipped cargo from Louisiana to the UK.Today, an LNG marine engine can have multiple fuel options, allowing ships to navigate without relying on a single fuel. In fact, research has shown that LNG can be an efficient transition fuel. However, limited access to LNG filling stations could a...

From the very beginning of human existence, ships were considered as an indispensable means of transportation, trade and war. Mankind does not know what was the first means for overcoming water spaces in humans. There are no chronicles that would record what the very first ship in the world was like, where and by whom it was built: there are only rock paintings. But nevertheless, the ancient Egyptians and their boats, made of reed and papyrus, are considered to be the first: after all, trees in Egypt were rare, very dearly valued, therefore, the first ship in the world was reed. Since then, people have tried to make ships faster and more efficient. For this, the methods of movement have changed over the centuries. From wind and steam to diesel engines and autonomous ships, engines are looking for an innovation, while recently the need for environmentally friendly transportation has become a driving force behind new methods of propulsion and the exploration of potentially new ones. In ...

Introduction: Situated at the bottom part of a ship's hull, a fin stabilizer plays a crucial role in minimizing excess rolling in either direction, enhancing stability during maritime operations. Despite its inconspicuous presence, every on-board engineer and officer must possess knowledge about the components and functioning of the fin stabilizer system. Components of the Fin Stabilizer System: 1. Fins: Two fins are integral parts of the ship's hull structure, one on the port side and one on the starboard side. These fins are operated and controlled from the fin stabilizer room located on both sides of the ship. 2. Fin Stabilizer Machinery Unit: Each stabilizer comprises a fin box housing the fin and supporting the fin actuating machinery. This unit facilitates the rigging, locking, and tilting of the fin, allowing adjustments of up to +/-25 degrees. 3. Hydraulic Power Units: Two hydraulic power units, situated in the stabilizer room on the port and starboard si...

A POLAR GLOSSARY We have been hearing about the climate changing and how it is affecting the poles. Sea ice, glaciers, and permafrost have all become part of our lexicon now. Let’s read up on what they are. FROST FLOWER Called so as they appear like flowers in a garden, the frost flowers are ice crystals that form in the air above the ocean surface. They’re saltier than seawater. The air should be dry and colder when compared to that of the surface of the water (some minus 7.6 degrees Fahrenheit) for the frost flowers to form. Scientists are studying these frost flowers which are seen to contain bacteria. SEA ICE The melting of sea ice has been a matter of concern for some time. Seen both in the arctic and Antarctic, sea ice is frozen seawater that floats on the ocean surface.it affects not just the polar environment but ocean circulation, whether, and global climate. The sea ice creates an insulating cap across the ocean surface.it lessens coastal erosion and protects ice shel...