PONDICHERRY MARITIME ACADEMY

Cargo ships, integral to global trade, are mandated to carry various certificates ensuring they meet international safety, environmental, and operational standards. These certificates, issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), flag states, and classification societies, verify that vessels comply with rigorous regulations. Here’s a detailed look at the key certificates carried by cargo ships: 1. International Tonnage Certificate (ITC) The ITC, issued under the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships (1969), confirms the ship's gross and net tonnage. This certificate is essential for port fees, safety regulations, and insurance purposes. 2. International Load Line Certificate (ILLC) Issued under the International Convention on Load Lines (1966), the ILLC ensures that the vessel adheres to regulations regarding the minimum safe freeboard, enhancing its stability and safety. This certificate guarantees that the ship is not overloaded and is seaworth...

 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...