Curs Nav I, s1

CONSTANTA MARITIME UNIVERSITY
MARITIME ENGLISH
COURSEBOOK
1st year
1st semester
Lecturer dr. Corina Popescu

CONTENTS
1.UNIT 1 SHIPPING …………………………………………….………………….3

2.UNIT 2 CREW ROLES AND ROUTINES……………………………………...7
3.UNIT 3 TYPES OF VESSELS……………………………………………………10
4.UNIT 4 THE MAIN PARTS OF A SHIP………………………………………..14
5.UNIT 5 CARGO AND ITS HANDLING…………………………………….…..16
6.UNIT 6 STEERING A COURSE…………………………………………………18
7.UNIT 7 COMMUNICATION AT SEA…………………………………………..20
8.UNIT 8 SHIP CONSTRUCTION…………………………………………………22
9.UNIT 9 SEAMANSHIP………………………………………….………………..26
10. UNIT 10 NAVIGATION…………….………………………………….……….30
11. UNIT 11 MAINTENANCE…………………………………….……………… 34
12. UNIT 12 SAFETY ABOARD……………………………………..…………….37
13. UNIT 13 RADIO COMMUNICATIONS………………………………….…..41
14. UNIT 14 VHF PROCEDURE…………………………….…………………….45
2
UNIT 1
SHIPPING
Merchant ships are designed to carry cargo. Some are also designed to carry
passengers. Nowadays, most merchant ships are built to carry cargo, but a few still carry
passengers. Merchant vessels can operate in the following three basic ways. They can
operate as liners. These are employed on regular routes on a fixed timetable. A list of
their arrival and departure dates is published in advance and they sail whether full or
not. Liners can be classed as either deep-sea liners or short-sea liners. The former carry
mainly containerized cargo across the oceans of the world; the latter carry containerized
or conventional cargo on shorter routes. Ferries are also classed as liners. These offer a
daily or weekly service for passengers and vehicles across channels and narrow seas. A
few ships are still employed as passenger liners. They not only carry passengers but also
some cargo on routes from Europe to North America and to the Far East. Nowadays the
passenger trade is very small and passenger liners usually operate as cruise ships for
part of the year.
Merchant ships also operate as tramps. These vessels do not sail on regular
routes or keep to a fixed timetable, but are employed where there is cargo for them to
carry. Tramps can be classed as deep-sea tramps or short-sea tramps. A number are
classed as coasters. These ply on coastal routes and up rivers to inland ports. The
traditional tramp cargoes are dry bulk cargoes, but some are designed to carry general
cargoes.
A large number of merchant ships operate as specialized vessels. These are
designed to carry a particular type of cargo. There are several types of specialized
vessel. The most common are oil tankers. They are owned by the major oil companies
or by independent operators. Two other types of liquid bulk carrier of growing
importance are chemical carriers and liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers.
Use your imagination to try to answer these questions:

Why do only a few merchant ships carry passengers nowadays?
Why do passenger liners operate as cruise ships for part of the year?
Why are tramps mainly designed to carry dry bulk cargoes?
What other types of specialized vessel can you think of?
GRAMMAR
Quantifiers, or amount words, indicate the approximate quantity or amount of

the noun they qualify or represent.
Study the table below which gives the most commonly used quantifiers.
AmountCountablesUncountablesa total amountallallan almost total
amountmostmosta large amountmany a lot (of) a large number
(of)much a lot (of) a large amount (of)a small amountsome several a
fewsome a littlea very small amountfewlittlezero amount no
noneno none
3
(A) Quantifiers
Study the following points and examples:
1. All, most, many, much, some, several, (a few, (a) Little, can be used without a noun
to avoid repetition
e.g. All liners carry passengers or cargo. All follow regular routes.
Some cargo is carried in holds. Some is carried on deck. (Note: Much is normally used
in only negative and interrogative sentences.
e.g. He had not much money so he walked into town. Is there much cargo to be
unloaded?)
2. When a large number, a large amount and a lot are followed by a noun, of must
be used
e.g. A large number of merchant ships carry bulk cargo.
Exercise 1. Complete the table below to show which quantifiers can be used
with the countable noun 'passengers' and the uncountable noun
'money'. Two have been done for you. If the noun cannot be used
with a particular quantifier, you must leave a blank space.
QuantifierCountable nounUncountable nounseveral
no a lot of few much a large number of a little
all many
money
passengers
3. No and none are used as follows:

e.g. No tankers can carry passengers. None should discharge oil into the sea.
4. There is a positive/negative contrast between a little and little and between a few
and few. Study the difference in meaning in these sentence pairs:
There was a little time before the ship sailed, so he stayed ashore longer.
There was little time before the ship sailed, so he went on board immediately.
A few people were sitting on deck, because the sun was shining.
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QuantifierCountable nounUncoun table nouna large amount of
a few
some
most
little
Exercise l.
Choose a suitable quantifier and either 'passengers' or 'money' to complete these
sentences:
travel by cargo liner.
is needed to operate a shipping fleet.
enjoy being at sea when it is rough.
are allowed down in the engine room.
on board ship should be kept in a safe place.
(B) Logical connectives

Structures can be linked in a number of ways. One way is by using connecting words
such as and, or, but.
Study how they are used in these examples:

1. And is a general purpose link
Passenger liners carry passengers.
Passenger liners carry cargo.
(a) + (b) Passenger liners carry passengers and cargo. Here it means they carry both and
suggests at the same time.
2. Or adds an alternative
Cargo liners are designed to carry containerized cargoes.
Cargo liners are designed to carry conventional cargoes.
(a) + (b) Cargo liners are designed to carry containerized or conventional cargoes. If and
were used here it would suggest 'at the same time'.
3. But suggests contrast or the addition of something unexpected

Merchant ships are classified by type and trade.
Warships are classified by type and size.
(a) + (b) Merchant ships are classified by type and trade, but warships are classified by
type and size.
Exercise 1.
Join the following groups of sentences using and, or, but, as appropriate:
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(a) A cadet can train as a Deck Officer.
A cadet can train as an Engineer Officer.
(b) The ship was old.
The ship was in good condition.
(c) Passenger liners carry passengers.
Passenger liners carry some cargo.
(d) Tankers usually operate as specialized vessels.
Tankers sometimes operate as tramps.
(e) Merchant ships are designed to carry liquid cargo.
Merchant ships are designed to carry dry cargo.
(f) Warships are designed for speed.
Warships are designed for maneuverability.
Sometimes the linking of two structures can be made more complete by putting a word
before the connecting word. This tells us to expect an addition or an alternative a little
later. Study these samples.
1. Additions: both . .. and; not only .. . but also
Some ferries carry both passengers and cars. Some ferries carry not only passengers but
also cars.
2. Alternatives: either ... or; neither... nor (negative)
Merchant ships are designed to carry either liquid or dry cargo.
The sailor had neither money nor his passport.
Exercise l.
Rewrite these sentences using the above pairs of connecting words as appropriate in as
many ways as possible, but keeping the original meaning:
(a) He failed the practical exam and the written exam. (b) A cadet can train as a Deck
or an Engineer Officer. (c) The crew saved the ship and the cargo.
They had no food and no water for two days.

Some ferries carry passengers and vehicles.
Merchant ships operate as tramps or liners.
UNIT 2
Crew roles and routines
6
The man in charge of a ship is the Master. He is responsible for the ship, her
cargo and the safety of the crew. He must be well qualified and an experienced
navigator. Although his correct title is the Master, he is addressed as 'Captain'.
The organization of the crew of a cargo ship is changing, but it is still customary
to find Deck, Engine, Catering and Radio Departments in ships of a reasonable size.
Each department is made up of a varied number of officers, petty officers and ratings.
The Chief Officer, or First Mate as he is often called, is the Master's chief officer
and head of the Deck Department. He is assisted by a Second Officer (Mate), a Third
Officer (Mate), and sometimes a Fourth Officer (Mate). Several companies employ a
First Officer as well as a Chief Officer. The Deck Department also includes a Boatswain
(Bosun) and a Carpenter, both petty officers, and a number of ratings. These are made
up of Able Seamen (AB), Ordinary Seamen (OS) and a middle grade known as Efficient
Deck Hands (EDH). There are other grades of seamen. On some ships Navigating
Cadets are carried for training purposes.
The Chief Engineer is head of the Engine Department. He is assisted by a
Second, Third, Fourth and sometimes Fifth Engineer. An Electrical Officer may also be
carried. The engine room petty officers are the Storekeeper and Donkeyman. On tankers
there is also a Pumpman. He is also a petty officer. The engine room ratings are
Firemen and Greasers. There may also be Engineer Cadets.
The Catering Department is under the Chief Steward. It is divided into a saloon
and galley section. The former is headed by the Second Steward, the latter by the Ship's
Cook. They are both usually petty officers. They are assisted by several stewards and
cooks, and by a number of junior ratings.
The Radio Department often consists of only one man: the Radio Officer. On
ships where continuous radio watches are kept there may be three radio officers: a
Chief, Second and Third.
GRAMMAR
(A) Function
A person's function, or what he does, can be expressed in terms of his responsibility.
Study these examples:
The Master is responsible for the safety of the ship.
The safety of the ship is the responsibility of the Master.
Note the addition here:
The Master is responsible to the company for the safety of the ship.
Exercise 1.
Link the following (do not change their order), using whichever pattern above is
appropriate:
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Chief Officer - Master - the Deck Department.
Third Officer -the life- saving equipment.
The sounding of tanks and bilges - Carpenter.
Radio Officer - radio Communications.
Chief Steward - Master - the Catering Department.
The preparation of food -Ship's Cook.
Chief Engineer - the efficient running of his department.
The loading and unloading of oil - Pumpman.
The function of a thing, or what it is used for, can be expressed in a number of ways:
By using the phrase: The function of... is to... e.g. The function of a crane is to lift heavy
objects.
By using the verb to use + for -ing

e.g. A crane is used for lifting heavy objects.
By using a verb expressing the function. e.g. A crane lifts heavy objects.
By using a prepositional phrase introduced by with e.g. We lift heavy objects with a
crane.
(B) Time relaters

Simultaneous time
When we want to show that one event takes place at the same time as another we can
link these events using when, while and as.
When and while
When tells us what time two simultaneous actions happen. It also implies that the two
events are completed, unless otherwise stated.
e.g. When the ship is launched, the crowds cheer.
While tells us that one action is happening at the same time as another. It is often used
with continuous tenses.
e.g. While the men were preparing for the launch, the people started to arrive.
Exercise 1.
Fill in the blanks with when or while as appropriate:
(a) the Captain steps on board, he is saluted.
(b) the main engine is being installed, the auxiliary machinery is fitted.
(c)Constant checks are made, the ship is being built.
(d) the surveyor inspects the lifeboats, he examines their equipment as well.
(e) the cargo holds are being lined, the derricks are assembled.
(f)Different types of paint are used, the ship is painted.
Reduced when and while clauses
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Clauses introduced by when and while can be reduced in the same way as clauses
beginning with after and before, that is, if the subject of the main clause is the same as
the subject of the time clause.
e.g. While the ship is being built, she is constantly being tested. While being built, the
ship is constantly being tested.
Exercise 2.
Reduce the following sentences, if it is possible to do so:
When the ship undergoes speed trials, she produces her maximum speed.
While the main engine is being installed, the auxiliary machinery is fitted.
While the engines are running, they are carefully checked.
When the surveyor inspects the lifeboats, he examines their equipment as well.
When a ship is tested, many people watch her progress.
While the ship covers the mile distance, she keeps a straight course.
As
When two actions are closely connected, as can be used instead of while
e.g. As the ship was leaving the harbour, she hit the jetty.
As is often used when the action in the time clause is the cause of the action in the main
clause.
e.g. As the sun rose, the sky became lighter. (Note: Clauses introduced by as cannot be
reduced.)
UNIT 3
9
TYPES OF VESSELS
Merchant ships can be classified according to what they carry. Most are
designed to carry cargo, but a few still carry passengers. Cargo ships can be divided into
two basic types. One type carries dry cargo, the other carries liquid cargo; however, an
OBO ship is designed to carry both. A traditional dry cargo ship is the multi-deck
vessel. Her holds are divided horizontally by one or two 'tween decks, because these
make stowage of individual packages easier. Dry bulk cargo is carried in bulk carriers.
These do not have 'tween decks as cargo is carried loose. The most modern type of dry
cargo carrier is the container ship. They carry containers of standard dimensions,
consequently stowage is easier.
Fruit, meat and dairy produce are carried in refrigerated ships. Oil tankers are
the most common type of liquid cargo carrier. They are often very large, because huge
quantities of oil need to be transported and one large vessel is more economical to
operate than two smaller ones. Two other types of liquid bulk carrier of growing
importance are the liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier and the chemical carrier,
although chemicals can also be carried in drums in general cargo ships. In comparison
with cargo vessels, passenger ships are fewer in number and type. The traditional
passenger ship is the passenger liner; however, many carry cargo as well. Nowadays
their number has been greatly reduced, because of competition from air transport.
Another type of passenger vessel is the cruise ship. These are similar in appearance to
passenger liners. The most common type of passenger vessel is the ferry. Many of them
are also designed to carry vehicles, therefore these have doors at the stern or bows.
Use your imagination and knowledge to answer these questions:
Why are OBO ships designed to carry both liquid and dry cargo?
How do 'tween decks help stowage of cargo?
Why is it more economical to run one large tanker than two smaller ones?
Why do general cargo ships sometimes carry chemicals?
Why do passenger liners also carry cargo?
GRAMMAR
Articles
The, a, an, zero article
Nouns in English can be preceded by the definite article (the) or by the indefinite article
(a, an) or by no article at all.
The definite article (the) is used when the noun (singular or plural, countable or
uncountable) being referred ip/has a particular rather than a general reference, that is,
when we can identify what is being referred to.
Here are three situations when we can identify what is being referred to:
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1.When the noun has been mentioned already
e.g. Colliers are designed to carry coal. The coal is carried in bulk.
2. When words following the noun define which particular one it is

e.g. Ships of all types use this port; the ship over there is an LNG carrier.
(Note: The phrase 'over there' tells us which ship is being referred to, but 'of all types'
does not.)
3. When there is only one of the noun in the world, or only one in the context being
referred to.
e.g. the sun, the equator (with reference to the earth) the bridge, the Captain (with
reference to a ship) This quality of uniqueness is also present with superlatives e.g. the
largest ship, the most important port.
The indefinite article (a, an) is used in front of singular nouns when they are used as
countable nouns and when the reference is general rather than particular, that is, when
we do not say which example of the noun is being referred to:
e.g. There is a ship in the port. When the noun is plural, or when the noun is used as an
uncountable noun, no article is used.
e.g. There were cadets on board. There was oil floating on the water.
When we refer to a class of objects rather than to examples of that class, the distinction
between definite and indefinite use disappears, and there are three possible ways of
referring to countable nouns:
e.g. The container ship is designed to carry containers. A container ship is designed to
carry containers. Container ships are designed to carry containers. (Here all three
sentences mean: All container ships are designed to carry containers.) but there is only
one way of referring to uncountable nouns: e.g. Oil is carried in tankers.
Exercise 1.
Write out the paragraph below using a, an, the or no article as appropriate:
largest type of cargo ship is tanker tankers are
designed to carry liquid cargo such as oil cargo is
pumped directly into holds by powerful pumps
holds are constructed as tanks tanks are sub-divided into
central tank, two wing tanks and expansion tank
expansion tank allows oil to expand in hot weather bridge
superstructure and engine room are situated aft to leave more room
for cargo bridge is connected to forecastle by
catwalk. tankers which are over 500,000 dwts are known
as ultra large crude carriers (ULCCs).
Exercise 2.
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Add these words and phrases in turn to the basic sentence in the appropriate place. Put
in the only where necessary. Study the examples.
Basic sentence: Ships have crossed the Atlantic.

Addition: many
Many ships have crossed the Atlantic. Addition: which we saw yesterday.
The ships which we saw yesterday have crossed the Atlantic.
Now add these in turn:

of all types which arrived today
largest loading in the port
merchant most
Logical connectives
Here are some more connecting words for joining statements: because, therefore,
however.
Study how they are used in these examples:
1. Because gives the reason or cause

Multi-deck vessels have 'tween decks.
'Tween decks help stowage.
(a) + (b) Multi-deck vessels have' tween decks because these help stowage.
2. Therefore expresses consequence or result

Ships are designed for many purposes.
Their type and size vary considerably.
(a) + (b) Ships are designed for many purposes, therefore their type and size vary
considerably.
3. However introduces a qualification or concession

Passenger liners carry passengers.
Some carry a large amount of cargo as well.
(a) + (b) Passenger liners carry passengers; however, some carry a large amount of
cargo as well.
Exercise 1.
Now join these pairs of sentences using because, therefore, however, as appropriate:
Multi-deck vessels usually carry general cargo. Some carry containers as well.
Passenger liners have high superstructures. They need a large number of decks.
Many ferries are designed to carry vehicles. They have doors at the bows or stern.
Cargo ships are usually designed to carry dry or liquid cargo. OBO (oil, bulk ore) ships
are designed to carry both.
Bulk carriers carry large quantities of loose cargo. They have large unobstructed holds.
Passenger liners often operate as cruise ships for part of the year. There is not always
enough business for them on liner routes.
Here are some more connecting words: although, consequently, as.
Study the examples and decide if they introduce a clause of (1) reason or cause, (2)
consequence or result, (3) qualification or concession.
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Cargo liners sail on fixed routes and keep to a timetable, consequently some are
designed to carry a few passengers.
Bulk carriers do not usually carry derricks as loading and unloading is done by special
cranes.
Although tankers sail on fixed routes, they do not carry passengers.
Your answers should have been:

consequence or result
reason or cause
qualification or concession
Exercise 2.
Rewrite the sentences in Exercise 1 above using as, consequently, although, as
appropriate.
UNIT 4
THE MAIN PARTS OF A SHIP
13
The main structure of a ship is the hull. Within the hull are the 'tween decks or
platforms on which the cargo rests. The uppermost platform or the upper deck, covers
the holds in which cargo is stowed. It is loaded and discharged either by cranes on the
quay or by the ship's derricks. Derricks are operated by winches. The derricks are fitted
to masts which stand on the upper deck. The cargo passes into or out of the holds
through cargo hatches.
At sea, the ship is controlled from the bridge by the captain and navigating
officers. The front part of a ship is called the bow and the rear part the stern. Near the
bridge is the funnel. Smoke and gases pass through the funnel from the engine. The
engine is fitted near the bottom of the ship in the engine room. The engine drives the
propeller at the stern of the ship. The anchors and cables and the windlass are located in
the bow of the ship.
The right side of a ship facing the bow is called the starboard side and the other
side is the port side. The beam is the greatest width of the ship. The draught is the depth
of the ship's bottom or keel below the water surface. The captain and officers are
accommodated in cabins. These are located in the middle part of the ship near the
bridge. The other members of the crew live in cabins. They are usually in the rear part
of the ship.
Exercises
1. Are the following statements true or false?
The upper deck covers the holds in which cargo is stowed.

Cargo is loaded and discharged by the ship's derricks.
Cargo passes through cargo holds.
The smoke from the engine passes through the funnel.
The right side of a ship facing the bow is called port and the other side is starboard.
The greatest width of the ship is the draught.
The captain's cabin is in the middle part of the ship.
At the bow of the ships are the anchors and cables.
2. Rearrange the following groups of words to form meaningful sentences.
a, of, ship, is, the, structure, the, main, hull.

ship, officers, control, from, bridge, the, navigating, the, captain, the, and.
the, drives, the, ship, propeller, the, engine, of.
bow, a. starboard, facing, side, ship, right, of, the. is. the.
water, the, is, surface, ship's, below, keel, the.
3. Give brief answers to the following questions:
What is a hull?
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Where is the cargo stowed?
How is the cargo loaded and discharged?
What is the front part of a ship called?
What is the rear part of a ship called?
What drives the propeller?
Where are the anchors and cables located?
What is the greatest width of a ship?
Where are the captain and officers accommodated?
4. Ask questions to which the underlined words are the answers.
Example: The funnel is near the bridge. Where is the funnel?

The engine is fitted near the bottom of the ship.
The anchors and cables and windlass are located in the bow of the ship.
The captain and officers are accommodated in cabins in the middle part of the ship.
Cargo is stowed in holds.
5. Study the following pairs of sentences carefully.
1. (i) The captain and the navigating officers control the ship from the bridge,
(ii) The ship is controlled from the bridge by the captain and the navigating officers.
2. (i) The shipbuilders fit the engine near the bottom of the ship.
(ii) The engine is fitted near the bottom of the ship (by the shipbuilders).
Sometimes expressions such as 'by the shipbuilders' can be left out because the main
interest is the place of the engine.
Now complete the following sentences using the verbs in brackets in the form of (ii)
above.
Cargo and either by cranes or by the ship's derricks, (load, discharge).

Derricks by winches, (operate)
The captain and officers in cabins near the bridge, (accommodate)
The front part of a ship the bow and the rear part of a ship the stern, (call)
The anchor and cables and windlass in the bow of the ship, (locate)
Derricks to masts which stand on the upper deck, (fit)
UNIT 5
CARGO AND ITS HANDLING
15
The carriage of cargo by sea is the principal reason for the existence of ships.
The officer in charge of the loading, stowage, and safe delivery of cargo is the first
mate. Before the cargo arrives at the quay or "ship's side", he will have had information
about the cargo to be loaded.
Mixed cargo, such as bags of cement, crates of machinery, boxes of electrical
equipment, motor car tyres, and crates of cotton goods, is known as general cargo.
Cargo which is not in crates, boxes, bundles or bags, such as coal, iron ore and grain, is
known as bulk cargo.
The first mate draws up a cargo plan based on the information he has received of
the cargo to be loaded. It is important that, if the ship is to discharge at more than one
port, the cargo for the first port of discharge is stowed in the upper part of the hold. In
other words, cargo which is to be discharged at the first discharging port should be
loaded last.
The first mate considers the stability of the ship when cargo is loaded. The ship
must not be too stiff nor too tender to ensure that she will be safe in rough seas. The
cargo must be securely stowed in the holds so that there is no possibility of the cargo
shifting. Any movement of cargo in the ship might affect the ship's stability and sea-
worthiness. The handling of cargo into and out of the ship's holds requires great skill. It
is the work of the stevedores The stevedores work in gangs. Each gang is under the
charge of a gang foreman.
He usually stands on deck at the hatch when cargo is being discharged. When
loading cargo the gang foreman usually supervises in the ship's hold. The gang member
who stands on deck near the hatch to advise the crane driver or winchman is called the
hatchwayman. The winchmen operate the winches on board the ship.
The cargo is checked as it is loaded by a tallyman, and if it is necessary to
measure the volumes of the separate items of cargo, this is done by a checker. When
loading general cargo as many as eight stevedores work in the hold and six on the quay-
side or in the lighter alongside the ship.
Exercises
1. Are the following statements false or true?
The principal reason for the existence of ships is the carriage of passengers.
The Second Officer is in charge of loading, stowage and delivery of cargo.
Unbagged or uncrated cargo is known as bulk cargo.
Cargo to be discharged at the final discharging port should be loaded last.
Cargo shifting in the holds does not affect the ship's stability.
A gang foreman is in charge of a gang.
Winches-on board a ship are operated by the hatchwaymen.
Tallymen check cargo as it is loaded.
2. Re-arrange the following groups of words to form meaningful sentences:
checks, is, the, loaded, checker, it. cargo, as, the.
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the, advises, hatchwayman, near, crane-driver, hatch, the.
winchmen, winches, board, ship, the, on, operate, the.
first, the, mate, in, of, loading, is, charge, stowage, and, safe, cargo, of, delivery.
stevedores, cargo, and, handle, out, holds, into, of, the, ship's, the.
Who is in charge of the safe delivery of cargo?

Give examples of mixed cargo.
What is bulk cargo?
Which cargo is stowed first?
Why must the cargo be securely stowed in the holds?
What is the work of the stevedores?
What is the work of a gang foreman?
Who measures the volumes of cargo?
GRAMMAR
Prepositions of place
A preposition can have several meanings. Study how the following prepositions are used to
describe position:
1. At/away from - used with reference to a point
• at • away from
The helmsman stood at the wheel. The engineer stood away from the flames.
The ship refuelled at Dakar. The ship anchored away from other ships.
2. On/off - used with reference to a line or surface

The ship stayed on course. The chart lay on the table.
The ship was off course.
The keel was just off the seabed.
3. In/out of - used with reference to an area or volume

The ship moored in the harbour. Spirits are kept in lock-ups.
The instruments lay out of their box. He stood out of the way of the derrick.
Exercise 1. Complete these sentences with a preposition from above:

(a) Meat is carried...............refrigerated holds.
(b) The photograph hung...............the cabin wall.
(c) The ship sank a mile...............shore.
(d) The cargo was stowed...............the boilers.
(e) The tanker took on supplies...............Cape Town.
(f) The sailor sat...............the heat of the sun.
(g) Ammunition is kept...............magazines.
(h) The ship's company formed up……… the quarter deck.
UNIT 6
STEERING A COURSE
17
Orders to the helmsman, who steers the ship, are given by the officer of the
watch. The officer orders the helmsman to turn the wheel (or helm) to port or starboard
and to steady the ship on the new compass course. It is stated as a compass point or in
three-figure notation in degrees. The helmsman repeats all orders given to him so that
the officer knows that his orders have been understood.
When the helmsman has completed his turn at the wheel, he states clearly the
course to be steered to the relieving helmsman. He also repeats the course to the officer
of the watch when reporting that he has been relieved.
When the ship is on voyage, the wind and waves, as well as the action of the
propeller, tend to cause the direction in which the ship is heading to change. The
helmsman, therefore, must counter the swing of the ship by applying the rudder in the
reverse direction of that of the swing of the ship.
The art of steering a ship requires the helmsman to keep a very close watch on
the compass and to turn the wheel as soon as the compass indicates that the ship is
turning off course. An experienced helmsman is able to anticipate how the ship behaves.
He is, therefore, able to keep the ship on a straight course, and so save time on voyage.
Most ships are equipped with gyrocompasses. A gyrocompass is an electromechanical
instrument. But every ship is equipped with a magnetic compass the action of which is
dependent upon the magnetism of the earth. The rudder fitted at the stern of the ship is
turned by a steering engine. It is operated by the helmsman whenever he turns the
wheel. If the steering engine fails, it is necessary to use an emergency steering system
with which every ship must be equipped.
Exercises
The officer of the watch gives orders to the helmsman.

The helmsman does not repeat each order given to him.
When relieved, the helmsman reports the course to the officer of the watch.
The wind, waves, and the action of the propeller do not affect the ship's direction.
The helmsman is required to turn the wheel as soon as the compass indicates that the
ship is turning off course.
A magnetic compass is an electro-mechanical instrument.
The rudder is fitted at the stern of the ship.
Every ship must be equipped with an emergency steering system.
2. Rearrange the following groups of words to form meaningful sentences.
is, mechanical, a, instrument, an, electro gyrocompass.

emergency, is, ship, every, steering, an, with, system, equipped.
three, in. course, is, compass, notation, degrees, in. stated, figure.
by, the, watch, of. orders, to. the, one, helmsman, are, the. given, officer.
duty, to, very, compass, on, the, close, is. it. the. of. watch, keep, helmsman, the.
Who steers the ship ?
18
What does the action of the magnetic compass depend upon?
Mention two of the factors that cause the direction of the ship to change.
To whom does the helmsman repeat the orders he receives?
What does a helmsman do when he completes his turn at the wheel ?
What turns the rudder of a ship?
What will happen if the steering engine fails?
How does a helmsman counter the swing of a ship?
Relative clauses
Structures can be linked by using defining and non-defining relative clauses. Study how
they are used in the examples below:
1. Defining relative clauses

(a) Some ships are called bulk carriers.
(b) These ships carry bulk cargo.
(a) + (b) Ships which carry bulk cargo are called bulk carriers.
(a) Cotton comes from a plant.
(b) This plant grows in the USA.
(a) + (b) Cotton comes from a plant which grows in the USA.
(a) A man fell overboard.
(b) The man was painting a lifeboat.
(a) + (b) The man who was painting a lifeboat fell overboard.
Sentences (a) are general and undefined. Sentences (b) tell us which 'ships', 'plant', and 'man'
is being referred to. That is why they are called defining clauses. They are put immediately
after the noun they define. Who is used for people, which for things. There is no comma (,)
before them.
Exercise 1. Join these sentences together as shown in the examples above:

(a) Some ships are called colliers.
These ships carry coal.
(b) Hemp and sisal rope are made from the leaves of a plant.
This plant grows in parts of Europe, Russia and the USA.
(a) One officer is called the Chief Steward.
He is responsible for the Catering Department.
(d) Some cargoes are stowed in lock-ups.
These cargoes are classed as valuable.
(e) An officer may become the Master of his own ship.
He has the right qualifications and experience.
2. Non-defining relative clauses

(a) All the deck cargo was unloaded first.
(b) The cargo consisted of steel rails.
19
(a) + (b) All the deck cargo, which consisted of steel rails, was unloaded first.
(a) The First Mate is responsible for the cargo.
(b) The First Mate must have at least a class 2 Certificate.
(a) + (b) The First Mate, who must have at least a class 2 Certificate, is responsible for the
cargo.
Exercise 2. Read through this description of the Suez Canal. Then add the information
below in the appropriate place using non-defining relative clauses.
The Suez Canal was opened on 17 November, 1869. It was designed by
Ferdinand de Lesseps. The Canal joins the Mediterranean Sea to the Red
Sea. Although it is twice as long as the Panama Canal, it cost half as much to
build. This was because Suez is a sea-level canal from end-to-end, therefore
locks are unnecessary. The Canal has been widened and deepened several
times since it was opened. It is now about twice its original breadth and
depth. Until 1956, the Canal was operated by the Suez Canal Company.
Since this date it has been operated by the Egyptian government.
(a) The Suez Canal took ten years to build.
(b) Ferdinand de Lesseps was a French engineer.
(c) The Canal is 105 miles long.
(d) Locks are expensive to build.
(e) The Canal was originally 58 metres wide at the surface and about
6 metres deep.
(f) The Egyptian government plan to increase its depth to take super
tankers.
UNIT 7
COMMUNICATION AT SEA
20
There are three main methods of communication between ships and the shore.
These are: Radio signals which may be passed using radio-telegraphy or radio-
telephone. Radio-telegraphy uses Morse Code signals. Radio-telephony uses Very High
Frequency (VHF) radio and allows spoken messages to be passed. Daylight or night-
time flashing equipment (such as Aldis Lamps) in which signals are sent in plain
language using the Morse Code. Flag signalling in which coded messages using hoists
of flags are passed.
Besides these methods sound signals may be used by the ship's whistle or siren,
or by bells or gongs. Semaphore signalling uses hand flags. Rockets and flares are used
for distress and certain other circumstances. Loud hailer uses voice which is amplified.
Messages are most commonly passed in plain language. When they are so
passed between ships of different flags, the English language (the language of the sea) is
almost always used. There is. however, an International Code of Signals available in
seven languages. This Code, printed in two volumes, gives visual coded signals in
Volume One and radio-telegraphy signals in Volume Two. By means of the
'International Code of Signals' seamen who do not understand each other's language
may communicate with each other.
Exercises
Radio-telephony is used to pass messages between ships and the shore.

Spoken messages can be passed by means of VHF.
By day, signals-of Morse Code cannot be sent.
Flag signalling is used to pass messages between ships.
Rockets and flares are used as distress signals.
The English language is the language of the sea.
The International Code of Signals is available in six languages.
Seamen who do not understand each other can communicate by using Signals.
2. Rearrange the following groups of sentences to form meaningful sentences.
voice, hailers, loud, amplify.

used, and, in, flares, are, distress, rockets.
telephone, are, spoken, by, radio, passed, messages.
each, to, the, use, signals, seamen. International, communicate, other, Code, with, of.
How can seamen who do not understand each other's language communicate?
What language is used at sea?
How many methods of communication are there between ships and the shore?
What kind of frequency is used in radio-telephony?
Mention two of the sound signals used at sea.
How is sound amplified?
What do you call the method of using hand flags?
What do the two volumes of The International Code of Signals contain?
4. Ask questions to which the underlined words are the answers.
21
The Aldis lamp is used by night to send signals.
Messages are most commonly passed in plain language.
The English language is used by ships of different flags.
The International Code of Signals is in seven languages.
Rockets and flares are used for distress.
5. Observe the position of the underlined words in the following sentences:
English is always used at sea.

He never travels by sea.
She is usually on time.
Put the words between brackets in the correct position in each of the following
sentences:
Have you been on board a tanker? (ever)

I have used the Morse Code, (never)
He sends messages by telegraph, (usually)
Power-driven vessels give way to sailing ships, (sometimes)
The captain is on the bridge, (often)
You can avoid collisions at sea. (hardly)
This ship calls at Southampton, (rarely)
UNIT 8
SHIP CONSTRUCTION
22
Ships cost a lot of money to build. A general cargo vessel costs several million
pounds and a giant tanker can cost over £40 million pounds. One reason for this is the
high cost of steel and other materials used in shipbuilding. 4Another reason is the high
cost of labour.
A modern shipyard is designed for building ships as cheaply and quickly as
possible. Many of the old processes have disappeared or been combined into one fully
mechanized process. Machines are now used instead of them. Today, ships can be built
in about sixteen months and costs can be kept to a minimum.
Who designs ships? Ships are designed by naval architects. The largest ship-
ping companies have their own naval architects. In Europe and Japan, shipyards employ
naval architects to design a ship for a customer, or offer basic designs which can be
varied to suit the customer's needs. Shipowners may also go to independent firms of
shipping consultants and ask their naval architects to design a ship for them.
When shipowners decide to order a new ship, they tell the naval architect the
cargo they want the ship to carry. They also tell him what routes the ship will ply and
the desired speed. They put limits on the ship's dimensions and on the price that they are
prepared to pay. The ship must also comply with the rules of the classification society
and international regulations. Economic, engineering and safety factors all govern the
design of a ship.
GRAMMAR
(A) Passives
Study these pairs of sentences:

Naval architects design ships. Active
Ships are designed by naval architects. Passive
Men built the tanker in six months. Active
The tanker was built in six months. Passive
First, I measured the piece of metal. Active
First, the piece of metal was measured. Passive
In each pair of sentences the meaning is similar, but the object in the active sentence has
become the subject in the passive one.
The passive has a number of uses in English:
It allows the object of a sentence to be moved to the subject position. Here it becomes
the main focus. In example 1, the active sentence would probably be used in a
paragraph on naval architects, the passive version in one about ships. Naval architects
now becomes the agent introduced with by.
It also allows the writer to avoid a subject like men in example 2. Men does not add any
useful information and therefore can be left out of the passive version. The point of the
sentence is not who built the tanker, but how long it took to build.
The passive also allows us to write in an impersonal style. This is useful in more
scientific English, particularly for writing reports of experiments. Look at example 3.
The passive not only makes it more objective, but also makes the reader focus on the
action rather than the person doing the action. The person is unimportant here.
The passive is formed by:

To be (in the required tense) + past participle (of the main verb)
23
Exercise 1.
Example
s: (a) arebuilt(simple present)(b) are
beingbuilt(present continuous)(c)
wasbuilt(past simple)(d) willbebuilt(future)(e)
canbebuilt(can)(f) mustbebuilt(must)(g)
beingbuilt(present participle)(h)
tobebuilt(infinitive)
The pattern is the same for all tenses (a, b, c, d, etc), for modals (e, f, etc.) and
for gerund (g) and infinitive (h) forms.
Look again at the example pairs of sentences and then rewrite these sentences in the
passive form:
Nowadays they make ships of steel.

The Queen will launch the tanker tomorrow.
They are painting the huli.
The Royal Navy has ordered two new warships.
They used to build ships of wood.
You can join two pieces of metal together by welding.
Next, we weighed the piece of metal.
People must prepare the plates properly.
They had to repair the bows.
Exercise 2.
Rewrite this paragraph putting most of the verbs into the passive to make it sound more
formal:
When we fit out a ship, we complete her. We put in the engines, if we
have not already installed them. We finish off the superstructure and
construct the accommodation for the crew. In addition, men erect masts
and derricks and put various items of deck machinery in place. Outside
companies usually do the electrical work, plumbing and any woodwork.
Someone must also buy the furniture and fittiiţgs for all the saloons and
cabins.
(B) Time relaters (i) Sequence
When we want to show that processes or events happen one after the other, we use
sequence words or time clauses.
Sequence words
24
Some common sequence words are: first, then, next, after that, afterwards, later,
eventually, finally. These are usually put at the beginning of the process or event that
they introduce:
e.g. First, I went to college .... Then, I went to sea.. ..
These events may be described in a series of sentences, or they may be linked by a
semi-colon (;), or the connective and.
Except for first and finally they may be used in any order.
Exercise 1.
Study the sentences below which show the sequence of events in the building of a ship.
Write them out in a paragraph using the above sequence words to introduce each stage
in a sentence.
1st - The plans are completed by the naval architects.

2nd - The plans are approved by the classification society.
3rd - The parts of the ship are prepared.
4th - The parts of the ship are put together.
5th - The ship is launched.
6th - The ship is fitted out and completed.
7th - The ship goes for sea trials.
8th - The ship is handed over to her new owners.
2. Time clauses
Time clauses can begin with after and before. Study these examples, which show how
the first two sentences in the above description can be joined together using time
clauses:
25
After the plans are completed by the naval architects, they are approved by the
classification society.
Before the plans are approved by the classification society, they are completed by the naval
architects.
This time we are joining the first two sentences to form one sentence; the plans in the time
clause becomes they in the main clause.
Exercise 2.
Using the events in the previous exercise, complete these sentences:
(a) After the parts of the ship are prepared,
(b) , she is fitted out and completed.
(c) ,she goes for sea trials.
3. Reduced time clauses

When the subject of the time clause is the same as the subject of the main clause, the time
clause can be reduced in the following way:
After the plans are completed by the naval architects, they are approved by the t
classification society.
After being completed by the naval architects, the plans are approved by the classification
society.
Exercise 3.
Reduce the sentences that you have completed in Exercise 2 so that they are like the
example above.
26
UNIT 9
SEAMANSHIP
There are a number of effects to be considered when handling a ship at sea or in

narrow waters. These include the axial thrust and the transverse thrust of the propeller, the
effect of the rudder on the water and the effects of the wind and tide. The effects of the
propeller and rudder can be controlled. The effects of the wind and tide cannot, but their
forces can be used.
The axial thrust of the propeller is the force working in a fore and aft direction. This
force causes the ship to move ahead through the water or to go astern. Because of her
shape, a ship will move ahead through the water more easily than going astern. The
transverse thrust is the sideways force of the propeller as it rotates. The transverse effect of
the propeller blades at the top near the surface of the water is not strong enough to
counteract the opposite effect of the lower blades.
Lower blades exert more sideways thrust than upper blades Reaction cants stern to
starboard right-handed propellers this cants the ship's stern to starboard and her bow to port,
when the ship is going ahead. The effect is small and can be corrected by the rudder. When
the engines are put astern, the effect is the opposite and the stern cants to port. This effect is
stronger and cannot easily be corrected. Vessels with left-handed propellers behave in the
opposite way.
The rudder depends for its effect on the deflection of a stream of water. The stream
is produced by the ship's movement through the water and by the axial flow of water from
ţhe propeller. When the rudder is put to starboard, the stream of water is deflected to
starboard. This cants the stern to port and the ship's head turns to starboard. When the
rudder is put to port the effect is the opposite. When the engine is put astern the effect of
the rudder is unpredictable.
The effect of the wind hitting a ship sideways on depends on the area presented to
the wind before or aft of her pivoting point. Ships with their main superstructure amidships
will turn away from the wind (see Figure 4). Ships with the main superstructure aft, such as
tankers, will turn towards the wind.
A beam wind will also cause a ship to make leeway. That is, she will be blown
sideways off her course away from the wind as she moves forward through the water.
Current and tide also affect a ship. The current will carry the ship with it, or slow it down
when the ship is traveling against the current. The tide will lift the ship and lower it. It will
also carry it in its direction and cause the ship to turn when anchored or moored.
GRAMMAR
(A) Articles
(ii) The, zero article with geographical names

Study the lists below of when and when not to use the definite article (the) with
geographical names and terms:
1. Generally the is not used with names of
27
Continents Asia, Europe, South America (except: The Arctic, The Antarctic)
Countries Greece, Kuwait (exceptions include: The Netherlands, The Lebanon)
Islands When thought of as one island: Japan, Cuba, Hawaii
Cities Alexandria, Ankara, New York, London
Towns Dover, Brighton, Calais (except: The Hague) Mountains Mount Everest, Mont
Blanc, Ben Nevis (exceptions include: The Jungfrau, The Tiger)
Lakes Lake Michigan, Lake Como, Loch Ness
Bays Raleigh Bay, Galway Bay (except when: The Bay of...)
(Note: Although there are exceptions, the is not used with the above except when
referred to in the following way: The City of London, The Bay of Biscay. Countries
with the were once thought of as areas (see below) rather than countries. They
often have two names e.g. The Netherlands - Holland, The Argentine - Argentina.)
2. Generally the is used with the names of
Countries when abbreviated: the USA, the USSR, the UAE, the UK
Areas of countries: the North East; of cities: the West End
Deserts when large: the Sahara, the Kalahari
Groups of islands The Philippines, The Canaries
Ranges of mountains The Alps, the Himalayas, the Rockies
Oceans/seas The Pacific, the Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea
Channels/straits The English Channel, the Straits of Gibraltar

Gulfs The Persian Gulf/the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman
Estuaries The Amazon Estuary, the Nile Delta
Currents The Agulhas Current, the North Atlantic Drift
Rivers/canals The Nile, the Euphrates, the Suez Canal
Exercise 1.
Look through a good world atlas and find other examples of the names of continents,
countries, etc. Note if the article (the) is used or not. Can you find any exceptions to the
above patterns of use?
Exercise 2.
Write a short description of your own country based as far as possible on the description
below:
28
Scotland is part of Britain. Along with England, Wales and Northern Ireland, it makes up
the UK. There are many off-shore islands. These include Skye and Arran in the west and
the Orkneys in the north. The largest range of mountains is the Grampians and the highest
mountain is Ben Nevis. The capital is Edinburgh, but Glasgow has the largest population.
(B) Time relaters
(iii) After, when, while, on, during, until

Here are some more ways of introducing time clauses.
1. When one event immediately follows another when can be used instead of after e.g.
After a ship arrives in port, port officials go aboard. When a ship arrives in port, port
officials go aboard.
2. When the subject is the same in both clauses when can often be rewritten with
on + noun/-ing
e.g. When the customs men arrive on board, they go to the Captain's cabin. => On arriving
on board, the customs men go to the Captain's cabin.
e.g. When the cargo was unloaded, it was put into the warehouse. On being unloaded, the
cargo was put into the warehouse.
3. When one event happens at the same time as another, when/while can sometimes
be replaced by du ring + noun
e.g. While a ship is being launched, tugs stand by ready to help. During the launching of a
ship, tugs stand by ready to help.
4. When we want to show the limit of an action, we use until

e.g. The Chief Officer stayed on watch until 0800. If we are referring to the time the action
began, we must put the verb in the main clause in the negative.
e.g. The Chief Officer did not go on watch until 0400.
Exercise 1.
Rewrite the following sentences using the words in brackets.
After a ship is completed, she undergoes speed trials. (When)

While a ship is being constructed, she is continually being examined. (During)
He went to sea when he was eighteen years old. (Until)
After the passengers arrive on board, they are shown to their cabins. (On)
While a cadet is being trained, he is paid by his company. (During)
The passengers went below when the sun went in. (Until)
When the hull was inspected, it was found to be damaged. (On)
When a vessel undergoes speed trials, her maximum speed is measured. (During)
The pilot disembarked when the ship was clear of the harbour. (Until)
29
UNIT 10
NAVIGATION
In addition to the traditional methods of navigation a number of sophisticated electronic

devices have been developed to help the navigators. These include the k echo sounder,
radar and various types of radio navigation equipment. The echo sounder sends a radio
signal from the bottom of the ship to the sea-bed, from which it is reflected. The time taken
to receive the reflected signal is a measure of the depth of water under the ship. The
received pulse is displayed on a chart by a pen recorder so that the navigator can sound of
the bottom over which the vessel is passing.
A similar device is the sonar system, which uses high frequency sound signals. In sonar
the sound signal can be sent ahead or sideways. The time for the echo to be sent back from
an object, such as an underwater rock, is a measure of the object's distance from the ship.
The sonar system can also be used to measure the speed of the ship over the seabed. It is
now common for ships, including trawlers, tugs and ferries, to be fitted with radar to help
them navigate near land. High-frequency radio beams are sent out and received by a
rotating radar scanner on the ship.
These signals are then converted into images on a screen. The ship is shown in the
centre of the screen and nearby ships are shown in relation to it. On the screen moving
objects leave a short trail to indicate their direction and speed. But radar is only an aid to
navigation. It is the correct interpretation of the picture on the screen which ensures the safe
passage of the ship. Nearly all seagoing vessels are fitted with radio for transmitting and
receiving signals. One of the mosţ common methods of checking a vessel's position is by
using the system which the operator finds the direction but the system is often not very
accurate.
If Equipment such as the Decca Navigator, the Omega Navigator and Loran, use
synchronized signals received from specific shore stations to establish position. This may
be done either by comparing the time of arrival of a certain signal from three or more
stations, or by comparing the difference in phase of radio waves. They all work on the same
principle. Signals received from a pair of stations place the ship on a curved line of
position. However along this line the received signals from the two stations would seem the
same. Signals received from another pair of stations define a second line of position? The
ship's position is where the two lines cross.
The position is displayed on a chart and on dials. The accuracy of this system is usually
within half a mile. Since the late 1960s it has been possible to navigate by satellite. Signals
from satellites are received by a dish-shaped aerial on the ship. As the satellite approaches
or goes away from the ship, the character of the signal received changes? This change
depends on where the ship is in relation to the orbiting satellite: Because the position of the
satellite is known with very high accuracy the ship's position can also be fixed. This system
gives an accuracy of better than one tenth of a mile in all weathers, all over the world. The
introduction of satellites has led to fully automatic navigation in the open sea for modern
ships.
30
The ultimate in navigation may eventually be in a dual system combining satellites with
inertial navigation. In inertial navigation, sensors measure the ship's speed and direction,
and compute the changing position from these readings. This system is entirely internal and
independent of any external references such as landmarks, the sun, stars, radio or radar
transmission. The equipment only needs to know the exact location of the starting point.
Using this system, which is extremely accurate, a ship can be on course and kept on it
despite current, winds and alterations in engine power. Inertial navigation is used in
warships.
(A) Prepositions of place (ii)
Study how the following prepositions are used to describe destination:
1. To/from - used with reference to a point
To --- --- from

They took the ferry to Calais. The QEII sailed from Southampton.
2. Onto/off used with reference to a line or surface
Onto off
The case fell onto the deck. The launch took off the pilot.
3. Into/out of - used with reference to an area or volume

into -q out of *q
The cargo was lowered into the hold. The cargo was lifted out of the hold.
Now study how these are used to describe direction:
4. Towards/away from - express motion with reference to a directional path

towards +• • —♦ away from
The ship was driven towards the rocks. The wood drifted away from the shore.
5. up/down – express motion with reference to a vertical axis.
Up down
The sailor climbed up the mast. The flag was hauled down.
6. Across/along- express motion with reference to a horizontal axis or plane

/ __
/
across "7 along
The dinghy tacked across the bay. They sailed along the coast.
31
Now study how these are used to describe passage:
7. over under
The people walked over the bridge. The barge sailed under the bridge.
8. behind in front of
The plane passed behind the lighthouse. The gulls flew in front of the lighthouse.
9. (a)round through
The diver swam round the shoal. The diver swam through the shoal.
10. by} past

The sailors rowed past/by the buoy.
Exercise 1.
Read this description of a voyage made by the MV Diomede. Then write similar
descriptions of the other two voyages outlined below. Use the appropriate prepositions and
the definite article (the) where necessary;
On 6 April, 1979 the general cargo vessel, the MV Diomede, left the port of New Orleans
in the USA for Hawaii in the Hawaiian Islands. She steamed across the Gulf of Mexico,
through the Yucatan Channel and along the north coast of Jamaica, calling at Kingston.
Then she sailed through the Panama Canal and across the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii.
10/9/80-bulk oii carrier-SS Enterprise-Nagasaki-Japan-Kharg Island - Gulf - east coast of
China - Taiwan Straits - South China Sea -Singapore - Straits of Malacca - Indian Ocean -
Kharg Island. 16/6/80-passenger liner-MV One/« - Southampton - UK - Naples -Italy -
English Channel - Bay of Biscay - west coast of Portugal - Lisbon - Straits of Gibraltar -
Mediterranean Sea - Naples.
(B) Relative clauses (ii)
1. Reduced relative clauses

This is possible:
When the defining relative clause contains a verb in the passive e.g. A ship which was built
in that yard sank yesterday. => A ship built in that yard sank yesterday.
When the defining relative clause contains a verb in a continuous tense e.g. A ship which is
carrying explosives flies a red flag. A ship carrying explosives flies a red flag.
When the defining relative clause begins: which has/have

e.g. Vessels which have 'tween decks are suitable for general cargo.
32
Vessels having 'tween decks are suitable for general cargo. or Vessels with 'tween decks
are suitable for general cargo.
When a defining relative clause contains a verb in the simple present. e.g. Drums which
contain chemicals are sometimes stowed on deck. => Drums containing chemicals are
sometimes stowed on deck.
Exercise 1.
Reduce the following relative clauses if they can be reduced:
Ships which use the Panama Canal pay canal dues.

Rope which is made of nylon does not rot.
An officer who has a Master's Certificate can hope to become the master of his own ship
one day.
Some boats are built of fibre glass, which is a type of plastic.
A sailor who is working aloft should wear a safety harness.
Steel which contains more than 0.7 per cent of carbon has a high tensile strength.
Cargoes which have a low stowage factor are usually put at the bottom of the hold.
A material which can be shaped by hammering or rolling is said to be malleable.
Ships which are classed by Lloyds have to undergo strict tests.
The sailors who were sitting at the back of the coach were hurt in the accident.
2. Relative clauses with prepositions
Study how these two sentences are joined together;

Containers are large cases of standard dimensions.
Cargo is packed in these.
(a) + (b) Containers are large cases of standard dimensions in which cargo is packed. (Note:
In spoken English the preposition is usually put at the end.)
Exercise 2.
Join the following pairs of sentences together in the same way by making the second
sentence a relative clause:
Copper and tin are non-ferrous metals. Bronze is made from copper and tin.
Pallets are pieces of cargo-handling equipment. Crates and cases are stacked on pallets.
The windlass is found on the forecastle.
The anchors are raised and lowered by the windlass.
Ventilators are positioned over the cargo holds.
Air flows through these.
Hatchways are covered by hatch covers. Tarpaulins are then spread over the hatch covers.
A sextant is a navigating instrument.
With a sextant a Deck Officer takes observations of the sun.
Speed trials take place when the ship is out at sea.
During speed trials the ship's maximum speed is measured.
The National Union of Seamen is an organization which looks after
the interests of seamen.
33
UNIT 11
MAINTENANCE
Much of the work of the Deck Department on board a ship concerns the mainten-
ance of the ship and her fittings. This is the responsibility of the Chief Officer. He and the
men in his charge must protect the ship from the damaging effects of salt water, changes in
temperature and the action of waves.
The principal material used in building a ship is mild steel, and steel of different
types is used for making most fittings and equipment. Unfortunately, steel under-goes a
chemical change known as rusting when in contact with air, water or salt solutions. This
causes the metal to deteriorate rapidly, unless some form of protection is given.
To try and prevent this corrosion, the metal is coated with cement wash, bitumen
and paint. Cement wash is a mixture of cement powder and fresh water. It is used in
freshwater tanks and double bottom tanks. Bitumen is used in bilges and peak tanks. It is
also used on metal decks before they are sheathed with wood. However, the principal
protective coating is paint. There are many types of paint available nowadays in a wide
variety of colours and it is no longer necessary for the Boatswain to mix his own. Paints are
stowed in the paint locker, which is usually situated under the forecastle head.
The most common kinds of paint found on board ship are as follows: metal primers,
which are applied to a bare surface to give protection against rust and to act as a key to the
next coat; undercoats, which are used over the primer before the top coat; top coats, which
provide a hard-wearing surface and give the required colour; heat-resistant paints for
radiators and pipes and for the ship's funnel; non-slip paints for use on weather decks and
other suitable surfaces such as companion-ways; and varnishes to give a clear protective
coat to woodwork. For painting, the surface of a ship's hull is divided into three distinct
areas: the topside, boot-topping and bottom.
Topside paint is supplied in the company's colours or in light grey, if the vessel is a
warship. It is applied to the area of the ship's hull which is out of the water when the ship is
loaded. Boot-topping is applied to that area of the hull which is out of the water when the
ship is in the light condition and under water when the ship is loaded. A ship's bottom is
given a coating of anti-fouling paint. Anti-fouling paints contain toxicants which are
poisonous to marine life. The toxicants have to dissolve out of the paint into the
surrounding water in order to be effective.
Before an area can be repainted, proper preparation is essential. The area must be
cleaned and washed with a cleaning solution to remove all salt, dirt and oil. The paintwork
must then be rinsed with clean fresh water and all trace of the cleaning solution removed.
Loose paint and scale is removed with a scraper and any heavy rust with a chipping
hammer. Finally, a wire brush should be used on all bare metal to remove the last of the
scale, before the first coat of paint is applied.
34
GRAMMAR
(A) Noun compounds
Compounds are common in technical writing. They provide a way of creating new words to
describe new objects and processes. They also permit a very condensed form of writing.
Here are three forms of noun compound.
Noun + noun
compounds are formed as follows:
A ship for cargo A for B becomes a cargo ship B A
Many different kinds of relationship are possible in such noun + noun compounds. Some
more are listed below:
A of B
A with/has B
A contains B
A made of /from B
A in/on/at B
A operated by B
A shaped like B
A uses B
A invented by B
e.g. The cover of a cylinder The cylinder cover

e.g. Water with salt in it => Salt water
e.g. The house contains the wheel The wheelhouse
e.g. Wire made of copper Copper wire
e.g. The plate at the back The back plate
e.g. A pump operated by hand => A hand pump
e.g. A nut shaped like a butterfly A butterfly nut
e.g. A turbine driven by steam => A steam turbine
e.g. Calipers invented by Vernier => Vernier calipers
Exercise 1.
Try and identify the relationships in the following compounds:
a needle valve
carbon steel
a petrol tank
a wire rope
corner bolts
a foot pump
floor plates
a MacGregor hatch
a diesel engine
a container ship
35
2. Present participle + noun compounds are formed as follows:
valves which regulate water which cools

regulating valves cooling water
Past participle + noun compounds are formed as follows:
bolts which have been fitted => fitted bolts iron which has been cast => cast iron
air which has been compressed
oil which is used for lubricating
ropes which are used for mooring
a joint which has been riveted
a surface which has been machined
oil which has been heated
air which is used for scavenging
a joint which has been welded
rags which are used for cleaning
(B) Purpose links
Purpose for doing something can be expressed in several ways.

1. By using the infinitive
e.g. He went to college to study engineering.
2. By using so as
e.g. He worked hard so as to pass his exams. The ship docked in order to take on fuel. He
ran so as not to be late.
3.By using so that (can/could +infinitive { will/would. shall/should)

(This is used when the person to whom the purpose refers is mentioned.)
e.g. The captain looked through his binoculars so that he could see more clearly. He ran so
that he would not be late.
Exercise 1.
Use your imagination to complete these sentences to show the purpose for the action:
Ships carry lifeboats

Engines must be regularly serviced
He opened the wind o w
Safety valves are fitted
Ships are taken on sea trials
Goggles should be worn ....
He set his alarm clock
Warships are painted grey ..
36
UNIT 12
SAFETY ABOARD
(A) Collision Regulations 1977 (extracts)

Read through the following extracts, which have been taken from the Collision Regulations
1977 as laid down by The Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO).
The Regulations are in four parts embodying thirty-eight Rules and four annexes.
Part (B) covers steering and sailing rules.
Section II. Conduct of vessels in sight of one another
RULE 11
Application
Rules in this Section apply to vessels in sight of one another.
RULE 13
Overtaking
Notwithstanding anything contained in the Rules of this Section any vessel overtaking any
other shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.
A vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking when coming up with another vessel from a
direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft her beam, that is, in such a position with reference to
the vessel she is overtaking, that at night she would be able to see only the stern light of
that vessel but neither of her sidelights.
When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether she is overtaking another, she shall assume that
this is the case and act accordingly.
Any subsequent alteration of the bearing between the two vessels shall not make the
overtaking vessel a crossing vessel within the meaning of these Rules or relieve her of the
duty of keeping clear of the overtaken vessel until she is finally past and clear.
Rule 14 Head-on situation
(a) When two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciproca! or nearly reciprocal courses
so as to involve risk of collision each shall alter her course to starboard so that each shall
pass on the port side of the other.
{b) Such a situation shall be deemed to exist when a vessel sees the other ahead or nearly
ahead and by night she could see the masthead lights of the other in a line or nearly in a line
and/or both sidelights and by day she observes the corresponding aspect of the other vessel.
(c) When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether such a situation exists she shall assume that
it does exist and act accordingly.
Rule 15 Crossing situation
When two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel
which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall, if the
circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.
Rule 16
Action by give-way vessel.
Every vessel which is directed to keep out of the way of another vessel shall, so far as
possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear.
37
Rule17
Action by stand-on vessel:
(a) (i) Where one of two vessels is to keep out of the way the other shall keep her
course and speed.
(ii) The latter vessel may however take action to avoid collision by her manoeuvre alone, as
soon as it becomes apparent to her that the vessel required to keep out of the way is not
taking appropriate action in compliance with these Rules.
When, from any cause, the vessel required to keep her course and speed finds herself so
close that collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone, she shall
take such action as will best aid to avoid collision.
A power-driven vessel which takes action in a crossing situation in accordance with sub-
paragraph (c)(ii) of this Rule to avoid collision with another power-driven vessel shall, if
the circumstances of the case admit, not alter course to port for a vessel on her own port
side.
This Rule does not relieve the give-way vessel of her obligation to keep out of the way.
RULE 18
Responsibilities between vessels
Except where Rules 9,10 and 13 otherwise require:
(a) A power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:
(i) a vessel not under command;
(ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre;
(iii) a vessel engaged in fishing;
(iv) a sailing vessel.
GRAMMAR
(A) Obligation
Commands in English can be expressed in a number of ways:

1. By using the imperative. This has the same form as the infinitive without to e.g. Be
careful! Close the door!
Don't smoke! Don't make a noise!
2. By using must/must not
e.g. You must be careful! Doors must be kept closed! Hatches must not be left uncovered!
3. By using be to + infinitive. This is an indirect form of command often used in
official notices
e.g. You are to answer all the questions.
Officers are to be back on board by 1800. Lights are not to be left on unnecessarily.
4. By using will. This is used to express a severe command
e.g. Regulations will be observed at all times.
You will not be allowed ashore until further notice.
Mild commands in the form of advice and recommendations can be made as follows:
5. By using should/ought to
e.g. You should read all safety regulations. The work ought to be finished by 1630. should
not be left lying about.
Strong advice and recommending the wisest course of action can be made as follows:
38
Exercise 1.
Read the following advice based on an extract from a safety handbook for engineer
officers. Using the imperative, make up a notice summarizing the main points that might be
put on the door of an unmanned machinery space. The first is done for you:
A seaman should not enter an unmanned machinery space unless he has been given
permission by the officer in charge. While in the space, reports by telephone must be made
at regular intervals to the duty Deck Officer. A seaman should only do the task which he
has been specifically told to do. If any job is beyond his unaided capability, he should
obtain assistance. The Engineer Officer in charge must be informed by the seaman in
person when he leaves the space.
The maintenance of adequate lighting and clean conditions is essential at all times.
Alarm circuits should be tested regularly to the manufacturers' schedules. At all times,
personnel working in unmanned machinery spaces should be on their guard against the
sudden starting of automated machinery.
1. Do not enter without permission from the officer in charge.
2. Report by telephone
Now continue. There are about nine orders in all.
Exercise l.
Use your imagination to respond to these statements.
(Use should/ought to for advice, use had better for making a stronger recommendation).
I'm spending my leave in Hong Kong this year.'
'The temperature level is far too low.'
I think he's stopped breathing.'
'I overslept again this morning.'
'One of the cadets has a terrible cough and sore throat.'
'I don't know how this paint spray gun works.'
I’ve just spilled a can of oil over the floor.'
'The exam starts in two minutes time.'
'My eyesight seems to be getting worse.'
'The weather's turning bad.
(B) Conditionals
There are three basic types of conditional sentence, which are sometimes referred to as real,
unreal and impossible conditionals. Each type is illustrated below:
1. Real conditions are those which may or may not be fulfilled.

Pattern: if + present (simple, continuous, perfect), future tense/modal/imperative
e.g. If I pass my exams, I shall celebrate.
If you are working on board, you should wear the right clothing. If you hear the alarm bells
ring, muster on deck immediately.
2. Unreal conditions are those which are not expected to be fulfilled.

Pattern: if + past (simple, continuous), conditional
e.g. If the ship was sinking, we would launch the lifeboats.
39
3. Impossible conditions are those which are impossible because they are contrary to
past fact.
Pattern: if + past perfect (simple, continuous), conditional perfect
e.g. If the cargo had arrived, it would have been loaded. (Note: (a) Types 1 and 2 refer to
present or future time. Type 3 to a past situation. (b) The conditional (if) clause can be put
second in all three types.)
Exercise 1.
Find the correct sentences in the right hand column to match the sentences on the left.
Then write them out.
If the weather is bad,

If we had a torch,
If I had passed the exam,
If you touch that wire,
If I saw him again,
If the car had been cheaper,
I would recognize him.

You will be electrocuted.
we will work below deck.
I would have bought it.
we would be able to see.
I would have been promoted.
40
UNIT 13
RADIO COMMUNICATIONS
A communication system enables information to be passed from a source, through a

medium, to a destination. Between a ship and a land station that medium will be radio
waves. From the land station the medium is usually land line, i.e. the internal telephone and
telecommunications system. Messages can be sent in either Morse code or speech. If Morse
is used, then wireless-telegraphy (W/T) is used. When speech is used, then radio-telegraphy
(R/T) or VHF are used. With R/T the receiving operator has to convert the Morse code into
plain language. When transmitting a message by R/T or VHF, the International Phonetic
Alphabet must be used to avoid confusion when there are language difficulties.
Transmissions from all stations must contain an identity signal by which the station making
the transmission can be recognized. This signal must be used at all times when
communicating between stations. Such identification must take the form of International
Callsigns or other internationally agreed forms of identity. In radiotelephony, coast (land)
stations normally identify themselves by using their geographical name, followed by the
word Radio, e.g. Nitonradio, Angleseyradio. Ship stations normally identify themselves by
the name of the ship, but the International Callsign assigned to the ship may be used, for
example, when two or more ships bear the same name, or where pronunciation/ language
difficulty could occur.
The three marine frequencies used for Distress, Call and Reply purposes are:
(a) 500 khz for telegraphy (Morse)
2182 khz for telephony (speech)
156.8 Mhz for telephony (speech)
During hours of service all ships and coast stations maintain a listening watch on at least
one, if not all, of the above frequencies for information regarding messages for individuals,
general messages, and distress, urgency and safety messages. The obligation to accept
distress calls and messages is absolute for all stations and such messages must be given
priority and dealt with immediately.
In order to increase the safety of life at sea, and over the sea, all stations of the maritime
mobile service normally keeping watch in the authorized band between 405 - 535 khz must,
during their hours of service, ensure watch on the International Radiotelegraph
Distress/Calling frequency 500 khz is kept for three minutes, twice each hour, at hl5 - hl8
and at h45 - h48. Those normally keeping watch in the frequency band 1605 - 2850 khz
must, during their hours of service, ensure watch on the International Radiotelephone
Distress/Calling frequency 2182 khz is kept for three minutes, twice each hour, at hOO -
h03 and at h30 - h33. These times are referred to as silence periods and must always be
observed. During these three-minute silence periods all transmissions on these frequencies
must stop in order that possible weak signals of a distress call can be heard. Transmissions
between the frequencies 485 - 515 khz, and between 2173.5 - 2190.5 khz, must cease
during silence periods, except for distress transmissions.
Where VHF radiotelephony equipment is installed, a continuous listening watch is
maintained on the International Distress/Calling frequency 156.8 Mhz, referred to as
Channel 16. No silence periods are allocated to this frequency.
The Classification of Emissions refers to the different types of transmission. These are
symbolized as follows (only the more common types are described):
41
AIA TELEGRAPHY by on/off keying, un modulated full carrier. A2A TELEGRAPHY
by on/off keying, amplitude modulated double side-band full carrier.
H2A TELEGRAPHY by on/off keying, amplitude modulated single side-band full carrier.
A3E TELEPHONY amplitude modulated double sideband full carrier. H3E
TELEPHONY amplitude modulated single sideband full carrier. R3E TELEPHONY
amplitude modulated single sideband reduced carrier. J3E TELEPHONY amplitude
modulated single sideband suppressed carrier.
F3E TELEPHONY frequency modulated carrier. VHF 156 - 174 Mhz Marine.
Note. 1 A3E and H3E are not permitted, except on 2182 khz for, and by, distress
equipment for safety purposes.
H3E may be used on 2182 khz for calling purposes, but not on any other frequency used for
calling purposes.
When establishing communication on working frequencies, either R3E or J3E must be
used.
Short, medium or long range Communications
In general 'short' range communication refers to VHF (156 - 174 Mhz) and the radius of
such contact is 30 - 45 miles. The main use is Telephony (F3E). 'Medium' range
communication can refer to MF Telegraphy (W/T) in the 405 -535 khz, or MF Telephony
(R/T) in the frequency band 1605 - 4000 khz. The radius of contact is roughly between 150
- 300 miles, depending on local propagation conditions, transmitter power and the aerial
system used. 'Long' range communication refers to the HF band of frequencies, 4000 -
25000 khz for W/T (AIA only), and 4000 - 23110 khz for R/T(R3E or J3E only). 'Long'
range is used for distances exceeding 300/400 miles.
Certain VHF channels are designated for particular purposes. These are given in the
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) 'List of Coast Stations'.
Distress, Safety and Calling Channel 16
Inter ship first choice Channel 6 (Others listed in VHF allocation guide)
Port operations Channel 10 (also 12,14)
Public correspondence main choices Channels24,25,26,27,28
On-board Channels 15,17 (on low power)
Coast Radio Stations channels listed in ITU List of Coast Radio Stations or as specified by
the CRS.
Note. 1 Port Operations - ship movement and Pilot Services
Port Operations channels (found in 'List of Coast Stations') are restricted to various port
operation services, the movement and safety of ships, and, in emergency, to the safety of
persons. No private or public correspondence messages can be passed over these channels.
Public Correspondence - any telecommunication which the offices and stations must, by
reason of their being at the disposal of the public, accept for transmission.
On-board Communications
These are restricted to Communications on-board the ship itself, mooring/unmooring and
cargo operations; or between the ship and its liferafts; or between a group of vessels during
towing operations.
Questions related to handouts tend to ask you to look for information in the text. e.g. State
the three marine frequencies used for Distress, Call and Reply purposes.
Give the silence periods which must be observed by those keeping watch in the
frequency band 1605 - 2950 khz.
42
GRAMMAR
(A) Message types
In the Seaspeak Reference Manual, which gives essential English for VHF use, messages
are divided into only seven types based on their function. These seven types are listed
below with examples:
Question
Instruction
Advice
Request
Information
Warning
Intention
e.g. (a) What is your position?

(b) Is visibility expected to change?
e.g. (a) You must stay clear of the fairway. (b) Do not overtake.
e.g. (a) Advise you pass astern of me.
e.g. (a) I require a tug.

(b) Please send medical assistance.
e.g. (a) The pilot is waiting now at position ....

(b) My ETA at East Pier is one-six-three-zero local.
e.g. (a) I am manoeuvring with difficulty.
e.g. (a) I intend to reduce speed, new speed: five knots.
Note: Here Instruction refers to commands, and Advice to suggestions. A Warning contains
information of critical importance to the safety of the vessel, and an Intention indicates
immediate operational intentions.
Exercise 1.
In order to understand a message completely it is necessary to know its function. See if you
can identify the function of these messages by writing: question, instruction, advice,
request, information, warning or intention in the space provided, as appropriate.
Buoy number two-six is unlit.
What are my berthing instructions?
No vessels are at the anchorage.
Go to berth number eight.
What is your draught aft?
Advise you keep your present course.
I expect to be underway within period: two hours.
Please provide fire-fighting assistance.
Push on my port bow.
The vessel ahead of you is stopping.
43
In the Seaspeak system a message should always be initiated by a 'message marker', i.e. one
of the seven words above denoting message type. This will increase the probability of the
message being understood. The system also uses 'reply markers', which correspond as
follows: question/answer, instruction instruction-received, advice/advice-received, etc.
e.g. question: What is your ETA at the harbour entrance?

answer: My ETA at the harbour entrance is: time: one-four-zero-zero GMT.
With the other markers, the message is quoted back in full after the 'reply marker' with any
necessary changes made.
e.g. intention: I intend to reduce speed, new speed: five knots.

intention-received: You intend to reduce speed, new speed: five knots.
44
UNIT 14
VHF procedures
When using VHF (156 - 174 Mhz), call/reply is normally made on Channel 16, but other
arrangements may be available on other channels.
Prior to making a call it is first necessary to ensure there is no distress, urgency or safety
traffic in progress and that another communication is not being interfered with. A call must
not exceed one minute, but may be repeated at three-minute intervals.
Here are two possible exchanges. The first is an exchange procedure between two ships
taken from Seaspeak. The second is an exchange procedure between a ship and a coast
station using standard procedure.
An outline of an inter ship exchange using Seaspeak:
Station making the call Station responding to the call
1. Iniţial call Address.

(Name/Callsign of station called, said twice)
Identification.
'Thisis...'
(Name/Callsign of calling station, said twice)
Indication of calling VHFchannel.
'OnVHFchannel
'Over.'
2. Response to call
Address and identification. 'Over.'
3. Indication of working VHF channel
Address and identification.
Indicate working VHFchannel.
'Switch to VHFchannel 'Over.'
4. Agreement of working VHF channel
Agree workingVHF channel.
'Agree VHF channel
(Both ships now change to the agreed working channel.)
5. Message
Message.
'Over.'
6. Response to message
Respond to message.
'Over.'
7. End of transmission
Read back response to message
'Out.'
45
An outline of a ship-to-shore exchange using standard procedure:
Station making the call Station responding to the call
1. Initial call Address.
(Name/identity of station called, said twice) Identification.

(Name/identity of calling station, said twice) This is...'
Reason for call, giving working channel.
'Over.'
2. Response to call
'Romeo Channel... up'
(Both ships now change to the agreed working channel.)
3. Indication of readability
'How do you read me?'
'Over.'
4. Indication of readability
'Read you strength ... go ahead.'
'Over.'
5. Message
'Message begins
'Message ends.'
'Over.'
6. Response to message
'Received message number
'Nothing for you.'
'Over.'
7. End of transmission
Address and identification. 'Romeo nothing for you.' 'Out.'
If a station receives a call, but is uncertain that the call is actually intended for it, it must
wait until the call has been repeated and understood.
In ship-to-shore Communications, except in the cases of distress, urgency or safety, the
Communications are controlled by the coast station. In ship-to-ship Communications the
ship which is calling controls the exchange. If a coast station finds it necessary to interrupt,
both ships must comply with any instructions given by the shore station.
46
APPLIED TERMINOLOGY
(A) Terms relating to VHF Communications Standard phrases

Study the table below, which shows some of the standard phrases used in VHF
Communications. These are taken from Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary (IMCO)
and Seaspeak (Pergamon).
Making and maintaining

contactClarificationCalling...Mistake.This
is...Correction.How do you read?Please
speli.Iread...(l-5)*1 speli.Stand by on VHF
channel...Say again all before/after...Standing by
on VHFchannel...Isay again all
before/after ...OverPlease speak in
full.OutPlease speak slowly.Please use Standard
Marine NavigationalConversation
controlsvocabulary.Please read backPlease use
International Code of Signals.I read backPlease
use Seaspeak.AnnouncernentsChannel s
'Note. In Seaspeak: 1 = unusable. 2 = poor, 3 = fair, 4 =
witchingMessage for you.Swttch to/Change to
good. 5 = excellent.
VHFchannel...Pass your message.Stand by on
channel...
VHF distress, urgency and safety messages
Study this diagram which tells you when to use distress, urgency and safety procedure. The
procedures here are based on those recommended in Seaspeak.
Type of Call Situation

procedure
Distress Mayday To be used when a ship or aircraft is
threatened by grave and imminent danger
likely to involve loss of life, and requests
immediate assistance.
Urgency Pan-Pan To be used when the message contains urgent
information concerning the safety of a ship,
aircraft or other vehicle, or the safety of a
person.
Safety Securite To be used when the message contains an
(pronounced important navigational or meteorological
Say-cure-e- warning.
tay)
47
Exercise 1.
Look at these messages and decide whether distress, urgency or safety procedures should
be used.
(a) 100 miles southwest of Land send engine broken down.

Require tug assistance.
(b) From Harbour master Falmouth yacht Belinda overdue

on voyage from Cromer to Falmouth left Cromer
lOth March report any sightings to Lloyds London.
(c) Diving operations in progress at ninian north platform ship

movement within a radius of 500 metres prohibited until
further notice.
Ship holed in engine room. Sinking. Request immediate assistance.

Gale warning southwest gale force winds imminent in sea
Areas Dover Thames.
52.30 North 16.20West fire in number two hold ships in vicinity please stand by.
The procedure for a distress or urgency transmission is as follows.
Distress call (3 times) 'This is

Name of ship (3 times)
Distress call (once)
Name of ship and Callsign (once)
Position
Nature of distress
Kind of assistance required 'Over.
Exercise 2.
Now complete these two transmissions, taken from the Seaspeak Manual, by selecting the
appropriate phrases from the jumbled list below.
(a) ' Rattler Rattler Rattler

Vega, Seven Victor AlfaTango
Position: latitude: five-zero
degrees three-zero minutes
North, longitude: zero-three-
nine degrees two-zero minutes
West.
Over.'
48
(b) 'Pan-Pan Pan-Pan Pan-Pan
This is / Require tow / Pan-Pan / Rattler, Golf Xray Xray Xray / Collision with iceberg,
sinking / Mayday Mayday Mayday / Position: bearing zero-nine-zero degrees true, distance
one-five miles from Ras Sarkan / Mayday / Lost propeller / Over /Vega Vega Vega /This
is / Request immediate assistance.
The procedure for a safety transmission is as follows.
Safety call (3 times) 1-6. Repeated.
'All ships'(may be repeated) 7. Safety message.
3. This is...'
Name of station (3 times)
Safety call (once)
Name of station
Phrase indicating content of message to follow.
'Switch to VHF channel...'
8. 'Over1
I say again.' Repeat safety message.
'Out.'
Exercise 3. You are Nitonradio and you wish to make a safety message broadcast to all
ships that there is a military exercise involving darkened ships, submarines and aircraft
taking place in sea area Delta from 0800 hours GMT, March 3rd to 2200 hours GMT,
March 7th.
Using the above procedure outline write out the complete transmission.
49

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CONSTANTA MARITIME UNIVERSITY

Lecturer dr. Corina Popescu

1.UNIT 1 SHIPPING …………………………………………….………………….3

Use your imagination to try to answer these questions:

Quantifiers, or amount words, indicate the approximate quantity or amount of

Study the following points and examples:

3. No and none are used as follows:

(B) Logical connectives

Study how they are used in these examples:

3. But suggests contrast or the addition of something unexpected

They had no food and no water for two days.

By using the verb to use + for -ing

(B) Time relaters

Reduced when and while clauses

Use your imagination and knowledge to answer these questions:

2. When words following the noun define which particular one it is

Basic sentence: Ships have crossed the Atlantic.

Now add these in turn:

1. Because gives the reason or cause

2. Therefore expresses consequence or result

3. However introduces a qualification or concession

Although tankers sail on fixed routes, they do not carry passengers.

Your answers should have been:

1. Are the following statements true or false?

The upper deck covers the holds in which cargo is stowed.

2. Rearrange the following groups of words to form meaningful sentences.

a, of, ship, is, the, structure, the, main, hull.

3. Give brief answers to the following questions:

4. Ask questions to which the underlined words are the answers.

Example: The funnel is near the bridge. Where is the funnel?

5. Study the following pairs of sentences carefully.

Cargo and either by cranes or by the ship's derricks, (load, discharge).

1. Are the following statements false or true?

2. Re-arrange the following groups of words to form meaningful sentences:

checks, is, the, loaded, checker, it. cargo, as, the.

3. Give brief answers to the following questions:

Who is in charge of the safe delivery of cargo?

2. On/off - used with reference to a line or surface

3. In/out of - used with reference to an area or volume

Exercise 1. Complete these sentences with a preposition from above:

1. Are the following statements false or true?

The officer of the watch gives orders to the helmsman.

2. Rearrange the following groups of words to form meaningful sentences.

is, mechanical, a, instrument, an, electro gyrocompass.

3. Give brief answers to the following questions:

Who steers the ship ?

1. Defining relative clauses

Exercise 1. Join these sentences together as shown in the examples above:

2. Non-defining relative clauses

Radio-telephony is used to pass messages between ships and the shore.

2. Rearrange the following groups of sentences to form meaningful sentences.

voice, hailers, loud, amplify.

3. Give brief answers to the following questions:

4. Ask questions to which the underlined words are the answers.

5. Observe the position of the underlined words in the following sentences:

English is always used at sea.

Have you been on board a tanker? (ever)

Study these pairs of sentences:

The passive is formed by: