MERCANT NAVY – Your Maritime Career Starts Here
Premier training for GP Rating, Deck Cadet, and Marine Engineering.
Launch your global maritime career with our expert guidance.
Premier training for GP Rating, Deck Cadet, and Marine Engineering.
Launch your global maritime career with our expert guidance.
Function: The main part of the ship that floats in water.
Working: Displaces water to give the ship buoyancy to float.
Function: Backbone of the ship.
Working: Keeps the ship stable and prevents capsizing.
Function: Controls the direction of the ship.
Working: Connected to the helm; turns water by moving left/right to change direction.
Function: Drives the ship forward/backward.
Working: Rotates to push water backward, making the ship move forward.
Function: Transmits power from engine to propeller.
Working: Transfers the rotating power of the engine.
Function: Two-layer bottom for safety.
Working: Stores fuel or ballast water for stability.
Function: Located on ship sides to store ballast.
Working: Help maintain ship balance and stability.
Function: Balance ship by filling/removing water.
Working: Weight balancing by filling water in empty ship.
Function: Controls direction, speed and navigation.
Working: Houses radar, steering, and navigation systems.
Function: Detects nearby ships, land or objects.
Working: Uses radio waves to determine range and position of objects.
Function: Secures ship at one location.
Components: Anchor, chain, windlass/mooring winch
Hatch Function: Opening for loading/unloading cargo.
Types: Container ships, bulk carriers, tankers
IC Engine: Burns fuel internally (diesel)
EC Engine: Burns fuel externally (steam)
Responsible for navigation and ship operations.
STCW certification, Radar observer, ECDIS training
Manages propulsion and mechanical systems.
Marine engineering degree, MEOL course, High voltage training
Manages all electrical systems including power generation and distribution.
Handles administration, provisions, and crew welfare.
Manages communication systems (now often merged with deck duties).
Medical fitness, STCW certification, relevant degree/diploma, sea time for promotions
The Merchant Navy plays a vital role in global trade, transporting about 90% of world trade by volume. Modern merchant ships are engineering marvels equipped with advanced navigation systems, powerful propulsion plants, and sophisticated cargo handling equipment.
The hull forms the watertight body of the ship, typically made of steel with transverse and longitudinal framing for strength. The keel runs along the bottom centerline, providing structural integrity. Modern ships often have double hulls for added safety and environmental protection.
Modern bridges integrate multiple systems: radar for object detection, ECDIS for electronic chart navigation, AIS for ship identification, and GPS for precise positioning. The gyrocompass provides true north reference unaffected by magnetic fields.
Most commercial ships use slow-speed two-stroke diesel engines directly coupled to the propeller. Some newer vessels utilize diesel-electric systems or even LNG-powered engines for reduced emissions. Azimuth thrusters provide exceptional maneuverability.
International conventions like SOLAS mandate life-saving appliances for all crew. Modern ships carry lifeboats for 100% capacity plus additional liferafts. Fire protection systems include CO2 flooding for engine rooms and sprinklers in accommodation areas.