Inspector ATZ

14/10/2025

The purpose of an azimuth circle on a ship is to measure the horizontal direction (azimuth or bearing) of celestial bodies, landmarks, or other objects. This measurement is crucial for navigation, allowing the crew to determine the ship's position, plot courses, and check the accuracy of the compass by comparing the observed bearing to the true bearing.

How it is used

Measuring bearings: The azimuth circle is placed over a magnetic or gyrocompass to measure the direction of a sighted object.

Determining compass error: By comparing the compass bearing of a celestial body (like the sun) with its known true bearing from nautical tables, navigators can calculate the compass error.

Fixing a position: Navigators can take bearings of known terrestrial objects, such as lighthouses or buoys, to fix the ship's position on a nautical chart.

Plotting courses: Accurate directional measurements from the azimuth circle are used to help plot the ship's course on a chart.

14/10/2025

Conducted basic functional lectures on Basic
Maritime Safety (MARSAF) for the Coast Guard Non-Officer's Course (CGNOC) Class 111-2025, held at the Regional Training Center Misamis Oriental, located in Purok 5, Sicolon, Mauswagon, Lagundingan, Misamis Oriental.

08/10/2025

During a Port State Control (PSC) inspection, a ship's fire control and safety plan is checked to ensure the equipment is correctly placed, maintained, and operational, with deficiencies such as damaged equipment, inoperative systems, and mispositioned gear leading to detention. A PSC inspector verifies the plan aligns with SOLAS Convention requirements and assesses the crew's ability to operate the equipment effectively, particularly in a fire situation.

Key aspects of the inspection:

Plan Verification: The inspector checks the fire control and safety plan to see if it correctly identifies the location of firefighting equipment and escape routes.

Equipment Placement: The plan should accurately show the placement of all firefighting equipment, such as extinguishers, fire hoses, and fire dampers, and these must be in their proper, accessible locations on the ship.

Equipment Condition: Beyond placement, the inspector will check if the equipment itself is in good working order. Common deficiencies found include:

Fire Dampers: Corroded or damaged dampers that fail to close properly.

Emergency Fire Pumps: Pumps failing to start or operate as needed.

Fire Detection Systems: Inoperative alarms and detection systems.

Fire Extinguishers: Expired or improperly maintained extinguishers.

Fire Doors: Damaged gaskets or non-functional self-closing mechanisms.

Operational Readiness: The PSC team also assesses the crew's ability to effectively use the equipment, which is a crucial aspect of operational control. This can include a demonstration of using firemen's outfits and firefighting equipment.

Marking and Symbols: The plan should use standard graphic symbols (as per IMO Assembly Resolution A. 654(16) ) to clearly label equipment and routes, and the inspector will verify that these are followed and understood by the crew.

Passive Fire Protection: The condition of passive fire protection systems, like A-class and B-class boundaries, is also checked to ensure they are not damaged or compromised.

Consequences of deficiencies:

If the fire control and safety plan has equipment in the wrong place, or if equipment is found to be faulty, a PSC officer can issue a deficiency notice

05/10/2025

Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) commonly inspect both davit-launched and free-fall lifeboats, focusing on maintenance records, operational readiness, the davits and winches, on-load release mechanisms, and conducting drills to ensure compliance with SOLAS requirements. Specific checks include the condition of lifeboat falls and hooks, proper davit and winch maintenance, and the operational status of the lifeboat's engine, painter release, and steering.

Key Areas of Lifeboat Inspection

PSCOs inspect lifeboats to verify they meet
international regulations by checking:

Maintenance Records: Ensuring that maintenance, inspections, and drills are properly documented.

Operational Safety: Verifying that the lifeboat and its associated equipment are in a satisfactory condition for operation.

Davit and Winch Systems: Confirming that davits, winches, and their brakes have been dynamically tested and are regularly maintained.

On-Load Release Mechanism: Checking the on-load release mechanism for proper function and correct settings.

Lifeboat and Equipment Condition:

Inspecting the lifeboat itself, including the falls (wires) and their connection to the lifeboat's hook.

Engine and Fuel: Checking that the engine has sufficient fuel and that the starting battery is in good condition.

Propulsion and Steering: Running the engine to test forward and astern propulsion and steering capabilities.

Painter Release: Testing the release of the lifeboat's painter (the rope attaching it to the ship).

Safety Equipment & Drills: Verifying that the lifeboat is launched and maneuvered correctly, and that drills are performed according to SOLAS requirements

27/09/2025

An oily engine room suggests potential issues like leaking engine components, failing seals or gaskets, vibration-induced pipe fractures, or improper maintenance and repairs. It creates a significant fire hazard by allowing oil to come into contact with hot surfaces and contaminates the environment by leaking into the bilge. Prompt investigation of the oil source, thorough cleaning with degreaser, and implementing proper maintenance procedures are essential to address the problem.

Potential Causes :

Leaking Gaskets and Seals: Over time, engine gaskets and seals can wear out due to heat, age, or chemical exposure, causing oil to seep out.

Vibration and Fatigue: Mechanical fatigue and prolonged vibration from engine operations can lead to cracks in pipes and fittings, resulting in oil leaks.

Mechanical Damage: Oil leaks can also stem from improperly secured components, damage from maintenance operations, or poor quality materials.

Improper Repairs or Maintenance: Incorrect tightening procedures or other faulty maintenance practices can cause leaks to develop.

Risks:

Fire Hazard: The presence of oil and other flammable substances near hot engine components is a serious fire risk.

Environmental Contamination: Oil that leaks into the bilge can contaminate the environment.

Slipping Hazard: The oil itself can create an oily surface, increasing the risk of slips and falls for personnel in the engine room.

Solutions and Best Practices:

Investigation: Fully investigate the source of the oil and water leaks.

Cleaning: Use an engine degreaser or specialized cleaner to break down and remove oily buildup from surfaces.

Absorption: Employ sorbent materials to soak up and contain spills.

Preventative Maintenance: Ensure regular checks and proper securing of all engine components to prevent leaks.

Proper Procedures: Establish written procedures for oily bilge transfer and discharge operations.

25/09/2025

The primary purpose of IMO symbols on a ship is to communicate vital safety information universally across languages and nationalities, indicating the location of emergency equipment, escape routes, and assembly points, as well as warning of hazards and prohibiting dangerous actions, ensuring immediate understanding and a safe response during an emergency. These photoluminescent signs are mandated by the SOLAS Convention to be visible even during a blackout, aiding in the safety of crew and passengers.

Key purposes of IMO symbols:

Universal Safety Communication: Symbols are designed to be easily understood worldwide, regardless of a person's language, by using standardized graphical representations.

Emergency Equipment Identification: They mark the location of crucial safety equipment such as lifeboats, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, and rescue appliances.

Navigation and Evacuation: Symbols guide individuals to emergency exits, assembly stations, and evacuation routes.

Hazard Warning and Prohibition: Some signs serve to warn of risks and hazards or to prohibit dangerous behaviors onboard.

Visibility in Emergencies: Many signs are photoluminescent, meaning they store light and glow in the dark, ensuring visibility and clear communication during a power failure.

Mandated by International Regulations: The use of these signs is required by the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) SOLAS Convention, making compliance essential for the safety and legal operation of a vessel.

Promoting a Safety Culture: By prominently displaying these signs, vessel operators foster a stronger safety culture, encouraging everyone on board to prioritize safety and be prepared for potential emergencies

22/09/2025

The hydrant pipe with leaking this is not easy to operated or exercised during fire on board .

The valve will get stuck due to rust, old grease.

Always check as per ( PMS ) Planned
Maintenance System.

-Develop a Maintenance Plan: Create a schedule for routine checks, tests, and servicing of all fire safety equipment.

20/09/2025

These fire extinguishers and fire hoses can respond immediately during a fire onboard?

18/09/2025

Good bye Cagayan de oro
good morning Cebu

18/09/2025

16/09/2025

Shout out to Chief engineer Delton Tingson and 3rd Engineer the Zamboanga boys