Conversation on Merchant Ship Welcome to on board

Conversation on Merchant Ship

Contents Chapter 1. Arrival in Japan and Embarkation 1. On the plane – The Customs Declaration Form 2. Talking with Other Passengers 3. Customs Inspection 4. Meeting with an Agent: Situation(1) Agent Found Easily 5. Meeting with an Agent: Situation(2) Agent Arrives Late 6. At Tokyo Station 7. At the Mizushima Port Service Boat Station 8. Getting Lost 9. At a Convenience Store 10. In a Taxi Chapter 2 On Board a Tanker 11. Self-Introduction – The Captain’s Cabin 12. the COC Room of the Tanker 13. Self-Introduction on a Passage 14. Being Taken to a Cabin 15. Getting to Know the Ship- The Bridge 16. Getting to Know the Ship- Communication Facilities 17. Getting to Know the Ship- A Cabin 18. Getting to Know the Ship- The dining Hall 19. Getting to Know the Ship- The Upper Deck 20. Getting to Know the Ship- The Poop Deck 21. Getting to Know the Ship- The Engine Room 22. Getting to Know the Ship- The Engine Control Room 23. Getting to Know the Ship- The galley 24. Getting to Know the Ship- The Toilet 25. Getting to Know the Ship- The Chamber 26. Getting to Know the Ship- The Deck Tool Store 27. Getting to Know the Ship- The Engine Store 28. Conversation During a Meal 29. Welcome Party 30. The Gymnasium 31. The Recreation Room Chapter 3. Safety Training on Board 32. Safety Training – On Deck 33. On the Deck of a Bulk Carrier in Port 34. Dangers on a Tanker 35. tanker Fires and Explosions 36. Toxicity Hazards on a Tanker 37. Oxygen Deficiency on a Coal-Ore Carrier 38. Safety Training on the Forecastle 39. Using the Accommodation Ladder 40. Safety on the Stairway 41. Safety in the Galley 42. Safety in the Cabin Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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Chapter 4 Health and Hygiene 43. Making a Habit of Washing Your Hands 44. Sanitation and Cleaning 45. Deck Cleaning 46. Keeping Your Cabin Tidy 47. Garbage Disposal 48. Washing Clothes 49. The Importance of a Balanced Diet 50. First Aid – Abdominal Pains 51. First Aid – Headaches 52. First Aid – Fingers Caught in Doors and Other Injuries 53. First Aid – A Foreign Object in the Eye 54. First Aid – Removing a Fishhook Caught in a Finger 55. Going to the Hospital 56. Preventing Sexually Transmitted Diseases Chapter 5 KYT – Kiken Yochi Training 57. What is KYT? 58. KYT – Four Rounds Method 59. KYT - Morning Meeting in the General Office 60. KYT – Tool Box Meeting in the Engine Control Room 61. A Meeting in the Engine Control Room 62. A Meeting in the Galley Chapter 6 Navigation 63. Navigating a Narrow Channel 64. Bad Visibility 65. An Engine Problem 66. Talking on the VHF Radio with Another Ship(1) 67. Talking on the VHF Radio with Another Ship(2) 68. Talking on the VHF Radio Before Entering Port 69. Entering Port(1) 70. Entering Port(2) 71. Preparing the Mooring Lines 72. Discussing the Navigation Schedule 73. Taking Over the Navigation Watch 74. Taking Over at the Engine Room Chapter 7 General Duties on Board 75. The Ship’s Safety and Sanitation Meeting 76. Conversation with an Agent at the General Office 77. Conversation with the Authorities 78. Discipline on Board 79. Working Conditions 80. Union Meeting on Board 81. Supplying the Ship’s Stores 82. Supplying Provisions Chapter 8. Cargo Handling 83. Foreman’s Request Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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84. Talking with the Foreman on Deck 85. Complaining to the Driver of the Cargo Loader 86. Lashing Down the Cargo on a Container Ship 87. Lowering the Gangway 88. Connecting a Hose 89. Meeting with the Berth Master in the COC 90. Starting to Discharge Crude Oil 91. Washing Crude Oil Chapter 9. Preparations for Departure 92. Station on the Bridge for Leaving Port(1) 93. Station on the Bridge for Leaving Port(2) 94. Preparing to Leave Port in E.C.R. 95. Warning Up the Main Engine 96. Testing the Main Engine 97. Increasing the Main Engine Speed Chapter 10. Bunkering 98. Meeting for Receiving Fuel Oil 99. Receiving Fuel Oil at the Starboard Manifold 100. Receiving Fuel Oil Chapter 11. Maintenance 101. Work Schedule Meeting at the General Office 102. Maintenance of the Chambers 103. Removing Old Paint 104. Painting 105. Greasing Up 106. Overhauling the Fuel Oil Purifier 107. The Diesel Generator 108. Removing a Motor Chapter 12. Muster drills 109. The Drill for Abandoning Ship 110. Fire-fighting Drill Chapter 13. Docking 111. Meeting with the Shipyard – Deck Schedule 112. Supervising a Job in the Shipyard 113. Meeting Before Proceeding to the Shipyard 114. Working in the Engine Room at Dry Dock(1) 115. Working in the Engine Room at Dry Dock(2)

Special Features of the Book

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To All the Seamen about to Embark on the World Voyage! Welcome on Board! Conversations on Merchant Vessels recreates various situations that seamen often encounter on board merchant ships, plus some scenes that take place on shore. Each situation is selected for the purpose of familiarizing seamen with the realities of their life, while learning English, which is the universal language of navigation. By practicing the conversations, notes and keywords, you can experience, first hand, realistic developments that occur on board merchant vessels. The conversations also include some practical advise on seamen’s life, actual navigational operations, realistic descriptions of ship-bound equipment and navigation techniques. The level of English increases gradually as the story unfolds. In the first few chapters, conversations are general with simple vocabulary and grammatical structure. These language elements become slightly more difficult as you progress. However, you needn’t worry. Most of the difficult words and technical terms are explained in simple English in the that appear below each conversation. These terms, or keywords, are clearly marked with red ink in the text. Now you need not consult a dictionary each time you encounter an unknown word! In order to help you learn the accurate pronunciation, intonation and rhythm, which are all important aspects of language learning, four compact disks (CDs) are provided for you. Close-to-real depiction and enactment of each scene has been created through the voice talents of Bianca Allen, Dennis Falt, Michael Naishtut, Greg Irwin and other professional voice actors and narrators. So just sit back and enjoy the 115 dramatized scenes that you are likely to encounter on board a merchant ship. Now, listen to the CDs first and read the textbook later. Of, if you prefer, listen as your eyes trail on the text. However you study, remember that the best way of mastering a language is by hearing and repeating. Just like a baby picking up its mother tongue, listen to the sounds of English over and over and repeat them. Then study with the textbook and review the Notes. Lastly, all the members of the editorial staff wish each one of you the best of luck in sailing across the world while learning English. Have a safe and enjoyable journey! Bon voyage!

Editors

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Chapter 1. Arrival in Japan and Embarkation 1. On the Plane – The Customs Declaration Form (Announcement) Ladies and Gentlemen, we will soon be distributing immigration forms and customs declaration forms. Please fill them out and ask the cabin attendants if you require any help. Santos: What does “Occupation” mean on this Immigration Form? Cruz: It means the kind of business we are in. I guess we can write “seaman.” Santos: Ok. Cruz: I brought 400 Lucky Strike cigarettes and 200 Seven Stars cigarettes with me. I wonder if I have to declare them. Santos: I’m not sure. Let’s ask the cabin attendant. Excuse me, may we ask you a question? Ca: Sure. Cruz: I brought a total of 600 cigarettes with me. Do I have to pay tax on them? Ca: Tax exemption for non-Japanese citizens is up to 400 Japanese cigarettes and 400 non-Japanese ones. Cruz: I see. I have 400 non-Japanese cigarettes and 200 Japanese ones, so I don’t have to pay any tax, right? Ca: That’s right. You don’t have to declare them on the Declaration Form. Santos: I brought a camera with me. Should I declare it? Ca: If your camera is new and its price is over ¥100,000, then it is a taxable item. But if you do not have any other article worth more than ¥100,000, then a camera is taxable only if it cost you more than ¥20,000. Santos: My camera isn’t new. Ca: OK. Then you don’t need to declare it as long as it clearly looks used. Santos: I see. Thank you for your help. Cruz: Yes, thanks a lot. Ca: You’re welcome.

Immigration form: personal information required before entering a country Customs Declaration Form: information about the items you are carrying when entering a country cabin attendant(s): flight (or ship or train) crew who takes care of the passengers occupation: job, profession, line of work declare: officially announce ->declaration: official announcement tax exemption: not required to pay tax ->to exempt….from = to free a person from obligation taxable: will be required to pay tax

2. Talking with Other Passengers Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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Cruz:

I’m bored with the scenery. All I can see are clouds. (Pointing at a mountain). Wow! Look! That must be Mr. Fuji! It’s exactly like in the picture I saw. Santos: It’s really beautiful! Is the white stuff on top snow? Pass: Yes, it’s snow. You’re lucky to see it so clearly. It’s quite beautiful. Is this your first time in Japan? Cruz: No, it’s our second time, but we didn’t see Mt. Fuji last time. We’re really lucky this time. Pass.: Are you both here on business? Cruz: No, we’re seamen. A Japanese company hired us, and we’re going to board a ship in Mizushima. Pass.: You’re seamen? It’s the first time I’ve ever met any seamen. Nice to meet you. Working at sea seems like a tough job,. Where are you from? Santos: I’m from Manila in the Philippines. Pass.: I’ve never been to Manila, but I saw on TV that it’s quite a modern city. Cruz: It sure is. Is Mt. Fuji covered with snow throughout the year? Pass.: No, it isn’t. during the summer months, from June to august, the snow is gone completely. After that, it is the fall season until the end of November. During the winter, from November to around April, Mt. Fuji is covered with snow. Cruz: I see. Pass.: Well, enjoy your view and have a good trip.

Pass.: Passenger. a person traveling on e.g. a boat or train scenery: the view of the landscape Mt. Fuji: also called Fuji-san. The highest mountain in Japan and often the symbol of the country first time in….: the first experience or the first visit to the place in question going to board a ship: going to ride on a ship – go on board = to get on a train, plane, or boat throughout the year: all through the year, always, January through December completely: fully. 100%, to the fullest extent, all the way have a good trip: enjoy your trip

3. Customs Inspection C.o.: Santos: C.o.:

You’re seamen, aren’t you? Will you please open your suitcases? OK. There you go. Are you carrying any liquor or cigarettes?

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Cruz: C.o.: Cruz: C.o.: Santos: C.o.: Santos: C.o.: Santos: C.o.: Santos: Cruz:

I have two cartons of cigarettes. May I see them? (taking one carton from his carry-on and the other from his suitcase) Here they are. (Carefully inspecting them for concealed items) Thank you. That’s OK. May I check the contents of your suitcase? No problem. Go right ahead. (Looking at each item one by one) What’s this? It’s some medicine I bought in the Philippines. Let me have a look inside. (Taking out some packages) What’s this medicine for? It’s for the stomach. OK. Thank you. Please go ahead. Next, please. He really took his time. I was starting to lose my patience! You said it! I’d heard that they were very strict with drugs. I hear there’s a lot of smuggling from Southeast Asian countries. That’s why they are so thorough.

C.O.: Customs Officer a public servant working at Customs liquor: a strong alcoholic drink, alcoholic drinks / beverages carry-on: a piece of luggage a passenger is allowed to take inside an airplane; carry-on-board luggage concealed items: hidden objects - to conceal = to hide, to obstruct from view Go right ahead: continue – “Feel free to do what you want.” medicine: medication, pharmaceutical drugs, medicinal drugs lose my patience: to become angry (after waiting for a long time in this case) You said it!: Exactly! You can say that again! Yes, I agree. strict: following the rules very closely. Enforcing the law drugs: illegal chemical substances, narcotics smuggling: carrying something into or out of a country illegally (against the law). – smuggle thorough: complete, full.

4. Meeting with an Agent: Situation (1) agent Found Easily Santos: Cruz:

(At Narita Airport’s Arrival Lobby) Wow! There are so many people! Where’s Mr. Yamada, our agent? He must be waiting for us, holding a placard with our names on it. Look! This might be him.

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Santos:

Excuse me. Are you Mr. Yamada from International Marine? We’re Cruz and Santos from the Philippines. We’re supposed to board The Persian Adventure. Yamada: Oh, hello, Mr. Cruz and Mr. Santos. Welcome to Japan. My name is Yamada, and I work for International Marine. Cruz: Nice to meet you, Mr. Yamada. My name is Conrad Cruz, Third mate. Santos: Nice to meet you. My name is Manuel Santos. I’m third engineer. Yamada: How was your trip? Cruz: It was great! We saw Mt. Fuji from the plane. It was beautiful. Yamada: I’m glad to hear that. Did you have any problems with Customs? Santos: No, we didn’t, but we were searched quite thoroughly. Yamada: That’s understandable. Customs officers are now very strict. Drug smuggling from Southeast Asia has been increasing. Cruz: They looked through our luggage. Is it that easy to find drugs? Yamada: According to the news, they often find drugs that way. There is a minibus waiting for us, so let’s get going.

placard: a sign. (a piece of card with people’s names written on it) Third Mate: a member of a ship’s crew who helps to steer the ship Third Engineer: a member of a ship’s crew who works in the ship’s Engine Room …we were searched: A customs official examined us and our suitcases. luggage: suitcases, trunks, etc. usually carried for traveling, large bags containing clothes according to..: from what I’ve heard or read… …let’s get going: …let’s go, let’s move

5. Meeting with an Agent: Situation (2) agent Found Easily (Cruz and Santos exit into the Arrival Lobby. Suddenly, a Japanese woman calls them over.) Stranger: Excuse me, are you Mr. Vincent from the Philippines ABC Company? Cruz: No, I’m not. I’m not with the Philippines ABC Company. Stranger: Oh, wrong person. I’m sorry. Santos: It’s difficult to find people in this crowd. Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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Cruz:

I think our agent has a placard with our names on it. Let’s try to find him.

(Ten minutes later) Santos: He doesn’t seem to be here. Have we got the meeting place wrong? There are two terminals at Narita Airport. This is Terminal 1, isn’t it? Cruz: Well, let’s wait for a few more minutes. We don’t know the agent’s phone number anyway. Let’s go sit on that bench over there. (Ten more minutes later) Santos: Look! That man seems to have a placard with our names on it. Excuse me. Are you Mr. Yamada? We’re Santos and Cruz from the Philippines. Yamada: Oh, thank goodness! I’m glad we were able to meet up. We were delayed by the traffic. There was a big accident on our way to the airport. I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.

suddenly: without warning. An unexpected surprise wrong person: a different person, not the right person, not the person one is looking for crowd: a large number of people … seem to be …: appear to be… - “he doesn’t seem to be here.” = “I don’t think he is here” thank goodness: “How lucky!” an expression of relief = Thank God. We were delayed…: we were held up and therefore could not come on time… traffic: cars on a highway or a road I’m sorry to have kept you waiting: I’m sorry I kept you waiting. (a frequently used apology when arriving late)

6.

At Tokyo Station

(Transferring from the Yamanote Line to the Tokaido Shinkansen) Cruz: I think this is the right way, but with all these people, I’m not sure! It must be rush hour now. commuting always seems to be bad. Santos: Let’s ask someone. (He stops a passerby.) Excuse me, is this the way to the Shinkansen? Passerby: There are several Shinkansens. Which one are you looking for? Santos: The Tokaido Shinkansen. We are going to Shin-Kobe. Passerby: OK. Then go straight ahead, and you’ll see the ticket gates for the Tokaido Shinkansen. Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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Ask the station staff for more information. Santos: Straight ahead? OK. Thank you very much. Cruz: Let’s go. (At the ticket gate) Stat. staff: Ah, just put your tickets in the slot over here. This is an automatic gate. Santos: Thank you. Which platform does the train leave from? Stat. Staff: Platform 16. Santos: Platform 16? Thank you. Cruz: We should eat on the train. Let’s buy some food. Santos: That’s a good idea. I’d like to have some typical Japanese food. (At a stall nearby) Cruz: “Makunouchi-bentou.” This looks like a Japanese packed lunch. I’ll have that. Santos: OK. I’m going to try this one here.

transferring: changing trains – transfer = change over, move over Shinkansen: Japanese bullet train, super-express train Tokaido Shinkansen: the super-express trains serving mainly the Pacific coast of Japan’s mainland commuting: traveling back and forth, i.e. to and from work passerby: a bystander; person on the street straight ahead: forward without turning slot: long hole or groove platform: waiting place for a train typical: most common, representative stall: small stand or shop Makunouchi-bentou: Japanese-style boxed lunch with rice and assortment of cooked meats, fish, and vegetables

7.

At the Mizushima Port Service Boat Station

Santos: (To the female staff at the Service Boat Station) Excuse me. We want to board The Persian Adventure. When does the service boat leave? Staff: Marine No.1 leaves at 1 pm. She’s over there. Santos: Thanks. By the way, has The Persian Adventure come into berth yet? Staff: Well, she was supposed to be here at 12 o’clock, so I suppose she has. Look. You can see her there. Cruz: Oh, is it the one with the reddish funnel? Staff: Yes, that’s the one. Cruz: Do you know the schedule? Staff: I heard that the ETD is the day after tomorrow, but I don’t know the details. Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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Santos: That’s way too short, isn’t it? Staff: All specialized carriers do the same. Cruz: I’d like to buy some snack. Is there a shop around here? Staff: There is a convenience store further down the street. Go out here, turn left at the corner, and then go straight for about 200 meters. You’ll find it on your right. Cruz: Thank you. Staff: Be sure not to miss the service boat. Santos: Don’t worry. We still have 30 minutes until it leaves. Let’s go!

Mizushima: a port city in Okayama, located in southwestern Japan service boat: water taxi berth: mooring place, to moor (a ship/boat) was supposed to …: should have been, is scheduled to be… funnel: the chimney for a ship’s steamer ETD(Estimated Time of Departure): the scheduled time when ship will leave port details: the facts, detailed information specialized carrier: type of ship, i.e. tanker, container ship, etc. convenience store: a small corner store selling all kinds of goods which is open longer than most other store – convenient: easy to use on your right: on the right-hand side of a person miss: fail to catch

8.

Getting Lost

Santos: I thought it would be easy to find the shop, but I don’t see it anywhere. Cruz: Gee, we must have lost our way. Maybe we turned at the wrong corner. Everything’s written in Japanese with kanji everywhere! I can’t understand a thing. Santos: We’ll have to turn back. Let’s go back to that corner. Cruz: We don’t have enough time. Let’s ask someone. Santos: Do they speak English? I’ve heard that ordinary Japanese people are not very good at speaking English. Cruz: Let’s ask that student. Excuse me, do you speak English? Student: Yes, I’m studying English at school. Can I help you? Cruz: Oh, great! We want to go to the convenience store nearby but we’re a little lost. Student: There’s a Seven-Eleven store that way. Turn right over there. Go straight for about 100 Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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meters. You’ll see some traffic lights. Turn left there, and you’ll find it. Cruz: Thank you very much. Student: You’re welcome. Are you seamen? Cruz: Yes, we are. We’re boarding a tanker in Mizushima. Student: It takes five minutes from the shop to the boat station. Will you know how to get there? Cruz: Yes, we will. We just came from the station so we’ll be able to get back. Student: That’s good. Take care of yourselves. Bon voyage! Cruz: Hey, thank you very much.

must have lost our way…: got lost or went the wrong way, took the wrong way. I can’t understand a thing…: I cannot (do not) understand anything ordinary: plain, simple, or usual – extraordinary: special, unusual nearby: close to - the station nearby: the station that is close traffic lights: a set of lights used to control traffic. also called “traffic signs” Take care of yourselves.: be safe, be OK, and look after yourselves. – “Take care of yourself.” when addressing a single person Bon voyage!: Have a nice trip! Have a safe journey!

9.

At a Convenience Store

S. Clerk: May I help you? Santos: Yes. I’d like to buy some cookies. S. Clerk: They are on that shelf over there. Santos: These are chocolate-flavored cookies. Excuse me, how much are these? I can’t see the price. S. Clerk: I’m sorry, but all the prices are bar-coded only. Those are 400 yen. Santos: Thanks. Cruz: Four-hundred yen is a bit expensive. Let’s look for cheaper ones. How about these? It says “Potato Chips” on the packet. They’re only 230 yen. Santos: It’s quite light for such a big packet but it looks good. OK, I’ll buy two of these. Cruz: I’ll get two bags, too. S. Clerk: Do you want to pay for these separately or together? Santos: Together, please. Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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S. Clerk: That comes to 966 yen. Cruz: Ah, isn’t it supposed to be 920 yen since they are 230 yen each? S. Clerk: You need to add the 5% consumption tax, which comes to 46 yen. Cruz: We have to pay tax on everything? S. Clerk: I’m afraid so. Will that be all? Cruz: Yes. Here’s a thousand yen. S. Clerk: Thank you. Here’s your change: 34 yen. Santos: Thank you. (They go out of the shop.) Wow! That young girl was looking after such a big shop all by herself! Cruz: I heard that Japanese people are pretty honest and there isn’t much shoplifting.

S. Clerk: sales clerk chocolate-flavored: taste like chocolate price: cost bar-coded: price on package read by a computer scanner a bit expensive: a little expensive, not cheap – a bit = a little look for …: try to find cheaper: cost less, priced lower separately: one at a time, not together consumption tax: 5% tax on things bought at stores (in Japan) a thousand yen: 1,000 yen change: money left after a purchase, money you get back after paying for something shoplifting: stealing, taking something without paying, especially from a shop

10.

In a Taxi

Cruz: Santos: Cruz: Santos:

We should get going. We don’t have much time left. Shall we take a taxi? Yes. But can we catch one easily? Ah, here comes one now! flag it down! Oh, there’s already a passenger in ti. That’s no good. Here comes another one! It’s stopping. The red lamp at the front seems to mean that it’s free. Wow! The door opens automatically! Japanese taxis are amazing!

(They get in the taxi) Driver: Hell. Where to, sir? Santos: To the Service Boat Station at Mizushima Port, please. How much will that be? Driver: Mizushima Port, Service Boat Station. All right. The basic fare is 56 yen for the initial two kilometers. There’s an additional charge of 80 yen per 200 meters. So it will cost about 640 yen from here. Cruz: Do you have the same taxi fares everywhere in Japan? Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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Driver: Santos: Driver: Santos: Driver: Santos: Driver:

No. generally speaking, it costs more in urban areas than in rural areas. Is it a difficult job? Not really. It’s a good way to earn a living. Here we are at the Service Boat Station. Oh, great! We’re back just in time. Just a moment. I’ll pull over. How much is it? (Checking the meter) It’s 640 yen.

catch: take, take hold of… flag it down. : hail or wave to taxi driver free: not in use, available automatically: by itself, without having to do anything amazing: wonderful, great initial: first an additional charge: extra cost. additional –add (to increase) Generally speaking,… : speaking in a general manner, without giving specifics; usually, regularly urban area : city rural area : country, farmland earn a living : work, have a job to make money just in time: in time, not late – I was just in time … (I was not late. I came on time)

Chapter 2. On Board a Tanker 11.

Self-Introduction – The Captain’s Cabin

(After knocking at the door of the Captain’s cabin) C/off: Captain, Third Mate Conrad Cruz and Third Engineer Manuel Santos are here, sir. Capt: Come in. I’ve been expecting you. C/off: Let’s go in. captain, I’d like to introduce you to Third Mate, Mr. Conrad Cruz and Third Engineer, Mr. Manuel Santos. Cruz: Nice to meet you, Captain. I’m Third Mate Conrad Cruz from Manila. I am 22 years old and I am determined to do my best. Santos: Nice to meet you, sir. I’m Third Engineer Manuel Santos. I’m also from Manila. I am 23 years old and I hope to do my best, too. Capt: (Shaking hands) Nice to meet you both. I’m Captain Shimoda. Welcome aboard The Perian Adventure. Please have a seat. Cruz / Santos: Thank you, sir. Capt: Is this your first time on a Japanese ship? Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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Cruz: Capt:

Yes, it is, and I’m a little nervous. I’ve never been on such a large ship Oh, don’t worry. Everyone is nervous the first time. Just watch your step and don’t get into any trouble. I expect everyone to work hard, but if you don’t understand something, just ask one of us. In Japan, we have a saying: “Asking for help is a momentary shame, but never asking for help is a lifetime shame”. The worst situation is when you pretend that you understand when you really don’t, and then you fail to do your work right. Cruz/Santos: We’ll keep that in mind, sir.

C/off: chief officer expect: wait for …., to look forward to something … determined to do my best: will try hard to do the best I can nervous: worried, uneasy watch your step: be careful, look where you are going get into trouble: have or cause problems saying: proverb, adage, motto momentary: short, brief, temporary shame: disgrace, loss of honor lifetime: for your whole life, until you die, throughout your life pretend: act as if, make believe fail: not succeed, be unable to accomplish something

12. 2/off: Cruz: 2/off: Cruz:

2/off:

Cruz:

2/off:

The COC Room of the Tanker Hi, you’re the Third Mate, Mr. Cruz, aren’t you? Welcome on board. I’m the Second Mate and my name is Tanaka. Nice to have you with us. Nice to meet you. My name is Conrad Cruz. I’m 22 years old and I’m from Manila. Is this your first time on a tanker? Yes, it is. I’ve been on 1 200,00-ton bulk carrier before, and I received tanker training in the Philippines, which was mainly lectures. I also trained using a tanker simulator at one of the Japanese shipping company’s training centers. It was quite helpful. I did that simulator training, too. Training is different from the real job, but it’s quite helpful. By the way, I’m from Hiroshima. I have a wife and three children. The eldest one is 13. he is a junior high school student. My family comes to see me whenever my ship arrives in Japan. They have already been to my cabin and made a big fuss. That’s great. I’m single and my parents live with my elder brothers. Both of my brothers work for Japanese companies in the Philippines. There are a lot of differences in culture and in social structure between Japan and the Philippines. I’m dying to learn about Japan. That’s a great attitude Learning about each other’s culture helps us understand each other better. That’s the first step towards having a pleasant and peaceful time on board.

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COC: Cargo oil control 2/off: second officer, also called second mate (the rank that comes after first mate) second mate: a friendly way of addressing the second officer bulk carrier: large ship that carriers raw goods in its hold simulator: machine for practice shipping company: large company that owns and operates boats Hiroshima: large port city in Western Japan … made a big fuss: made a big issue about something single: unmarried elder brother(s): older brother(s) difference(s): things that are not the same or similar culture: arts, philosophies, products of any society social structure: organization of a society I’m dying to …: want to do something very much attitude: way of thinking, behavior and manners

13.

Self-Introduction on a Passage

Santos: 2/Eng: Santos: 2/Eng: Santos: 2/Eng:

Santos: 2/Eng:

Santos:

(To a Japanese crewmember passing by) Hello! I’m Third Engineer, Manuel Santos. I just came on board. Hi. Nice to meet you. I’m Second Engineer, Suzuki. I was checking a pump so I couldn’t come to the Engine Control Room when the Chief Engineer introduced you. Boy, I was surprised by the size of the engine. It’s the first time that I’ve seen such a big one! This ship keeps us busy and she’s a good one to learn many different jobs on. I’m sure I’ll learn a lot. The small number of crew also surprised me. Well, it means that each crewmember takes on a lot of responsibility. I do hop you’ll become familiar with the ship quickly, and do your job well. We all count on each other. I’ll help you whenever there’s something that you don’t understand. Your hands, feet, and body. You know, hands-on experience. That’s the way Japanese people work. I see. I was told the same back home It’s important to work hard. Doing a good job helps you gain confidence. Oh, by the way, I should tell you more about myself. I’m 30 years old. I’m single and I come form Yamaguchi. I like fishing. Pretty handy when you work on a boat, don’t you think? Sure. I’m 23 years old and I come form Manila. I don’t have any hobby. I just like reading.

crewmember: a member of a crew (all the people working on a boat, airplane, train, etc.) 2/eng: second engineer Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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Chief Engineer: the highest-ranking engineer on a ship responsibility: duty, work a person has to do become familiar with… : to come to know something well count on: depend on, rely on, expect somebody else’s help instruction book(s): a book that shows or teaches things, procedures, etc. hesitate: be slow to act, speak or decide, for example, as a sign of uncertainty hands-on experience: learning by doing or through active participation confidence: trust, feeling sure, feeling of assurance handy: convenient, easy to use or apply

14. 2/off: Cruz: 2/off: Cruz: 2/off: Cruz: 2/off:

Cruz: 2/off: Cruz:

Being Taken to a Cabin OK, I’ll take you up to your cabin. Just follow me. We are on D-Deck now. your cabin is on B-Deck, two floors above. Let’s take the elevator. Is the elevator in service all the time? Except during an emergency. And you should always use good manners. Shut the door quietly but trimly, that sort of thing. Here we are. This is your cabin. Thank you. The next cabin is the Chief Mate’s. and the first Engineer, Second Engineer, and Third Engineer’ cabins are also on this floor. Is the Chief Engineer on the same deck as the Captain? That’s right. There’s a water fountain over there for when you are thirsty. Next to it is the laundry room. There are two washing machines. One is for underwear and slightly dirty clothes. The other is for heavily-stained clothing such as oily coveralls. Please tell the Chief Officer if they go out of order. OK. By the way, your English is very good. Thank you. I’m very glad to hear that. I often read English newspapers and try to brush up on my English all the time. Here, why don’t you settle down in your cabin? Thank you.

in service: working, in operation emergency: a sudden, urgent development of a serious matter First Engineer: a ship’s crew in charge of the engines water fountain: a device for supplying fresh drinking water washing machine(s): a machine which washes clothes automatically underwear: undergarment, clothes worn directly on a person’s body heavily-stained: badly soiled, very dirty Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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coverall(s): loose, one-piece garment worn by workmen (to protect clothes) out of order: not working, broken brush up: to improve, to polish up settle down: to live in an ordinary way, to feel relaxed, to become less nervous

15.

Getting to Know the Ship – The Bridge

Cruz: The eye altitude on the VLCC seems very high. How high is it? 2/off: It is 26 meters when fully loaded and 37 meters at ballast level. The ship is now half loaded so it is about 32 meters. Cruz: The steering stand looks like a car’s steering wheel. It doesn’t look like a ship’s wheel at all. This is the engine control panel. This must be the engine telegraph. And this is the telephone that connects you to the Engine Room, isn’t it? 2/off: Yes, it is. All you have to do is pick up the receiver and speak. The rest are all meters related to the engine. This is the Doppler Sonar. It’s more accurate than the electric-magnetic log. It is especially helpful when coming into berth. Cruz: Oh, this is the radar, and it hs ARPA! 2/off: ARPA is very useful. Make sure to remember that using your own eyes is essential. You should never rely solely on the radar. Don’t depend on the radar picture for information. Always confirm with the naked eye, even if visibility is bad. Cruz: Yes, I understand. 2/off: The ship is equipped with an electrical charting system. It shows the position of the ship by receiving signals from the GPS. But observing the position with your own eyes, especially for cross bearing, is one of the basics for a deck officer. Cruz: I will learn cross bearing properly. Is this the GMDSS? 2/off: Yes, I’ll tell you about it later.

eye altitude: eye level (altitude = height, distance from sea level) VLCC: Very Large Crude Carrier fully loaded: a ship’s holds are filled to capacity ballast: a heavy material (usu. Seawater) placed in a ship’s tank for greater stability – at ballast level (sailing with no cargo) steering wheel: a wheel used for steering, such as a rudder Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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telegraph: a communication system over directly connected wires receiver: a part of a telephone, television, etc. which receives incoming signals Doppler Sonar: a sonar working on the Doppler principle which is used to measure a ship’s speed electric-magnetic log: a ship’s speed measuring mechanism operating on an electromagnetic system ARPA: Automatic Radar Plotting Aids naked eye: unaided eye, seeing things with one’s own eyes visibility: the distance that can be seen without using instruments electrical charting system: electrical display of navigational charts GPS: Global Position Satellite System cross bearing: a method of finding out a ship’s location GMDSS: Global Maritime Distress and Safety System

16.

Getting to Know the Ship – Communication Facilities

Santos: Capt: Santos: Capt:

Santos: Capt: Santos: Capt: Santos: Capt:

Santos: Capt: Santos: Capt:

Excuse me. May I come in? Sure. Come in. I brought my passport, my mariner’s license, and my seamen’s book. Thank you. The expiration date of your passport is in 2010, so you have ten more years. Is this seamen’s license Filipino? This ship’s Panamanian, so we need a Panamanian license. Do you have one? Yes, I do, but I left it in my cabin. I need to see it. Will you bring the license and the seamen’s book later, please? Do you have vaccination certificates? I have a cholera certificate. I’ll bring it later, too. Oh, we don’t need the cholera certificate. Do you have a yellow fever certificate? No, I don’t. That’s not good. You won’t need it for this voyage, but you might need it for the next one. You should get your yellow-fever vaccination done next time you are in Japan. It is too late to get it now. I’m sorry. I wasn’t told about it. By the way, the radio equipment seems completely different. It was changed when we started using the GMDSS. So all information is exchanged with the GMDSS? Yes, you can say that. Most messages sent between the ship and headquarters are done by INMARSAT. In the waters around Japan, we use the coastal telephone system, which covers a wide area since it also recently started using the satellite system. Another communications system we use is the VHF telephone for contacting pilots and other vessels. You can use INMARSAT for private telephone calls, too.

mariner’s license: a license issued to seamen expiration: coming to a close or end or termination Filipino: of or native of the Philippines Panamanian: of or native of Panama Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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vaccination: immunization using vaccines certificate: a paper proving or certifying something cholera: an acute infection with watery diarrhea, vomiting, cramps (often fatal) yellow fever: an acute disease transmitted by mosquitoes, characterized by the body turning yellow (jaundice) headquarters: main office, head office INMARSAT: International Maritime Satellite satellite: man-made flying object on the Earth’s orbit serving various purposes

17. Cruz: 2/off:

Cruz: 2/off:

Cruz: 2/off:

Cruz: 2/off: Cruz: 2/off:

Getting to Know the Ship – A Cabin This is quite a big room, with a big window, a shower and a toilet. The ship’s accommodations were built by the Japanese ship owners. They used to be much less attractive than the accommodations on European ships. Conditions have improved lately, though. Is this telephone used only on board? Yes, it is. It’s mostly used by the Quartermaster to call you 15 minutes before your watch. There is a coastal telephone system at the Bridge and in the General Office. It covers the Japanese coastal area and also the Bashi Channel area. We use it to communicate with the head office. Can I drink the water from the tap? No, you shouldn’t. it’s only for washing and rinsing. We call it “fresh water.” It is distilled seawater that comes from an evaporator in the Engine Room. It may contain unwanted bacteria. You should drink the water only from the water fountains. Do I have to clean my cabin myself? Basically, yes. But the Mess Boy sweeps the ship once a week. He also changes the bed sheets every two weeds. The word “antenna” is written on this box by the wall. What is this antenna for? This is a radio antenna. When you connect your radio to it, you can hear short-wave broadcast in your cabin. Take a single electrical wire and wind it 10 to 20 times into a coil with a diameter of about 10 cm. Then connect one end of the coil to this antenna terminal and the other to the ground terminal. Put the coil close to the radio. You can hear short-wave clearly that way.

accommodation(s): living quarters, living areas ship owner(s): people or companies which own a ship less attractive: not favorable, not likeable, not appealing Conditions have improved…: conditions have become better… quartermaster: a crew to take her steering Bashi Channel: a channel found between Taiwan and the Philippines tap: faucet (tap water = water running from a faucet) distilled: obtaining a liquid by condensing vapor Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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evaporator: a machine used to heat and make vapor of a liquid unwanted bacteria: harmful microorganisms which may cause illnesses short-wave broadcast: radio broadcasts sent via waves of short wave lengths diameter: a straight line passing through the center of a circle

18.

Getting to Know the Ship – The Dining Hall

C. Stew: Here’s the Third Mate table, and there is the Third Engineer’s table. Cruz: Thank you. Breakfast is served at seven o’clock, lunch at twelve o’clock, and dinner’s served at five-thirty? C. Stew: That’s right. But the Third Mate’s dinner is served at five o’clock because you have to relieve the Chief Mate when he eats dinner. It is a self-serve dining room, so make sure that you return your dirty dishes to the basin in the galley after you finish your meal. Cruz: I will. What kind of food do you serve here? C. Stew: Mainly Japanese food for the Japanese, and Filipino food for the Filipinos. But sometimes, we serve the same meal for everyone, such as when we have steak. Can you eat Japanese sashimi or sushi? Cruz: No problem. I like sukiyaki I’m interested in Japanese food, so I cut some Japanese recipes out of a newspaper and brought them with me. C. Stew: That’s good! I’ll prepare something special for you someday. I think that we will serve sukiyaki for the welcome party after we’re off at sea. Cruz: That’s splendid! Will we be able to drink beer? C. Stew: We have a company policy about alcohol. You can drink, but there’s a limit. In any case, just enjoy yourself and don’t get drunk.

C. Stew: Chief steward is served: (meals are) offered or presented relieve: to release a person from duty galley: the kitchen of a ship or an airplane sashimi: a typical Japanese dish of sliced fresh, raw fish sushi: a typical Japanese dish of sliced raw fish placed on balls of seasoned rice sukiyaki: a typical Japanese dish cooked with sliced beef and vegetable recipe(s): a list of ingredients and procedures for preparing food, medicine. Etc. off at sea: sailing in high waters not moored in a port drunk: physical and mental weakness caused by taking too much alcohol

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19.

Getting to Know the Ship – The Upper Deck

C/off: Let me show you the deck. Be sure to wear your helmet whenever you work on deck. There’s one that has “THIRD OFFICER” written on it. Cruz: Oh, I found it. C/off: We must go up one floor above the Upper Deck to D-Deck. The entrance used should be the one opposite this one. Exit from the starboard side. Both doors on the Upper Deck should be shut firmly like this. Don’t use this door unless there’s an emergency. Cruz: Is this the Deck Seal Tank of the Inert Gas System? C/off: Inert gas is sent to this deck seal tank through that big pipe after it is generated by the Inert Fan Room on top of the Engine Room. From here, it provides inert gas to each tank through the deck pipeline. The Deck Seal Tank is the most basic safety device. Seawater is continuously supplied from the Engine Room. Cruz: Is it sent through a special pump: C/off: It’s sent through the GS pump, the fire pump, and any other specialized deck seal seawater pump. If one pump breaks down, another one takes its place Cruz: This mooring winch looks like it’s hydraulically operated. C/off: Yes, there’s one hydraulic pump in the Steering Engine Room for the aft winch. Another is in the Center Store for the mid-ship winch, and the third one is in the Bosun Store for the fore winch. Inform the Engine Room before you turn them on or off. Cruz: Are these the main pipelines: No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, the inert line, and the COW line? C/off: The pipelines are color-coded for easy identification. This is a small line. This is a bunker line. This is a fire line. This is a foam line for the fire line.

opposite: the other side, the side facing you starboard side: the right-hand side of a ship or aircraft Deck Seal Tank: a tank used for collecting inert gas to seal off the deck in case of fire Inert Gas System: a system of a network of pipelines for supplying inert gas safety device: equipment used to enhance safety GS pump (general service pump): a pump used for general purposes, such as supplying fresh water mooring winch: a winch used for taking up a rope or chain used for mooring a ship hydraulically operated: something working by means of a fluid under pressure aft: toward the rear of a ship identification: a proof of a person’s identity bunker line: a pipeline used to supply fuel to a ship’s bunker, or a fuel storage

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20.

Getting to Know the Ship – The Poop Deck

2/off:

I stand on the Poop Deck when berthing except when berthing SBM or anchoring. You have to let me know whenever we do a trial run of the engine. We do it every time we leave port. I then check if aft is normal, and then I check for fishing boats or small boats or if the crew has left any fishing tackle outboard. As for the accommodation ladder, we heave it up a little when the ship moves. After that, we do an engine test by contacting the Engine Room. Santos: I see. How about checking the steering gears? 2/off: We do it before or after the engine test. You should do it after I enter the Steering Engine Room. I check the movement of the rudder and see if the hydraulic system works well. Cruz: Communication between us is done only by transceiver? 2/off: Basically yes, but we can also use the one in the Steering Engine Room. Cruz: What’s this wire? 2/off: It is a fire wire. A tugboat uses this wire to pull the ship from the berth when she can’t move on her own, or in case of a fire during cargo loading and unloading. Regulations about setting this wire in port are very strict, so you have to follow the rules. This should be set whenever the ship enters the Maritime Traffic Safety Law areas in Japan. Cruz: Is the Emergency Fire Pump Room under this deck? 2/off: Yes, it is. It’s just as described on the side of this door. It’s under the Steering Room. Ask one of the engineers how to operate it later.

Poop Deck: a partial deck on the stern superstructure of a ship SBM(single buoy for mooring): a method of mooring a ship anchoring: preventing a ship’s free movement with a heavy object cast overboard trial run: a test run fishing tackle: fishing gear accommodation ladder: a ladder used to help people board a ship rudder: a plate secured to the stern of a ship used to direct its course hydraulic system: a mechanical system which is powered by pressurized liquid transceiver: a portable transmitter and receiver in one unit Maritime Traffic safety Law: a set of rules for navigating specified traffic routes in Japan as described…: as specified, as stated, as written in…

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21.

Getting to Know the Ship – The Engine Room

1/eng: Santos: 1/eng:

Santos: 1/eng: Santos: 1/eng: Santos: 1/eng: Santos: 1/eng: Santos: 1/eng:

Here’s your new workplace, The Persian Adventure’s Engine Room. Oh, the engine is huge! The room is bigger, brighter, and quieter than I thought. It isn’t very noisy at port, but it become quite noisy at sea. So be sure to wear earplugs when you work in here. It is important to keep the lighting equipment well maintained for safety reasons. Since you are in charge of electricity ,you are also responsible for the safety of the workplace. My job seems challenging and I’m excited. By the way, did you change the main Engine fuel oil from heavy fuel oil to diesel oil before entering port? We used to do that, but FO valves have improved recently. We can now use heavy fuel oil even while in port. Remember to always keep the FO pump working. Where are the cargo pumps? I don’t see them. For safety reasons, they are in the Pump Room in another section. All lights in the Pump Room are gas tight. How do you switch pumps? We use the No. 1 Group when outbound, and the No. 2 Group when inbound. We switch pumps while warming up the engine before we leave port. Do the two diesel generators run the same way? The Second Engineer, who is in charge of the diesel generators. Adjusts their operating times according to his work plan. Does the maintenance plan apply to the main engine and to all of the important auxiliary machines such as the generators, the air compressors, and the boilers? You got it! Proper maintenance is essential for safe and economical navigation.

1/eng: first engineer workplace: a place where a person works earplug(s): a set of plugs inserted in the ear to cut off noise well maintained: well taken care of… for safety reasons: to enhance safety, to avoid danger challenging: difficult heavy fuel oil: a grade of fuel oil used to power a vehicle FO valves: fuel oil valve FO pump: fuel oil pump gas-tight: equipped with a mechanism for shutting off gas diesel generator(s): a power generator powered by diesel oil economical navigation: sailing at low cost

22.

Getting to Know the Ship – The Engine Control Room

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1/eng:

Santos: 1/eng:

Santos: 1/eng: Santos: 1/eng: Santos: 1/eng: Santos: 1/eng:

Let me briefly show you the Control Room equipment. This ship is a so-called M0 ship. The main engine can be operated from three places: the Bridge, here in the Control Room, and locally. What situations require the main engine to be operated from the Bridge or locally? We usually operate the main engine from the Bridge while at sea. We have to operate locally when the remote-control system breaks down. But special skills are required for that. We check and practice local operation before entering and leaving port. Will you be training soon? Yes, but I’m not sure about the schedule. The main engine is a Hitachi B&W 8S80MCE. Its CSO is 18,071 kilowatts at 69.7 RPMs. The diameter of the cylinders is 800 mm, and the piston stroke is 2,592 mm. That’s huge! A cylinder is big enough for an adult to work inside it. Exactly. We can go and see a cylinder when we are changing an exhaust valve. I’ll look forward to that. The main engine and most auxiliary machines are operated and turned on and off here in the Control Room. We can check their condition, too. Do you mean that no one needs to stay in the Engine Room? Not exactly. As I said before, we use the M0 system so we don’t need to check it while at sea. All of the Engine Room crewmembers engage in maintenance work. An engineer and an oiler assigned to an M0 watch have to check and maintain the main engine and the equipment in the Engine Room. Whenever the M0 alarm rings, they have to respond to it.

briefly: using just a few words, shortly M0: man in machinery space zero remote-control system: a way of controlling the operation of equipment from a faraway location practice: to do as a habit CSO: continuous service output(连续输出功率) RPM(revolution per minute): a unit indicating the rotating speed of a turning object diameter: the straight line passing through the center of a circle cylinder: a chamber housing a reciprocating piston piston stroke: a single movement of a piston exhaust valve: a valve through which exhaust gas or liquid is discharged auxiliary: subsidiary, supplementary, being related to assigned to … : given the task of doing something

23.

Getting to Know the Ship – The Galley

Santos: Is it OK if I put the dirty dishes here? C. stew: Sure. How was your meal? Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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Santos: C. stew:

Santos: C. stew:

Santos: C. stew: Santos: C. stew:

It was very tasty. I really liked the juicy steak and the big lobster. How much are your food expenses for us all? They are now 1,500 yen a day per person. This is in accordance with the contract between the shipping companies and the All Japan Seamen’s Union. This budget allows us to buy good food that is supplied in Singapore. Do we stop in Singapore? No, we don’t. we get the food from Singapore from a supply boat. It comes on several slings, and unloading it is hard work. Will you help us next time because we need all the arms we can find? I will. By the way, may I use the refrigerator in the galley? No problem. You have to write your name on your food, and make sure to keep the refrigerator clean. You may also use the microwave oven. I usually have snacks during the night navigation watches, so I brought cup-of-noodle soups along. Can I boil water in the microwave oven? No, you shouldn’t use the microwave for that. You can use the water boiler in the galley. After you finish eating, remember to rinse the container before disposing of it.

expense(s): the amount of money spent in accordance with … : conforming to … following… budget: a pre-set amount of money one can use sling(s): looped ropes or straps used for lifting something microwave oven: an oven which use microwaves to cook food night navigation watch(es): a night duty usu, on the Bridge and Engine Control Room container: a can, bag, or box, etc. which can hold things inside disposing of … : throwing away, getting rid of

24.

Getting to Know the Ship – The Toilet

2/off: Let me show you the toilet. Cruz: Are there common toilets only in front of the COC? 2/off: No. there are some in front of the workers’ room on the Upper Deck, and others in the crew quarters on C-Deck. The deck crew does the cleaning, but we must also make an effort Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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to keep them clean. Is the flush water seawater? Yes, it is provided by the GS pump in the Engine Room. You must immediately report any problem to the Chief Officer, for example, if the toilet clogs up or if the water doesn’t stop running. That way repairs can be done quickly. We are all responsible for the maintenance of the ship. Yes, sir. What should I do if I flush and water doesn’t come out? In that case, you can wash up using tap water by connecting the hose to the fresh water faucet. If that doesn’t work, use the bucket to pour water in the toilet. It usually works that way. I hope it never happens to me. This ship is OK. When you are on an old ship, there are many problems with pipes and filters getting clogged, and it makes flushing difficult, it not impossible. I heard that the toilet paper is stored in the Deck Store. When may I take some? There are rolls in that locker. When they run out, ask the Assistant Officer for more. You may take some to your cabin, too.

Cruz: 2/off:

Cruz: 2/off:

Cruz: 2/off: Cruz: 2/off:

COC: Crude Oil Control crew quarter(s): living areas spaces for members of the crew make and effort to … : try to do something flush: to wash away with water as in flush toilet immediately: right away, promptly clogs up: obstruct the movement of something faucet: tap, a device for regulating the flow of liquid, such as water impossible: not possible, something that cannot be done run out: to completely use up and have nothing more left

25.

Getting to Know the Ship – The Chamber

C. stew: Cruz: Santos:

Here are the goods that you ordered. Please take the ones with your name or rank writhen on them. These are mine. Three cartons of cigarettes and three cases of cola. These three cases of juice and the case of cup-of-noodles are mine. Do you always deliver the goods after leaving port?

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C. stew:

Sure. I usually take orders before entering port, and then I send them by telex to a ship chandler. The ship advances the payments, and then we withdraw what you owe from your salary. Santos: Can we buy anything? C. stew: In general, yes. Groceries, cigarettes, and soap are the most common items. You can also buy electrical appliances if you don’t mind paying high prices. Cruz: I did not order any this time. But next time, can I buy fresh foods such as milk, eggs, or vegetables? C. stew: Sure. You can make special orders. But we serve such food almost everyday. We keep them in the Chamber, so you can ask the steward to give you some, and you can store them for a few days in the refrigerator. Santos: Is the Chamber partitioned? C. stew: Yes, it’s partitioned into four rooms. You have the Lobby, the meat section, the Fish section, and the vegetable section.

goods: products, merchandise deliver: to bring to a destination ship chandler: a retailed dealer of goods and equipment, especially supplying ships withdraw: to take out (take out money in this case) owe: money being borrowed from someone groceries: foodstuff, household supplies electrical appliance(s): a device which is powered by electricity partitioned: divided into different sections

26.

Getting to Know the Ship – The Deck Tool Store

A/off:

Cruz: A/off:

First, here is the Carpenter’s Shop. Tools for the deck are stowed here and in the Deck Tool Store. We keep the small tools, the screw drivers, the wrenches, the Japanese carpenter tools, and the special purpose maintenance tools in this area. Do you repair the pneumatic motor for the accommodation ladder here? Yes, we do. The digital gauge used to observe the ullage of the cargo is stowed and overhauled here, too. As you might know, you must return each tool to its original place.

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Cruz: A/off:

Cruz: A/off: Cruz: A/off:

The tools are stored very neatly. Here’s the Deck Tool Store. Large tools are stowed here, you know, the chipping tools and the hoses. We also have the shock spanners used for loosening or tightening the cargo-valve bolts, claw bars, chain hoists and grease pumps. Do you also have the Paint Store and the Consumable Goods Store? Yes. I keep the key to the Consumable Goods Store. You will get working gloves every month. The Paint Store is outside. (Out in the Paint Store) Here it is. There seems to be various kinds of paint. Most of it is deck paint called Denatured-tar Epoxy. You mix the base with the hardener. Make sure to clean the brushes after you use them. Rinse them in thinner and then soak them in water. If you don’t do this, the brushes will be ruined, and we’ll have to throw them away.

A/off: Assistant Officer carpenter’s shop: workshop where carpentry is done Deck tool store: tool storage located on the deck screwdriver(s): a tool used for turning screws wrench(es): a hand tool with adjustable jaws for gripping things special purpose maintenance tool(s): tools used to carry out special maintenance(repair) work pneumatic: working with air pressure ullage: amount of liquid in a cask or barrel or oil tanker overhauled: opened up to clean the inside of something chipping tool(s): a tool used to remove things claw bar(s): iron bar with a bent and forked end consumable goods: materials that can be used up working gloves: heavy cotton gloves used for handwork Denatured-tar epoxy: thermosetting resin of a changed quality hardener: a substance used to make other things solid or harden up thinner: a liquid used to dilute paint, etc.(turpentine) soak: to dip in a liquid such as water

27.

Getting to Know the Ship – The Engine Store

2/eng:

Santos: 2/eng:

Here is the Consumable Goods Store. Whenever you take something out, you should write down the date, the name and number of the article, and your name in this notebook. The First Engineer has the key to this room. You mean this notebook hanging on the wall? There are so many articles. How can I remember each one? Consumable goods are separated into three departments: the Deck, the Engine, and the purser. The Spare Parts Store is in the Engine Room. Let’s go down there now so I can show you.

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Santos: 2/eng:

Santo: 2/eng:

Are the spare parts of all the machines stowed in the Spare Parts Store? Not all, but most of them. For example, the spare parts for the conditioning refrigerator plant or for the provision refrigerator plant are stowed near them, and some parts for the main engine are in the workshop. Hmm, supplying seems rather hard work. How do you manage that? To control the supply properly, we must note the date and the number of the part in the spare parts list in the Engine Control Room. We have been thinking of introducing a system to enter all of the data into a computer. It would control the spare parts inventory on the ship or on shore.

purser: officer in charge of money matters spare part(s): extra components conditioning refrigerator plant: cooling unit to air condition rooms provision refrigerator plant: cooling unit to chill foodstuffs inventory: a record of things a person (or a ship) has

28.

Conversation During a Meal

Santos: Cruz:

I feel better now that we’ve left port. Well, we sure have a lot to learn from now on. Everyone on board is kind and willing to help when we ask them. It’s tough work but well worth doing. Santos: It sure is . I an really determined to work hard. C. stew: Hi! Have you learned the ways with the ship yet? Cruz: Yes, thank you for your help. The food’s delicious, and we’ll manage with our new jobs. By the way, where are you from? C. stew: I’m from Nagasaki. Many seamen come from there. But over the last two decades, the Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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number of seamen there has dropped, and there aren’t any more young seamen. Santos: I’m sorry to hear that. Isn’t Nagasaki the place where the Americans dropped an atomic bomb during World War II? C. stew: Yes, it is, but that happed long before I was born. Cruz: Tell me more about Nagasaki. C. stew: The city has an interesting history. During the Tokugawa Era, it was the only port open to foreign trade. Dutch sailors and traders used to come here. Santos: Oh, I’ve heard about some exotic mansion in the city. C. stew: That’s the Glover Mansion. Holland Slope is also famous. There is a Dutch-style theme park nearby. Cruz: I’d love to go there.

willing to …: be ready to do something well worth doing …: important enough to spend the time and energy delicious: tasty, yummy, good to eat Nagasaki: a port city located in the western part of Kyushu two decade(s): 20 years atomic bomb: a bomb with destructive power from the release of nuclear energy World War II: second world war Tokugawa era: the time of the longest military government in Japan, ruled by Tokugawa shoguns foreign trade: exchanging of goods with a foreign country Dutch: of or the people of Holland exotic: foreign, strange, and attractive mansion: a large house Glover mansion: old mansion of the glover family in Nagasaki, known for the beautiful gardens and as a model for the opera Madame Butterfly Holland slope: a famous tourist spot in Nagasaki theme park: an amusement park laid out with a special plan

29.

Welcome Party

C/off:

Everyone, we’re hosting a welcome party for the new members on board. First, I would like to ask Captain Shimoda for a welcome address on behalf of the crew. Captain: Gentlemen, let me say a few words to welcome you aboard The Persian Adventure. This ship sails between Japan and the Persian Gulf. Loading ports for this voyage are Ras Tanura in Saudi Arabia and Kharg Island in Iran. Our ETA is May 30th. It will take a total of six days to load the cargo in the Persian Gulf, so the arrival date at Kawasaki, the discharging port, will be around June 23rd. we can expect moderate weather throughout the voyage. However, we might have poor visibility due to rain or monsoons in the Indian Ocean. Safe navigation is most important. Also keep yourselves in good health. The steward crew has prepared a wonderful dinner, so have fun and enjoy the party. Thank Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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C/off: C/eng:

All: C/off:

you. (applause) Thank you very much, Captain. Now, we will ask our Chief Engineer to make a toast. Does everyone have a glass? Gentlemen, welcome to the great and beautiful VLCC, The Persian Adventure! I’m Chief Engineer Sato. First, I’d like to turn your attention to the gorgeous sunset outside. How lucky we are! I would like to make a toast to our health, our families, and to the safe navigation of this ship. Cheers! Cheers! (Applause) thank you very much. Enjoy the feast before you: sukiyaki, sashimi, and much more. Later on, we will have karaoke. Everyone is welcome, even the ones who can’t carry a tune!

hosting a welcome party: to hold a party (a merry gathering) address: to speak to, make a formal speech on behalf of …: on the part of, representing someone else Persian Gulf: a body of water in the Arabian Sea between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran Ras Tanura in Saudi Arabia: port city of Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf Kharg Island in Iran: islands located off the southwestern coast of Iran in the Persian Gulf ETA: estimated time of arrival discharging port: a port where the cargo is unloaded moderate weather: mild and favorable weather monsoons: seasonal strong winds and heavy rain Indian ocean: large body of water stretching from Asia to Australia and A`frica make a toast: raise a glass and drink to honor something Cheers!: interjection used when making a toast feast: large specially prepared meal usually to celebrate something can’t carry a tune: be a poor singer, cannot sing well

30.

The Gymnasium

Santos: Cruz: 2/Off: Cruz: 2/Off: Santos: 2/Off:

The party last night was great fun. The Chief Officer really poured his heart out when he sang My Way. Yeah, but it’s bad for our health to eat so much. We have to stay in shape and exercise regularly. Hey, did you say you would be exercising? I sure did. We want to sweat it out a bit. What kind of exercise do you do, Second Officer? I always lift weights and do push-ups, and then I run around the deck three times. I’m starting to get flabby. What kind of sports is popular in your country? We used to swim, bowl, and box at school. But there are few facilities, so we can’t always enjoy sports. How about in Japan? I know that many sports are very popular there. As far as children are concerned, the most popular sports are baseball, basketball, and

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Cruz: 2/Off:

recently, soccer. And there are many schools that specialize in all kinds of sports, from swimming to Japanese fencing. Parents encourage their kids to take part in sports. At traditional festival, we have children’s sumo tournaments at shrines. As for professional sports, sumo is the national sport, but we also enjoy baseball, football, and golf. I have watched Japanese sumo tournaments on TV. Foreign sumo wrestlers seem to be doing well recently. Oh, yes. Some sumo wrestlers come from Hawaii. OK. I will go for a jog now. You should wear good jogging shoes so that you won’t hurt your knees.

poured his heart out: showed his emotion or feeling stay in shape: not to put on weight, to stay slim exercise regularly: to engage in sport or exercise on a regular basis sweat it out: to exercise until sweat comes out lift weights: pick up and raise heavy items in an effort to build muscles flabby: loose, lacking force or stamina few facilities: there are not many facilities As far as children are concerned… : talking about children specialize in: to become particularly good at sumo tournaments: a tournament of a traditional sport of Japan go for a jog: go to run lightly

31.

The Recreation Room

Santos: Cruz: Santos: Cruz: Santos: Cruz: 2/Eng: Santos: 2/Eng: Cruz: 2/Eng:

Let’s go watch a video. That’s good idea since we can’t watch TV in here. What kind of videos do they have? There are quite a few American movies and many Japanese movies. But we don’t understand Japanese. American movies are fun. Let’s watch light, entertaining ones rather than serious movies. How about “Back to the future”? It’s about a young boy’s adventure. He travels in time into the past and the future. This one here is pretty good. It’s “Home Alone”. It’s about a little boy who outwits thieves. Hi. Will you be watching a video? May I join you? Sure. Come right in. We were trying to decide what to watch. There are many good Japanese videos. The best one is “Otoko wa Tsuraiyo”. You can translate that as “Men Have It Hard.” What’s it about? The main character is a man who was born in an old part of Tokyo. He seems to be a

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Santos: 2/Eng: Santos: 2/Eng:

good-for-nothing man. He has no money, but he has a good, caring heart. He always tries to help people, especially “ladies in distress.” The movie includes many rural scenes, and it depicts the lives of country people. I wish there were an English version. Most of Tora-san’s language is hard to put into English. You have such a large video collection here. Did someone copy the movies? Of course not! That would be against the Copyright Law. Our company gives us a small budget for entertainment, so we use that money to buy some of the most popular videos.

entertaining: amusing, enjoyable serious: grave, in earnest adventure: exciting experience often filled with danger outwits: to be smarter than the other thieves: people who steal other people’s possessions good-for-nothing: not useful ladies in distress: women who are in trouble and needing help depicts: show something using graphic images or words Copyright Law: a law that protects the legal rights of the originator

Chapter 3. 32.

Safety Training on Board

Safety Training – On Deck

A/off: OK. Now you must wear a safety helmet and safety shoes. Avarro: But the safety helmet makes me hot, and the safety shoes are too heavy. I think that we can still work safety with lighter fittings. A/off: I know it’s more comfortable with lighter gear, but don’t forget it can be pretty dangerous working here. For example, you might slip while painting and hit you head on the pipeline. Or the radio antenna may break and fall on the deck. These accidents have happened before. We never know what may happen. Ramos: I think we should always wear protective gear. When we are performing emergency tasks, we won’t have time to get our safety helmets or shoes in an emergency. I’d rather be always ready for an emergency. A/off: That’s good thinking. We don’t have to worry about accidents all of the time, but if you wear safety gear, you will be more prepared if an accident happens. If you aren’t dressed properly, it might slow down your work. Avarro: I understand. Somebody told me that we should never run on deck. Ramos: Yes. You see, you could slip and fall or you could trip on a rope, resulting in serious injuries. Be careful especially on the deck, which is covered with denatured epoxy paint. Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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A/off:

That paint becomes wet and slippery when it is humid. The hawse could also break, and that could be dangerous for the crew. So be careful when you are on stand-by. Also, be careful when you see a running rope. It could snap and whip you.

lighter gear: light clothing or equipment dangerous: risky, hazardous, something that may injure a person protective gear: clothing or equipment that will protect a person performing emergency tasks: doing operations in sudden, potentially dangerous situations prepared: be ready for serious injuries: grave damage inflicted op people humid: moist, wet, said of the air containing large amounts of moisture hawser: cable or rope used for mooring a ship whip: to strike or lash

33.

On the Deck of a Bulk Carrier in Port

A/off:

Wait! Don’t pass by there! There’s a safety rope there, and you might stumble there. Walk on the other side, on the port side. Avarro: But going by the starboard side is faster. A/off: You’re right, but it’s more dangerous walking on the starboard side. Lumps of ore could fall through a gap in the grab. You’d be seriously injured if a lump hits you. It could even kill you. Even when the grab is still on shore, it’s hard to walk on the deck because it gets covered with ore. Avarro: I see. I’ll be sure to walk on the port side. I have to remember that there are many dangerous things on board. A/off: You may not believe it, but there was an accident like that on a container ship just recently. A lashing worker from the shore fell from the top of the bulwark. And he was very experienced. The wire in his hand swung him around, and he lost his balance. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance, but the accident nearly cost him his life. He fell on the wharf right by the gangway that the crew uses to go on shore. Fortunately, no one was there when he fell. Another time a hatch cover dropped from a gantry crane onto the wharf while it was being transferred from a container ship. They were lucky that nobody was injured in that accident, either. Avarro: Which means I must always pay attention to what’s under and over me!

stumble: to walk unsteadily, almost falling or missing a step Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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port side: the left side of a ship when facing the front or bow grab: to grasp or get hold of, a device for picking up something lashing worker: a workman in charge of lashing (tying) things down bulwark: wall, raised structure, rampart ambulance: emergency vehicle used to carry sick or injured people to a hospital … nearly cost him his life: he was nearly killed gangway: a narrow passage gantry crane: a crane mounted on a sturdy support container ship: ship specialized in carrying containers from port to port

34.

Dangers on a Tanker

C/off:

Because you are new on the tanker, let’s begin this training session with the basics. Refer to the green brochure Safety on a Tanker. Well, what kinds of dangers do you think are lurking on a tanker? Cruz: Fire? The gas from the crude oil could ignite and start a fire. Santos: An even worse case is an explosion. C/off: That’s right. The tanks are filled with crude-oil vapor, and when the oil is being loaded, it could spill onto the deck. The vapor, or hydrocarbon gas, is very dangerous. You should never carry matches or lighters while on the deck. You may not even carry them to your cabins. Cruz: I guess that’s why we should smoke only in designated areas. There are matches there, and the ashtrays are filled with water. I smoke now, but I’ve made up my mind to quit smoking. It will be better for my health, too. C/off: What are some other dangers? Cruz: Since we use inert gas, there could be a shortage of oxygen. C/off: Actually, there is little oxygen in the tanks. We are not too affected by inert gas on deck except while performing specific tasks, such as gas freeing. I oxicity hazards caused by crude oil gas are more likely to happen. Santos: I’ve heard that a small quantity of crude oil gas isn’t too dangerous C/off: That’s true, but crude oil that contains a lot of hydrogen sulfide is dangerous. It could paralyze you if you inhale it.

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brochure: small booklet, pamphlet lurking: hiding, awaiting ignite: to catch fire explosion: sudden, violent release of energy and substances crude-oil vapor: vapor that forms when crude oil is contained hydrocarbon gas: a gas of organic substances which contains carbon and hydrogen designated areas: area marked off for a special purpose oxygen: a gaseous substance existing in the air which is essential for breathing gas freeing: removing unwanted gas toxicity hazard(s): potential danger from toxic (poisonous, harmful) substances hydrogen sulfide: colorless, poisonous gas with the smell of rotten eggs paralyze: to make a person lose free control of movement inhale: to breath in, to intake

35.

Tanker Fires and Explosions

C/off:

Let’s talk more about fire and explosions. Flammable gas, alone, doesn’t cause explosions. Cruz: You mean there must be oxygen, too? Santos: And also a source of ignition. C/off: You’re right. But what is more important, however, is their concentration. What I am about to tell you is a little advanced, but we have to discuss it so you are aware of the dangers. Cruz: Are you talking about LEL or UEL? C/off: Yes. First of all, petroleum gas consists of many different substances. Each of these has different properties. That’s why the ICS has defined UEL or UFL as a 10 percent concentration, and LEL or LFL as one percent. Santos: That means that the petroleum gas won’t explode unless the gas concentration isn’t within that range. C/off: Exactly. And an oxygen concentration of 11 percent is also necessary. Even if the petroleum gas concentration is in the explosion range, there can be no explosion if the oxygen concentration is less than 11 percent. Santos: So that’s why the inert gas sent to the tanks has an oxygen concentration of less than 8 percent. C/off: The most dangerous problem with the tanks is static electricity. But if the tanks are filled with the proper amount of inert gas, we don’t have to worry about static electricity. Cruz: Is it safe on deck? C/off: The most important thing is to check for gas on deck when you are chipping or welding. That’s why proper maintenance and good communication between the deck crew and the Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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engine crew is so important.

flammable gas: a gas that catches fire easily ignition: catching of fire, starting to burn concentration: the amount of substance in a solution; strength LEL: Lower Explosive Limit UEL: Upper Explosive Limit petroleum gas: vapor generated from petroleum or oil substances: material(s) properties: qualities, characteristics ICS: International Chamber of Shipping UFL: Upper Flammable Limit LFL: Lower Flammable Limit static electricity: discharge of accumulated energy, electric potential which can produce sparks welding: joining metals by applying extreme heat

36.

Toxicity Hazards on a Tanker

C/off: Cruz: C/off:

We will now talk more about toxic gas hazards and safety. Is it hydrogen sulfide? Most crude oil comes from wells with high levels of hydrogen sulfide. But the level is usually reduced by a stabilization process before the crude oil is loaded. If this system fails, however, a tanker may load with a higher-than-usual hydrogen sulfide content. Then special adjustments must be made. Mexican or Qatar crude oil contains high levels of hydrogen sulfide, which smells like rotten eggs. Be very careful not to breathe it because it could paralyze you instantly. One time, when we were at the ullage hole, a man lost consciousness after inhaling the gas. Cruz: there must be some way to avoid this problem. C/off: We have pocket sized detectors for hydrogen sulfide. You should always have one with you. We are allowed to work when the concentration is less than 10ppm (parts per million). If you detect more gas than the 10ppm allowed, you must be very careful. Santos: That’s why I saw oxygen masks at the entrance of the Pump Room. Should we use them in that case? C/off: Those masks are used when there is gas present or when there is a fire. They are also useful in the Pump Room if a large amount of oil has leaked and gas is escaping. But even with a mask on, it is still dangerous if there is a lot of gas.

toxic gas hazard(s): dangers associated with poisonous gases well(s): oil well, a hole drilled into the ground to draw out petroleum reduced: decreased, made smaller in number or quantity a stabilization process: a process for making something stable Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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rotten egg(s): eggs that have gone bad instantly: promptly, tight away, on the spot lost consciousness: a person losing sensory perception avoid: not to encounter or experience detector(s): device used to find something oxygen mask(s): a mask worn over the nose and mouth for supplying oxygen

37.

Oxygen Deficiency on a Coal-Ore Carrier

Avarro: A/off: Avarro: A/off: Avarro: A/off:

Avarro: A/off:

Avarro: A/off:

Well, we’re safe on this ship from accidental oxygen depravation because, as a coal-ore carrier, it doesn’t have an inert gas system. That’s crazy! This ship is especially dangerous. Really? Why is that? It’s very dangerous in the cofferdams, in the ballast tanks of the double-bottom, and in the lower stools. Whenever coal is being loaded, there is a danger of asphyxiation. Why is that? There must be enough oxygen; we go down there all the time. It’s rust. Oxygen is consumed when iron rusts. This uses up the oxygen over time. You have to take special care and measure the oxygen level whenever you enter these areas. Be sure to check with two oxygen detectors, not just one. And you must have enough ventilation. How do you ventilate without a fan? We keep the manholes open for a day or more. It’s natural ventilation. For double-bottom tanks, we open both the fore and aft holes to let the air in. coal catches fire easily. And fire lowers the level of oxygen and raises the level of carbon dioxide. That’s scary. Yes, it is. Two seamen died once in a lower stool because of a shortage of oxygen. If they had measured the oxygen properly, placed a watch on deck and prepared their breathing apparatus, they would be alive today.

depravation: a lack of something coal-ore carrier: a ship for carrying coal ore That’s crazy!: Nonsense! Don’t be silly! cofferdam(s): a liquid-tight chamber used to prevent oil spills double-bottom: ship’s bottom having a double structure or lining Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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lower stool(s): a structure enforcing the bulkhead asphyxiation: a lack of oxygen causing death or loss of consciousness = asphyxia rust: oxidization of iron ventilation: circulation of air carbon dioxide: a chemical substance made of one carbon molecule and two oxygen molecules scary: making people worried and afraid; frightening breathing apparatus: device that helps a person to breath (air)

38.

Safety Training on the Forecastle

A/off: Do you know what this is? Avarro: It is a bow-chain stopper. A/off: Right. When berthing at SBM, take the chain from the SBM into this lead. When three or four chain links pass through, use the stopper to clamp it down. It’s easy but dangerous. You should start with the messenger rope, then the hawser, and the chain follows the wire rope. But it can get caught in the Panama hole and break. Avarro: What do we do then? A/off: You must follow the Chief Officer’s directions and watch out for running ropes. Try to avoid any broken ropes, and be sure to keep an eye on them. Avrro: At school, we were told that taking a rope stopper was very dangerous. A/off: Make sure to handle a rope stopper only after the Chief Officer tells you it is safe. Never think that it is safe on your own. Many seamen have been injured in this situation, and many have lost their lives. Avarro: I understand. Is the same true for tug lines? A/off: When we are loading at port, the ship’s freeboard is large, which means that the height from the deck to the tugboat is very high. So a big tug line is used. You also have to use a big messenger line when you wind it on the warping end or when using a capstan. Make sure to do this with the help of as many crewmembers as possible, and follow the Chief Officer’s orders.

forecastle: upper deck of a ship located at the bow bow-chain stopper: a device for stopping a bow chain clamp: to hold down or hold steady, a device for holding something in place messenger rope: a rope used for hauling a cable = messenger line; a smaller rope to guide a larger rope or cable Panama hole: a mooring hole for leading a rope or cable keep an eye on …: to keep a close watch, to pay attention to … rope stopper: a device for stopping and stabilizing a rope many have lost their lives… : many people have been killed Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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tug lines: a rope or cable used for hauling something or tugging a ship warping end: the twisted end of a rope or cable capstan: device used for lifting a heavy material (by winding a cable)

39.

Using the Accommodation Ladder

2/off: Ramos, a service boat is coming. Lower the accommodation ladder on the starboard side. Ramos: It was lowered on the port side. 2/off: The port side is no good! There is a strong wind and the waves are high. You must use the starboard side. It is sheltered from the wind and the waves are not as big there. Ramos: Yes, sir. I will lower it there. 2/off: There seems to be one of our crewmember’s family on board. I’m going down with a safety vest. Prepare an air-light to brighten the place up. The Bridge’s wing lights might be bright enough. Ramos: Yes, sir. You can use it as soon as you open the air valve (At the bottom of the accommodation ladder) 2/off: Ramos, OK, stop. The waves are high, so I’ll lower it when the boat comes closer. Ramos: Yes, sir. (The Third Mate is on the boat) 3/off: Second Officer, we’re almost level. Can we transfer now? 2/off: Are there guests on board? 3/off: Yes, two women. 2/off: You help them onto the boat, and I’ll help them from her. Tell them to take their time. Show them how to transfer when the boat is coming up and no, when it is about to go down. And don’t let them carry their luggage. I will give you a rope later so we can carry the bags up. 3/off: Yes, sir. Let’s go!

accommodation ladder: a ladder used for boarding or leaving a ship sheltered from: protected from the effects of … safety vest: inflatable jacket or vest that will keep a person floating when cast into water wing lights: lamps found on the ships wings we’re almost level: we are almost of the same height transfer: to move over, to change over luggage: suitcase or other cases carried by a traveler Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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40.

Safety on the Stairway

(In the Engine Room) Santos: Good morning, sir. 1/eng: Good morning. Santos: the sea is a little rough today, isn’t it? 1/eng: You are up bright and early this morning! We’re right in the middle of the monsoon. The waves are very big. Be extra careful in the stairway. Santos: Yes, I’ll hold on firmly to the handrail and be very careful. 1/eng: Just a moment! That’s dangerous. When you hold onto the handrail with your right hand forward, your left hand should be behind you, like this. It’s easier for you to keep your balance that way and not slip. Santos: I see. Like this! You’re right! 1/eng: It’s also dangerous to carry tools when you climb stairs. You should put them in your pockets or in a tool bag tied around you. Santos: I understand. My flashlight is in my left pocket, and my rag and wrench are in my right one. 1/eng: Also, take your time so you don’t slip and fall. Be careful where you step, and always watch your head. Santos: Yes, sir. By the way, when I was in the store looking for some spare parts, I saw a big wooden box about two meters long, 50 centimeters wide and one meter high. What’s it for, and what’s inside of it? 1/eng: It’s an old valve that has to be landed at the next dry dock. We replaced it with a new one during our last voyage.

stairway: set of steps for moving up or down the different floor levels handrail: a railing to hold on to for better balance or support keep your balance: not to fall, maintain an upright posture flashlight: small portable lamp take your time: don’t rush, don’t hurry landed: stopped, positioned dry dock: a pool-like structure where water can be emptied to repair a ship replaced: changed with something else

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41.

Safety in the Galley

C. stew: Good morning. Cruz: Good morning. C. stew: Be careful! The ship is rocking. Don’t drop your dishes. Cruz: It must be tough to cook on a day like this. Now I know why you always wear safety shoes in the galley. C. stew: Yes. Even in the galley we have to be careful. You could slip and drop a knife on your foot or a load of dishes on the floor, especially when the sea is as rough as it is now. imagine what could happen if we were barefoot. Cruz: Especially with all of those hot dishes you serve. C. stew: Exactly. And we can’t see the waves like you can outside. Oh, the sea off Durban in South Africa is really terrible! But come monsoons or typhoons, everyone expects their meal to be ready. We can’t let everyone down by not being safe. Cruz: How do you stop the dishes from sliding off the shelves? C. stew: That is a problem. When we in rough seas, sometimes the dishes even fly out of the deep sink, so we can’t put the dishes anywhere when the sea is that rough. Cruz: Wow! It must be even worse on a small ship. C. stew: Yes, then we wouldn’t even be able to sit down and eat normally. Anyway, we all have to be careful when the ship pitches and rolls.

rocking: a ship moving from side to side barefoot: not wearing any foot gear such as shoes typhoons: a tropical low-pressure air mass with strong winds and heavy rain let everyone down: make everybody feel bad or sad sink: a basin for washing dirty dishes and utensils normally: usually, ordinarily pitches and rolls: vertical and sideways movements of a ship

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42.

Safety in the Cabin

Cruz: Santos: Cruz: Santos: Cruz: Santos: Cruz:

Santos: Cruz: Santos: Cruz: Santos:

Cruz:

(Rushing into Santos’s cabin) What happened? I heard a loud noise! That was close! I was standing on a chair trying to change a light bulb, and the chair moved and I fell down. These waves are really big. Are you hurt? I’m OK, but I fell hard on my arm. And the light bulb is smashed. I’ll help you clean up. Thanks, but I’ll take care of it. It was stupid of me to stand on a chair in such rough seas. That reminds me of the Second Officer. He went on his watch, and when he came back to his cabin, his bottle of whiskey had fallen on the floor and broke. He couldn’t sleep because of the smell. That’s too bad. Actually, the sea wasn’t so rough at midnight when the Second Officer started his watch, but it was terrible by morning. The Second Officer was worrying about his bottle of whiskey, but he couldn’t return to his cabin while on duty. He also said that he lost his favorite pen because of the ship rocking so much. How did that happen? After writing to his wife last night, he left the pen on his desk. It rolled off the desk and fell into the trash can. He threw away his garbage this morning not knowing the pen was inside. What a shame!

That was close!: I almost hurt myself! Oh, I barely managed to escape harm! light bulb: electric light with a glowing filament inside hurt: to get injured smashed: broken into small bits It was stupid of me …: I was stupid to do such a thing… … went on his watch: started his shift of duty on duty: working, not resting rolled off: moved off in a rolling motion trash can: a garbage can, a container for thrown out waste garbage: food waste, trash, worthless thing What a shame! : a great disappointment

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Chapter 4. Health and Hygiene 43.

Making a Habit of Washing Your Hands

Perez: A/off: Perez: A/off:

Perez: A/off:

Perez: A/off: Perez: A/off:

Perez:

Assistant Officer, will you give me some liquid soap for the toilet in front of the COC? Sure, I’ll go and get some. It goes quickly because everybody always washes their hands. Well, we are always worried about food poisoning and infections on board, so the steward crew wash their hands before they start cooking. One Chief Steward has his crew wash their hands whenever they enter the galley. That makes sense. Once, a mess boy was cleaning the galley with his pants rolled up. When he finished cleaning, he rolled his pants down and served a dish without washing his hands first. He got into a lot of trouble for that. Sanitation is important on board We always have to be careful. Viruses travel very easily through human contact. There is no doctor on board so we must all pay attention to our hygiene. Recently, many people were sick with O-157 bacterial infection. It cannot be washed away without soap. It would be really bad if that bacteria appeared on board. It has been a problem in Japan. I’ll make sure to always wash my hands.

A/off: Assistant Officer liquid soap: detergent in liquid form food poisoning: getting sick form eating rotten or spoiled food infection(s): a disease caused by infectious microorganisms, e.g., bacteria, viruses That makes sense.: That is quite reasonable. I can understand that well. with his pants rolled up… : he had the end of his pants rolled up, not down… got into a lot of trouble: caused a big trouble, was scolded sanitation: protecting public and personal health viruses: very small microorganisms (smaller than bacteria), which often cause diseases human contact: by touching or coming near pay attention to …: be attentive, be careful about… hygiene: promoting and preserving health O-157 bacterial infection: disease of the digestive tract caused by O-157, which is a potent strain of E. coli, a colon bacteria

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44.

Sanitation and Cleaning

Perez: A/off: Perez: A/off: Perez: A/off: Perez: A/off: Perez: A/off: Perez:

A/off:

I’m tired of starting cleaning at 6:30 every morning. Did you say something? No, I was just talking to myself. How do you think the rest of the crew would feel it the whole place was dirty when they got up? You’re right. And since we clean everyday, it doesn’t get too dirty. If we only cleaned when it was very dirty, it would be a lot harder. We clean here everyday, but what about the rest of the boat? We clean the walls and ceilings in the General Office, too. You may not notice easily, but tar and nicotine from cigarettes make walls and ceilings turn ugly yellow. Yes, that’s right. I’ve noticed lots of oil stains in the corridors. Well, the ship is our home and a clean ship is a safe ship. I understand. If the whole place was dirty, if the paint was peeling off, if it was rusty all over, and if there were things lying around, I would feel like I was on a rotten ship. And I wouldn’t care about it. Exactly. Feeling good about the ship makes you feel good about yourself.

talking to myself: mumbling or muttering in an inaudible voice rest of: the remainder, all of the other people ceiling(s): the top-most part of a room tar: dark, oily, sticky substance made mainly of hydrocarbons nicotine: colorless, poisonous substance from a tobacco plant oil stains: dirty spots made by spilt oil corridor(s): passage, hallway peeling off: coming off in thin flakes or sheets rotten: spoilt, something gone bad

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45.

Deck Cleaning

A/off: First, start sweeping. Avarro, start vacuuming A-Deck Avarro: Yes, sir. A/off: As for the rest of you, go to A-Deck and get the buckets, sponges, mops, and liquid soap. Then clean the walls and ceilings. Wipe the fluorescent lamps, too. Perez: Yes, sir. What should I use for the tough oily spots? A/off: Pour undiluted soap on a sponge and wipe thoroughly. If that doesn’t work, use paint thinner. Perez: OK. I’ll try that. A/off: After washing with soap, change the water and rinse the whole place with clean water. That gets rid of all the dirt. Perez: I’ll change the water now. A/off: After you finish cleaning the walls and ceiling, you must mop the floor. Remember to change the water frequently. Avarro: Yes, sir. A/off: And if there are oily or greasy spots use undiluted soap or thinner, and then mop again. Perez: Should we polish the doorknobs? A/off: After you finish mopping. Avarro: Assistant Officer, I finished mopping the floor. Shall I go down one deck? A/off: Not yet. We should take a break. Avarro, will you go to the COC and make some coffee for us? Avarro: Yes, sir. I’ll carry down these sponges to the next deck on my way to the COC. A/off: Thank you.

fluorescent lamp(s): a lamp made of a glowing glass tube; glowing is caused by discharged electrons undiluted: full strength or concentrated thinner: usu. Turpentine or similar liquids used to dilute paint, etc. rinse: to wash off with a lot of water or other liquids dirt: ground, soil, filthy substances mop: to clean or wipe with a mop greasy: dirty with oily or waxy substances polish: to brush or wipe until something shines; buff take a break: stop work and rest (usu. for a short while) on my way: just going to do something

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46.

Keeping Your Cabin Tidy

(Today is a day off. The Assistant Officer is knocking at Perez’s door. Perez answers.) A/off: Good morning. Are you still sleeping? Perez: Good morning, sir. No, I got up at 8 o’clock this morning. I was just reading in bed. A/off: You should go and have breakfast now. Wow, your cabin is a real pigpen. You should clean it up. Today is a good day for that. Perez: I was thinking of doing that myself. A/off: The ship will have a de-ratting inspection in Japan. So you must clean everywhere, even under the bed. Make sure you dust, too. Perez: What do they check during the inspection? A/off: They check if the ship meets the standard rules for sanitation. For example, if they find cockroaches or mouse droppings, the ship will fail the inspection. Perez: Do they check the cabins? A/off: Yes, they do. Inspectors always check the cabins. They always check the drawers under the beds to see if there is mouse excrement. So you must keep them clean. Perez: I understand. I will vacuum the whole cabin today. A/off: Good. A clean room is better for your health.

pigpen: a pen for keeping pigs in, a dirty or untidy place de-tatting inspection: a check to see that rats are not around sanitation: promoting public health cockroach(es): common household pest dropping(s): excrement inspector(s): examiner excrement: animal or insect droppings, bodily waste vacuum: to clean with vacuum suction pressure

47.

Garbage Disposal

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Ramos: 2/off: Ramos: 2/off: Romos: 2/off:

Ramos:

2/off:

Romas: 2/off:

What’s that floating in the water? It looks like oil, doesn’t it? That’s terrible! Who would do such a thing? I bet it’s the ballast discharge from another ship cleaning their tank. How awful! Do you think that it will wash away? In the deep sea, everyone thinks that everything will wash away, but thinking like that is spoiling the sea. Nature is being destroyed. And it’s not only because of oil spills. Yes, I saw a lot of plastic bottles floating around, too. It is forbidden to dispose of anything in the water when in a harbor. MARPOL imposes disposal rules for oily wastes, bilge, and daily wastes to prevent marine pollution. Our disposal standards on board meet these rules. That’s why we separate the plastic from the rest of the garbage and incinerate it in the Engine Room. Then we discharge the ashes at least three miles away from the nearest land. Right. But the standards in the United States are even more strict. Disposal of anything in the sea is prohibited within their exclusive economic zone, that is, within 200 miles of their coast. So we should never throw garbage into the sea. Exactly, not even a beer can or a cigarette bull.

ballast: seawater carried in a ship’s tank to maintain a good balance, seawater used to flush the tanks in this case discharge: eliminate, something thrown away awful: terrible, very bad or unfavorable plastic bottles: bottles made of plastic … is forbidden: … is not allowed, is not permitted dispose of …: to throw away, to get rid of MARPOL: International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships bilge: in this case used to mean bilge water, dirty water that collects in the ship’s bilge (lowest inner part of a ship’s hull) marine pollution: making the sea dirty, polluting the sea separate: not together incinerate: to burn, to dispose of something by burning is prohibited: something is not allowed exclusive economic zone: a territorial water claimed by a government cigarette butt: unburned end of a cigarette

48.

Washing Clothes

Santos:

Is your washing finished?

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Cruz: Santos: Cruz: Santos: Cruz: Santos: Cruz: Santos: Cruz: Santos

It will be soon. I’ll tell you when it’s done. It’s now in the spin cycle so it’ll just be one or two more minutes. I saw someone rinsing something under running water. Isn’t that wasteful? Yes. Even though we can get as much water as we need from the Engine Room evaporator we still need to make a habit of saving water. Right. I also try not to use too much detergent. That way it takes less fresh water to rinse my laundry. I bought this detergent in Japan. It’s really strong so just one little scoop does the job! Another good thing is that it helps prevent marine pollution. It breaks down easily. Next time we stop in Japan, I’ll buy some, too. OK, I’m done. I’ll hang up my clothes now. Wow! You have a lot of clothes to wash! I’ve been very busy and I haven’t been doing much washing. I don’t have any thing clean to wear anymore. You have to stay clean or you’ll get sick. No matter how busy you are, you should always wash your clothes. I know. I was just lazy. I won’t let it happen again.

in the spin cycle: laundry is being dried by the spin dryer of a washing machine rinsing: cleaning or washing with a lot of liquid wasteful: causing or making a lot of waste evaporator: a machine for turning something into vapor detergent: a chemical used for washing and cleaning laundry: clothes that need to be washed or are being washed scoop: a cup-full, a shovel-like tool break(s) down: a substance changing into simpler or basic units hang up: to suspend (to let air dry in this case), to hold downward

49.

The Importance of a Balanced Diet

C. stew: Perez: C. stew:

You shouldn’t eat so quickly! I’m starving. And this food is so good that I can’t help it. In Japan, we say that chewing your food well keeps you in good health.

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Perez: I see. C. stew: Don’t you like vegetables? Perez: Yes, I do. But the meat here is so good that I only eat meat and fish. C. stew: It’s easier for us to serve meat and fish on board. It is harder to preserve vegetables. And it’s wasteful to have all these leftover vegetables. Perez: I heard that meat is more nutritious and that eating meat gives you more energy than eating vegetables. C. stew: That’s not true. Young men use more energy so they need more protein, and maybe it’s good that you eat meat. But to eat a good balanced meal is the most important thing. Perez: So I should eat some vegetables, too? C. stew: Definitely. Good health comes from a good diet, and unless you eat a lot of fresh vegetables, your health will suffer. Perez: I know. Moderation, eating balanced meals, and exercising regularly are the basics of good health.

starving: very hungry (almost to the point of death) clewing: to crush food well with the teeth preserve: to maintain in good condition leftover: something left behind, not consumed or used up nutritious: having a nutritional value protein: basic component of living cells and an important nutrient definitely: strongly, certainly moderation: not going to extremes, in a well-balanced way exercise regularly: to train or do sports on a regular basis

50.

First Aid – Abdominal Pains

Ramos: 2/off: Ramos: 2/off: Ramos:

Excuse me, Second Officer. I have a stomachache. Can you give me some medicine? Let me see. (Examining the abdomen) Where does it hurt? Here, in the lower part of my right side. It’s painful. When did the pain start? This morning. I have been trying to eat well and I have been chewing my food more

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2/off: Ramos: 2/off: Ramos: 2/off: Ramos: 2/off: Ramos: 2/off: Ramos: 2/off: Ramos: 2/off:

carefully under the advice of the Chief Steward. Do you have diarrhea? No, not at all. Do you have a fever? Let’s take your temperature. I don’t think I have a fever, but I should still check. (Taking his temperature) The thermometer says 36.8 degrees. I wonder what you have. Have you ever had appendicitis? No, I haven’t. Then lie down on that sofa over there. (Checking his abdomen) Let me know when it hurts. Ouch! Oh, right there! OK. Let me try that again. Tell me if it’s still painful when I take my hand off. Oh, it’s very painful right here. Maybe you have appendicitis. I’ll tell the Captain immediately. What should I do? Don’t worry. The Captain will send a fax to the Seamen’s Hospital in Japan, and a doctor will send back instructions on what we should do.

stomachache: a sore stomach, pain in the belly abdomen: the belly, the visceral part of the body – abdominal (of or pertaining to the abdomen) painful: causing a lot of pain and ache diarrhea: loose stool or bowel movement fever: a high temperature, a general hot condition of the body take your temperature: measure one’s temperature with a thermometer thermometer: an instrument for measuring one’s temperature appendicitis: acute inflammation of the appendix hurt(s): something is causing pain Seamen’s Hospital: special hospital which treats sick seamen instructions: set of guides for doing something

51.

First Aid - Headaches

Cruz: Good morning. What’s the matter? You don’t seem to be feeling well. Santos: Good morning. Yes, I have a headache. Cruz: You didn’t drink too much last night, did you? Do you have a cold? Santos: I’m not sure. But I think I have a fever. Cruz: That’s bad. You should tell the Second Officer. (In the General Office) Santos: Excuse me, sir. I have a headache and I think I have a temperature. Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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2/off: Santos: 2/off: Santos: 2/off: Santos:

2/off:

Santos: 2/off: Santos:

I’m sorry to hear that. Let’s go to the dispensary and have a look. (At the dispensary) Why don’t we take your temperature? OK. The thermometer says 37 degrees. Do you have a sore throat? No. but I’ve been very busy these days. Do you sleep properly? Yes. I mean, no. I don’t sleep so well. I was studying in the Engine Control Room until late last night. I lay down on the sofa there and fell asleep. When I woke up, it was two o’clock. So I went back to my cabin to go to bed. It looks like you night have a cold. Not sleeping well, over-exhaustion, and staying in an air-conditioned room must have made you even more tired. I’ll give you some medicine for your cold and for your headache. Here, take these. Thank you very much. This is the medicine for your cold. Take this after every meal. These tablets are for your headache. Take one now. then when you have another headache, take another one. OK? Yes, sir. Thank you.

headache: feeling a pain in the head dispensary: an office where first aid or medical care is given sore throat: inflammation of the throat properly: in a correct and appropriate way over-exhaustion: fatigue, being very tired medicine: a drug that helps cure a sick patient tablets: a small, flat medicine to be taken orally

52.

First Aid – Fingers Caught in Doors and Other Injuries

Santos:

(To the Second Officer) Quick, sir! Hurry! The Wiper injured himself. He was opening the elevator door when the ship rolled, and he got his fingers caught in the door! Now he’s in the dispensary. 2/off: It sounds serious. I’ll go down there right away. How’s he feeling? Santos: It’s a big cut and he’s bleeding a lot. It looked painful. It really shook me up when I saw him. 2/off: He hasn’t lost any fingers, has he? Santos: I’m not sure, but I don’t think so. (At the dispensary) Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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2/off: Wiper, how are you? Wiper: I got my fingers caught in the elevator door. 2/off: Let me see. You’ve got a big cut there. But it doesn’t look like you’ve broken any bones. I’ll sterilize it first and then we’ll try to stop the bleeding. Third Engineer, give me a hand! Santos: Sure. 2/off: Roll up the Wiper’s sleeve and hold his wrists tight. (Second Mate applies antiseptic on the bleeding wound.) Wiper: Ouch! That hurts! 2/off: Hold still! Ok, you can relax now. I cleaned the wound out. Now we have to stop the bleeding. Third Engineer, hold this down firmly. Santos: Like this? 2/off: Yes, that’s good. Hold it tight. I’ll put some antibiotic ointment on the cut and then stitch it closed. (After stitching) All right! That does it. That’s all I can do for now. I’ll put on antibiotic gauze and then a bandage. I’ll give you some medicine for the pain later.

injured himself: got hurt serous: grave (a bad injury in this case) bleeding: blood coming out of a wound shook me up: … I was shaken or surprised badly not… broken any bones: no bone has been broken, the cut did not reach the bones sterilize: to disinfect and kill disease-causing microorganisms antiseptic: capable of preventing infection wound: an injury, for example, cut or torn skin, bones, muscles, etc. antibiotic ointment: oil medicine that can kill infectious bacteria when applied to a wound stitch: to sew up, to bring together by sewing with a needle gauze: thin, loose surgical dressing made of cotton

53.

First Aid – A Foreign Object in the Eye

Ramos: Ouch! A/off: What’s wrong? Ramos: I’ve go something in my eye. A/off: Don’t rub it. It’ll hurt if you rub it. You have to wash it out with water. You can use the eye washer in the COC. Ramos: Thanks. I’ll go down there right away. (Ramos comes back to the deck) A/off: How does it feel now? did you get it out? Ramos: No. It still feels like there’s something in there, and it really hurts. A/off: Let’s go ask the Second Officer what we should do. Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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(In the General Office) A/off: Second Officer, will you have a look at his eye? It seems like a piece of rust got into it. 2/off: Let me take a look. I’ll use my magnifying glass. Come here near the window where I can see better. Yes, you have some rust in there. You rubbed your eye, didn’t you? Ramos: Yes, but only because there was something in it. 2/off: You should never rub your eyes if you get something in them. You shuld always rinse your eye out with water. Let’s go to the dispensary. We’ll have to remove that piece of rust with a needle. (In the dispensary) Ramos: Are you going to use the same big needle that you use for injections? 2/off: Don’t worry about a thing. I’ve got a knack for it. It’s the best way to remove a piece of rust. But just in case it hurts, I’ll put some eye lotion on it as an anesthetic.

rub: moving back and forth while applying pressure rust: oxidized metal, usu. iron magnifying glass: a lens that enlarges the object being viewed needle: a finely-pointed piece of metal, usu. with an eye at the end injection(s): a shot, using a hypodermic needle a knack for… : a special technique or ability for doing something anesthetic: a medicine for reducing sensation

54.

First Aid – Removing a Fishhook Caught in a Finger

(After dinner, several crewmembers are fishing on the Poop Deck while at anchor) Cruz: Ouch! Ramos: What happened? Cruz: Oh, no! the fishhook got stuck in my finger! Ramos: You have to be more careful. Let me see. Oh boy, this doesn’t look good. The hook is buried deep in your finger! OK, now just hold still for a minute. I’ll try to pull it out. Cruz: Ouch! It really hurts! Ramos: I can’t pull it out if you keep moving this way. Hold still! Cruz: No, it hurts too much ! please don’t touch it! Ramos: Well, then, what should I do? Here comes the Second Officer. Let’s ask him. Second Officer! 2/off: What’s the matter? Cruz: A fishhook’s stuck in my finger and I can’t pull it out? 2/off: You must have been trying to pull it out the wrong way. You cannot pull it out backwards, Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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otherwise how could you catch any fish? The only way to do it is to cut the line and push the hook through your finger. We will need to sterilize the wound afterwards. Let’s go to the dispensary. (At the dispensary) 2/off: Just try to bear with the pain, OK? First, I’ll cut the end of the hook. There. Now I’ll push the hook through your finger and pull it out the other side. Cruz: Ouch! 2/off: OK, I’ve got it! Now we have to sterilize your finger. I’ll give you some painkillers later.

at anchor: ship is not in motion, being stopped by dropping the anchor into the water fishhook: a metallic hook with a connected line, used to catch fish backwards: moving to the rear bear with … : to endure, to tolerate painkiller(s): medicine that reduces pain

55. 2/off: Capt:

Cruz: 2/off: Capt:

Cruz: Capt: Cruz: 2/off: Capt: Cruz:

Going to the Hospital Captain, I am sending the Third Mate to the hospital. Have you contacted the agent yet? Yes, I just did. Third Mate, take the one o’clock service boat to shore. The agent, Mr. Tanaka, will be waiting at the station to pick you up. Ask him to take you to the hospital. The agent will advance you the money for it. Yes, sir. Third Mate, give these papers to the doctor. I told the agent about these papers. He will give the Second Mate’s papers to the doctor. The doctor will fill them out after the examination and return them to him. You must tell the doctor exactly what is wrong with you. I will. How far is the hospital? According to Mr. Tanaka, it is about five minutes away by car. Don’t worry. The doctor knows what he is doing. Will it take long? Yes, I think so. I think they will need to take blood. You might have to wait for a while. Mr. Tanaka said it would take about three hours. The next service boat leaves shore at 17:00. You will be able to catch it. Do I have to call him to come and pick me up at the hospital when I’m done?

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Capt: Cruz:

No, don’t worry. He’ll stay with you until you are finished. I’m very glad to hear that.

advance: to give beforehand examination: doctor’s check or diagnosis or consultation what’s wrong with you … : physical problems you have take blood: to draw blood for an examination, etc.

56.

Preventing Sexually Transmitted Diseases

A/off: Avarro: A/off: Avarro: A/off: Avarro: A/off: Avarro: A/off:

Avarro: A/off: Avarro:

All right, now I know that you haven’t been on shore in a long time, but don’t spend too much time in the red-light district. Don’t worry. Don’t worry about what? Nothing, really. Remember what happened the last time you went with those girls? And you should set an example or the rest of the crew might get involved too. On second thought, maybe I had better take some condoms with me. An even better idea is not to go there at all. But if you have to go, use condoms. As the saying goes, “A wise man does not court danger” A senior officer once told me that washing up well with soap and water was enough to prevent me from catching anything. That’s nonsense! Sexual diseases can be transmitted by blood, saliva body fluids, etc. You are probably safe if a virus only touches your skin. If a virus comes in contact with a mucous membrane or a wound, then you could be infected. So a good washing is not enough? It depends on the situation, but in general, it is surely not enough. You can get STDs easily. And always learn to guard yourselves against AIDS. OK. I’ll be careful.

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red-light district: entertainment area where sexual amusement is usually found get involved …: get caught in something, become a part of something condom(s): a rubber cover placed over the penis to prevent direct contact during sex A wise man does not court danger: Also “ It is best to avoid danger.” prevent … from: stop from doing something sexual diseases: syphilis, gonorrhea, hepatitis, and other kinds of diseases that are passed on through sexual intercourse or contact transmitted: passed on from one person to another saliva: water in the mouth body fluids: blood, serum, mucus, and other forms of liquid in the body virus: extremely small microorganisms, made of DNA and protein mucous membrane: the living tissue covering the surfaces of some organs, e.g. the linings of the eye, nose, mouth, lungs, etc. STDs: sexually transmitted diseases, sexual diseases guard … against… : take protective measures AIDS: acquired immune deficiency syndrome, a serious, strongly infectious disease caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)

Chapter 5. KYT – Kiken Yochi Training 57.

What is KYT?

Cruz: C/off: Cruz: C/off:

Cruz: C/off: Cruz: C/off:

Cruz: C/off:

Chief Officer, I often hear the letters KYT. What do they mean? KYT is the abbreviation for “Kiken Yochi Training”. “Kiken Yochi” is Japanese. “Kiken” means danger, risk, or hazard. “Yochi” means precaution or foreseeing. What kind of training is it? The training improves your ability to predict danger. It is a group exercise. We share information between ourselves on danger hazards. We lean an ability to use hand signals to direct each important point of a job, and then we try to prevent the danger through teamwork. S we enhance our ability to foresee danger by training each other. Basically speaking, yes. Accidents happen, and when they do, there are many casualties, so we work hard to be able to sense any possible danger better. How do we train to gain this ability? Well, for example, you can point your finger to warn others of some danger. Also, you should be aware of any problem with your fellow crewmembers’ physical condition by talking with them at our morning meetings, and you should discuss any risks or dangers that exist in the workplace, etc. That sounds interesting. When do we get this training? We have safety meetings every morning. That’s when we practice our KYT methods.

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abbreviation: short form, contraction hazard: danger, risk precaution: a measure taken in advance to stop any unwanted developments foreseeing: ability to see things before they occur predict: ability to know things before they occur hand signal(s): making signs with the hands to give certain messages enhance: to promote, to make more of something casualties: injuries, including deaths physical condition: a person’s health practice: to carry out, to do

58.

KYT – Four Rounds Method

2/off:

Santos: 2/off: Cruz: 2/off: Santos: 2/off:

Today we will practice the Four Rounds Method. I want you all to remember this well, as it is one of the basic KYT methods. I’ll summarize the method for you first. We determine the roles of the leader and the others. The leader will ask you to stand in a row and will do a roll call. He’ll then ask about each person’s health. After that, we’ll proceed to the first of the four rounds. Please refer to the details listed on the handout. Sir, can I mention anything that I would consider a danger during Round One? Of course you can. Don’t hesitate to speak up. During Round One, just make sure that when you foresee some possible danger, you can explain what causes it. Sir, my role is to write down the dangers. Do I have to summarize the opinions given? No, you don’t. you can write as much as you like. Sir, during Round Two, do we have to decide the dangerous points by a majority? No, you don’t. All attendants should agree. Actually, I don’t think that you will have a problem agreeing. I am sure your decisions will be unanimous. During Round Three, try to figure out preventive methods in a practical manner. And then, during Round Four, we’ll decide on a team action plan.

summarize: to state something using a few words determine: to make a decision, decide do a roll call: call people’s names out one by one to check if they are present proceed to: to move forward to the next step or process handout: printed materials or other things given to people Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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mention: say, speak; bring up hesitate to: to refrain from saying or doing something by a majority: by agreement of more than half of the people present unanimous: by agreement of all the people present preventive: measures that can help stop something in a practical manner: rationally, logically; making sense action plan: a schedule or plan to do something

59.

KYT – Morning Meeting in the General Office

C/off:

Let’s start the meeting. Today’s practice concerns chipping and painting on the starboard crane. Please be careful because this is a dangerous job. Also, the sea is even rougher today than it was yesterday. Avarro: Can we hook our safety belts to the safety line at the same place as yesterday? C/off: We will decide this later, once we are at the site. Bosun: The deck seems very slippery today. Be careful on the crane. Remember: you must pay attention to your work or you might get hurt. C/off: Hold on to something when you move around so you won’t slip. Bosun: We should carry our tools to the crane first. Then, Ramos will climb up the crane and haul them up. Nobody should be carrying anything while climbing the crane. Avarro: Yes, sir. If we put the tools in a half-cut can, we can pick them up better. Bosun: But be careful not to drop any tools. Also, don’t stand under the crane where failing tools can hit you. C/off: OK, now let’s review what we’ve discussed so far. But before we do that, let’s do “touch and call” together. All: Safety first! Safety first! Safety first! Go!

chipping: action of removing something little by little starboard crane: the crane located on the right-hand side of a ship hook: to connect or secure on… safety line: a wire or rope provided to enhance safety slippery: easy to make people slip or fall; slick haul: to pull, tug touch and call: a gesture of touching one another and loudly crying out a slogan Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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60.

KYT – Tool Box Meeting in the Engine Control Room

1/eng: Santos: 1/eng: 2/eng:

1/eng:

Santos:

Good morning, everyone. Third Engineer, did you sleep well last night? Yes, I slept very well. I feel great today. That’s good. OK. Let’s start today’s meeting. I wrote our three tasks for today on this whiteboard. Second Engineer, will you explain the first task in detail, using 5WIH? Yes, sir. The first task is to overhaul the main engine’s exhaust valve. I will be the leader, and the No.1 Oiler and the Third Engineer will work together with me. Our job is to clean the inside of the valve and to change all of the O-rings and seat-rings. Thank you. Let me know when you are about to take out the valve spindle and take off the valve seat. Pay attention to the following points so that you don’t get injured: 1 – Avoid dust, which can get in your eyes, nose, and mouth. 2 – Avoid getting your fingers caught in the gaps between the spindle or the valve seat, and the casing body. 3 – Not to get hit by the spindle or the valve seat if the ship moves suddenly. 4 – Be careful that the spindle or the valve seat doesn’t fall on you if a haul wire breaks when shifting the load. Third Engineer, will you repeat these points? Yes, sir.

task(s): a job that needs to be done; duty 5WIH: interrogatives, e.g., who, what, when, where, why, and how overhaul: disassemble something and clean up the inside; repair or restore to original condition exhaust valve: a valve fitted at the exit side O-rings: round pieces used for scaling or shock-absorbing purposes seat-rings: a ring fitted on a structure where a valve sits valve spindle: usually a metallic rod which causes the valve to move Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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valve seat: place where a valve is fitted spindle: a long rod-like structure which serves as an axes for a revolving part haul wire: a metallic wire or line used to pull something

61.

A Meeting in the Engine Control Room

1/eng:

Good morning, everyone. It will be a hot day today. Wiper, you don’t look well. What’s wrong? Wiper: I’m fine. Just a little sleepy. I was reading last night until quite late. 1/eng: Being tired makes you less attentive. That can lead to accidents. Be very careful. I’ve written today’s tasks on the whiteboard. Does anyone have anything else to add? No.1 oil: During the M0 check this morning, I found out that the delivery pressure of the No. 1 main engine fuel oil supply pump was 0.5kg/cm² lower than usual. 1/eng: Is that so? I didn’t notice. (He exits the control room to confirm the information and comes back a few minutes later). No. 1 Oiler, you’re right. Its suction pressure is lower, too. Dirt must have accumulated in the suction strainer and caused this pressure drop. One of today’s scheduled tasks was to clean the fuel oil pump. Third Engineer, I want you to do this job and take No.1 Oiler and the Wiper to help you. No. 1 Oil: After we finish cleaning the fuel oil pump, can I do the third scheduled job on the list with the Wiper? That is, cleaning the Engine Room floor. 1/eng: Yes, you may. Third Engineer, why don’t you come back here after you’re done cleaning, and I’ll explain the machines in the Engine Room to you. 3/eng: Yes, sir. I will. I don’t know much about them and I’ve been a little worried about that.

less attentive: not paying as much attention, less careful M0 check: checking proper functioning of the automatic control equipment delivery pressure: pressure at the exit port suction pressure: pressure at the intake port accumulated: piled up, something that has collected somewhere suction strainer: a strainer (filter-like apparatus) fitted at the exit (discharge) port … why don’t you: you should do something, I suggest that you do something

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62.

A Meeting in the Galley

C. stew: Mess: C/cook: C. stew: Mess: C. stew: C/cook: Mess: C. stew:

C/cook: C. stew: C/cook: C. stew:

The sea is getting rough today. It’s cloudy every day, and that gets me down. Yes, me, too. Mess Man, be careful not to trip and fall down in the galley. I will. Chief Cook, you be careful with the knives. Yes, I will. It is very slippery in the galley, Mess Man. Be very careful. I always wear safety shoes. I’ll be careful. And remember, you don’t need to hurry. Carry the dishes slowly and steadily. And don’t put any pitchers or glasses on the table, even for a short while, because they can easily fall off when the sea’s this rough. We should change the menu for dinner. You’re right. We should reduce the number of dishes and make the menu simpler. We should forget about the soup. Maybe we should change the lunch menu, too, so that we can use the ingredients that we defrosted for dinner for lunch. Good idea! Let’s change it. Chief Cook, write up the menus now. mess Man, be careful not to get your hands caught in the door when you take out the food. Maybe the two of you should do it together. One of you can hold the door, and the other gets the food out.

gets me down: makes me feel bad or sad Mess: Mess Man. A low-rank sailor usually in charge of janitorial work or helping in the kitchen trip and fall down: get caught on something and fall to the ground steadily: in a firm, stable manner; slowly but surely pitcher(s): container for serving water, milk, juice, etc. reduce: to decrease, lessen, make smaller ingredient(s): substances used to make something else defrosted: to thaw, bring frozen material to room temperature

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Chapter 6. Navigation 63.

Navigating a Narrow Channel

3/off: Capt: 3/off: Capt: 3/off: Capt: Ramos: 3/off: Capt: Ramos: Capt: Ramos: Capt: 3/off: Capt: Ramos:

Captain, her position is on the course line. It’s five miles to the next waypoint, sir. Thank you. The ship ahead of us seems to have reduced its speed. Third Mate, what is our distance from that ship? Three miles, sir. Her speed is 11 knots. She has slowed down a bit. We are getting closer to her. Roger. Our speed is 12 knots. Let’s reduce our speed, too. Bring down the engine revolution to 75 RPMs. Roger. (Calling the Engine Room) Reduce the speed to 75 RPMs. We are getting too close to the ship in front of us. (To the Captain) Message sent, sir. Speed will be reduced. Roger. Captain, I can see something floating by her port bow, sir. It could be driftwood, sir. Roger. Quartermaster, bring us to starboard 10. Starboard 10 (After steering Starboard 10) Starboard 10, sir. OK. Midship. Port 10. Midship. Steady. Steady. Steady 245, sir. 245. Thank you. Captain, the boat safely passed the driftwood. Thank you. Quartermaster, bring us back on course. Resuming course. (After returning back to a heading of 236) Back on course 236, sir.

on the course line: sailing on the pre-determined sailing course waypoint: a point between major points on a route distance: the space between two objects or places knot(s): a unit for showing a ship’s speed, one nautical mile (approx. 1.85km) per hour revolution: turn, rotation RPM(s): Revolution Per Minute (a unit indicating the engine’s frequency of rotation, thus its speed) bow: front section of a ship driftwood: piece of wood floating on the water midship: direction set to the middle of a ship; middle of the ship resuming: returning, going back to the previous setting Conversation On MerChant Vessels

65

64.

Bad Visibility

3/off: Capt: 3/off: Capt: 3/off:

Capt: 3/off: Capt: 3/off: Ramos: 3/off: Capt: 3/off: Capt:

(Calling the Captain) Captain, this is the Third Mate. Visibility has been reduced to two or three miles. (Coming up to the Bridge) That’s quite bad. This fog is not good. Are there any ships around? Yes, there’s one ship five miles ahead, off our starboard bow. Its speed is almost the same as ours. (Observing the radar) I see. Third Mate, start the fog signals. Yes, sir. (Watching the radar) Captain, a ship seems to be approaching on an opposite course. Our distance is 12 miles. I’ll check the data with the ARPA. Yes, it’s on an opposite course. The CPA is one mile. The ship will pass our port side in about 15 minutes. Keep watching it with the ARPA. Are there any ships behind us? No, sir. Movements of other ships are still the same, sir. (Going out to the starboard wing and listening carefully) Third mate, let’s change our course to starboard. Yes, sir. I’ll change the course so that the CPA will be two miles. Quartermaster Ramos, course 095, please Yes, sir. (After having changed the course) Now on course 095, sir. 095, thank you. Captain, CPA is two miles now. our distance from the other ship is now five miles, sir. OK. Keep an eye on it. Are there any other ships out there? No, sir. I can now see the ship approaching. Visibility is about three miles.

visibility: visible distance, range of obtaining a clear view fog: condensed water vapor hanging in the air starboard bow: ship’s right-hand-side front radar(radio detecting and ranging): a method of detecting distant objects approaching: coming near CPA: Closest Point of Approach Keep an eye on it: Watch it closely! Keep monitoring its movement

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65.

An Engine Problem

3/off: 1/eng: 3/off:

(Answering a phone call from the Engine Room) Hello, this is the Bridge. This is the First Engineer speaking. The main engine has a slight problem. I will be reducing the speed to 50 RPMs. Is everything all right on the Bridge? Yes. There are no problems here.

(The Captain comes up to the Bridge). Capt: Third Mate, the Chief Engineer told me that the fuel valves are in bad condition. He wants to reduce the speed and check the valves. Depending on their condition, he might decide to stop the engine. He can repair them temporarily. 3/off: I understand, sir. The revolution is now at 50 RPMs, sir. Capt: Note the present time and position. 3/off: I did, sir. (Answering a call from the Engine Room) Hello, yes, this is the Bridge. 1/eng: We are checking the valves now. we will be slowly reducing the RPMs until the engine stops. Is that OK? 3/off: I’ll ask the Captain. (To the Captain) Captain, they want to stop the engine once they have reduced the RPMs. Is that OK? Capt: Yes, tell them to go ahead. And tell the First Engineer to let me know ahead of time, when they will be reducing the speed, and for how long the engine will be stopped. Let’s hoist two black balls to signal that the vessel is not under command. 3/off: Yes, sir. I’’ do it right away.

in bad condition: in bad shape, in an unsatisfactory state depending on … : determined by other factors temporarily: for a short time, not permanent ahead of time: in advance, before the scheduled time hoist: to raise, as to raise to the top of a mast the vessel is not under command.: the ship has no power and cannot move on its own; adrift

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66.

Talking on the VHF Radio with Another Ship(1)

Ramos: 3/off:

I.H.: 3/off: I.H.: 3/off: I.H.: 3/off: I.H.: 3/off: I.H.:

A ship is approaching our head on an opposite course. I can’t make out her exact heading because I’m alternately seeing her starboard and port lights. That’s probably because of the wayes. Let’s pass each other port-to-port. I’ll confirm it by VHF. (Calling on the VHF radio) To southwest-bound vessel, course 215. This is the northeast-bound ore carrier Otaka Maru, eight miles at your head. Do you read me? To ship at our head, course 035, this is Indian Highway, course 214. Do you read me? Indian Highway, Indian Highway, Indian Highway! This is Otaka Maru. I read you loud and clear. Over. Otaka Maru, This is Indian Highway. Please change channel to 06. over. Channel 06, roger. (Changing to Channel 06) Indian Highway, this is Otaka Maru. Do you read me? Otaka Maru, I read you loud and clear. Over. I will change my course to starboard. Let’s pass each other port-to-port. Port-to-port, roger. I will change my course to starboard, too. Thank you for your cooperation. Bon voyage. Back to channel 16. Thank you. Bon voyage. Back to channel 16.

make out: to judge, determine, understand alternately: back and forth, shifting from one to the other port-to-port: passing each other on the left side of the ship confirm: to verify, to make sure VHF(very high frequency): a type of radio communication ore carrier: a ship specialized in carrying ore I.H.: Indian Highway: name of a ship in this scene I read you loud and clear: I can hear you clearly. The radio is working well cooperation: help, assistance, working together

67.

Talking on the VHF Radio with Another Ship(2)

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O.P.:

3/off: O.P.: 3/off: O.P.: 3/off:

O.P.: 3/off: O.P.:

To the ship on my starboard bow, course 215, speed 15 knots. This is container ship Ocean Princess, eight miles away, 045 degrees off your port side, course 300. Do you read me? (On the VHF) Ocean Princess, Ocean Princess, this is VLBC Niitaka Maru, Niitaka Maru. I read you loud and clear. Please change to Channel 06. Channel 06, roger. (Changing the channel) Niitaka Maru, this is Ocean Princess. Over. Ocean Princess, this is Niitaka Maru. I can read you loud and clear. According to the ARPA reading, the CPA is 0.5 miles. I think I can pass you safely on my present course. May I pass you at your bow? Over. You may not pass at my bow. I repeat. You may not pass at my bow. Pass at my stern. According to our ARPA, the CPA is 0.4 to 0.6 miles. It is too short. Please follow the traffic rules. Roger. I will pass at your stern. I will change my course to starboard now. Thank you. I will maintain my course and speed. Back to channel 16. Roger. Back to Channel 16.

O.P.: Ocean Princess (name of a ship appearing in this scene) container ship: a special ship used for carrying containers VLBC: Very Large Bulk Carrier at your bow: ahead of you at my stern: behind me, at my rear traffic rules: set of rules that vehicles, ship, etc. must follow to ensure safety maintain: to keep, to retain

68. 3/off:

Talking on the VHF Radio Before Entering Port Captain, I’ve checked our position. We are on the course line. Our speed is 12 knots. We will arrive at the Uraga Traffic Route entrance earlier than our ETA, sir.

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Capt:

OK. We might have to reduce our speed at the Tokyo Bay Entrance due to traffic. So, for now, let’s keep the same speed.

(An hour later) 3/off: Captain, we are now 10 miles from the Uraga Traffic Route entrance, sir. Capt: OK. Call Tokyo MARTIS and report our position. 3/off: Yes, sir. (On VHF radio) Tokyo MARTIS, Tokyo MARTIS, this is Shinzan Maru, Shinzan Maru. Do you read me? MARTIS: Shinzan Maru, this is Tokyo MARTIS. I read you loud and clear. Change to Channel 12, please. Over. 3/off: Channel 12, roger. (Changing to Channel 12) Tokyo MARTIS, this is Shinzan Maru. Good morning. Do you read me? MARTIS: Yes, I read you. Over. 3/off: Our present position is 10 miles from the Uraga Traffic Route No. 1 Buoy. Over. MARTIS: Your position is 10 miles from the Uraga Traffic Route No. 1 Buoy. Roger. I have you on my radar now. Your ETA at the Uraga Traffic Route entrance is 09:30. Have you changed your ETA? Over. 3/off: No, we haven’t. Over. MARTIS: Please le us know when you enter the Uraga Traffic Route. Back to Channel 16. over and out. 3/off: Roger. I’ll let you know when we enter the Route. Back to 16. over and out.

Uraga: an entrance to Tokyo Bay ETA: Estimated Time of Arrival due to traffic: because there are many ships MARTIS: VHF call name of the Tokyo Wan Traffic Advisory Service Center buoy: a floating marker on the water’s surface radar: an abbreviation for radio detecting and ranging over and out: i’m cutting off the communication

69. P.S.: 3/off: P.S.:

Entering Port (1) (On VHF radio) Shinzan Maru, this is the Uraga Channel Pilot. Do you read me? Uraga Channel Pilot, this is Shinzan Maru. I read you loud and clear, over. Shinzan Maru, change to Channel 06, please.

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3/off: P.S.: 3/off: P.S.: 3/off: 2/off: Capt: 2/off: 3/off: Capt: 3/off:

Roger. Changing to Channel 06. (Changing channel) Uraga Channel Pilot, this is Shinzan Maru. Over. The Pilot will be on station at 09:20, as scheduled. Please rig your pilot ladder on the starboard side, one meter above the waterline. Roger. I’ll rig the pilot ladder off our starboard side, one meter above the waterline. Over. Back to 16. (By transceiver) Second Officer, the Pilot wants us to deploy the pilot ladder off the starboard side, one meter above the waterline. Pilot ladder on the starboard, one meter above the waterline. Roger. I’ll rig it now. Second Mate, will you tell Ramos to wear a safety vest when he prepares the ladder? Yes, sir. (Calling the Engine Room) The Pilot will come aboard at around 09:20 as planned. Third Mate, engine at stand by. Engine stand by, sir.

P.S.: Pilot Station rig your pilot ladder: set or lower the ladder used to help the pilot board or disembark a ship above the waterline: higher than the waterline transceiver: a communication tool which can send and receive radio signals deploy: to put in position, to prepare to use safety vest: a floatable jacket that will help a person stay afloat in the water

70. Pilot: Capt: Pilot: Capt:

Entering Port (2) Good morning, Captain. Good morning, Pilot. The engine is now at half, and our course is North. OK. Bring the engines to full ahead and change our course to 002, please. Captain, there’s an escort boat about 500 meters ahead. Thank goodness that the visibility is good today.

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Pilot:

Yes. There are too many fishing boats about. I hope that they don’t cross our route. What is the top speed we can do? We can do about 11.8 knots maximum, since we are half laden. She can go astern quickly at this speed. The engine crew, however, has advised us not to go to full-speed astern for more than a minute at a time, except for in an emergency. I see. I’ll take account of that. There are the fishing boats. (To the escort boat by transceiver) Please tell those fishing boats to keep clear of our course. We encountered a lot of fishing boats in the Malacca Straits during this voyage. There always seems to be many fishing boats there. Yes. They are equipped with modern engines now and are very quick. Yes, they are. Captain, will you hoist the First Substitute Flag and Flag S before we reach that buoy? I will. Have you got any berthing instructions for us? Yes. We’ll berth on the starboard alongside the West Berth. I understand. Thank you. Third Mate, tell the Chief Mate to bring us to berth on starboard side. And prepare the flags. Yes, sir.

Capt:

Pilot: Capt: Pilot: Capt: Pilot: Capt: Pilot: Capt: 3/off:

engine is now at half: engine speed is set to half ahead full ahead: fastest engine speed Note: The engine speed varies from ‘dead slow ahead(astern)’, ‘slow ahead (astern)’, ‘half ahead (astern)’ to ‘full ahead (astern)’ an escort boat: a boat which accompanies a large ship to ensure safety fishing boat(s): a vessel used for catching fish half laden: ship’s holds (tanks) are filled half way, half deadweight (carrying only half of the full load) astern: toward the rear of a ship except for in an emergency: only done in emergencies take account of: put something into consideration encountered: ran into, met, came into contact equipped with: provided with, fitted with the First Substitute Flag: a flag showing a ship’s destination Flag S: also a flag showing a ship’s destination berth on the starboard: to dock or moor a ship with the right side facing the dock

71.

Preparing the Mooring Lines

Bosun: Ramos: Bosun: Avarro: Bosun:

Ramos, stand by the winch. The rest of you, man the ropes.(其他人准备缆绳) The clutch is set, sir. Stand by for walk back, sir. OK. Walk back slowly. Sailors, pull the end. Bosun, should the end be in this position? That’s fine. Now put the eye just between the rollers. Perez, carry this the same way you carry that. Ramos, stop.

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Avarro: Bosun: Ramos: Bosun:

Ramos: Bosun: Avarro: Bosun: Avarro: Bosun: Avarro: Bosun: Avarro: Bosun:

Perez, just a moment. I’ll help you. Bosun, we’re ready. OK. Ramos, walk back. Roger. Walk back now. That’s it. Take it out like you did before. Ramos, stop. The hawsers are OK. Now, let’s do the breast wires. We have to shift the wires from the port side with the messenger rope, since she’ll berth on her starboard side. Ramos, take this messenger rope to the starboard capstan. Yes, sir. Bosun, stand by heaving in, sir. Just a moment. Avarro, be careful that the mandarin shackle won’t get caught in the deck roller Bosun, stand by, sir. Perez, walk back. Ramos, slowly heave in. avarro, the shackle is coming. Watch it! Bosun, the mandarin shackle is coming our way. Ramos, move slowly. Hold on. Perez, stop for a moment. Avarro, where is it? It’s just in the roller’s hook. I think it’s OK. Roger. Perez, walk back again. Ramos, heave in slowly. Bosun, the shackle is passing. It passed clearly, sir. OK. Stop. Remove the messenger rope. Let’s go to the next one.

clutch: a device for engaging or disengaging of, for example, a motor hawsers: large ropes used for mooring or towing a ship breast wires: wires used to secure the midship section to the dock; spring lines heaving in: to pull in, as in pulling in a rope mandarin shackle: type of shackle used to connect to lines

72. Capt: 2/off: Capt: 2/off: Capt:

Discussing the Navigation Schedule Oh, Second Mate, there you are. I’d like to ask you about the navigation course that you made. Yes, what is it? Our estimated speed is 14.5 knots. Is this the same speed as we made on our last voyage? Yes, it is. We also did the same speed on the one before that. I know. But, on our next voyage. We might be going against the current. That could slow us down by one or two knots.

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2/off:

I think I wrote that down in the pilot chart. I wondered which one I should choose. I referred to the record of our last two voyages. At this time of year, there is a strong counter-current. That’s what happened last year. Up until now, the ship’s hull is pretty clean. I think you should calculate our speed as 13 knots. Yes, sir. I will. Did you calculate our ETA on your PC? Yes, I did. We have a program in Excel. When you enter the waypoint, then it gives you the ETA automatically. Third Mate, this program is probably really useful, but for the time being, you should learn how to do the calculations by hand. This way, you will know how to calculate the ETA correctly. Yes, I’ll try to do it by hand and if I need help, I’ll ask the Second Officer. Can I use a calculator with trigonometric functions? Why, of course. You should first learn how to calculate the distance between two points. It’s really interesting. I did it at school, and I’m sure I can still remember how to do it.

Capt:

2/off: 3/off: 2/off: Capt:

3/off: Capt: 3/off:

navigation course: a ship’s sailing course, means a navigation plan in this case estimated: presumed, assumed current: flow of water in the sea pilot chart: a chart showing wind directions, strengths, ocean currents, etc. referred to … : looked at… for information counter-current: flow of water in the sea, flowing in the opposite direction from the main flow automatically: by itself, without help calculations: using numbers to figure out the size, quantity and quality, etc. trigonometric functions: sine, cosine, tangent, cotangent, etc., an angle expressed as the ratio of two of the sides of a right triangle

73.

Taking Over the Navigation Watch

3/off:

C/off: 3/off: C/off:

3/off:

(He comes up to the Bridge and checks the ship’s course on the chart, after letting his eyes get used to the darkness. He also reads the Captain’s night order book. Then he comes out to the wheel room) Good evening, sir. Good evening. (Proceeding to the center compass) May I take over the watch? Present course and speed are 218 degrees, at 15.5 knots. We have maintained the same speed for the last four hours. The distance to the next waypoint is about seven miles, and we’ll reach it sometime after 20:30. The current effect is light, and visibility is good. Yes, sir. Our course is 218.

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C/off:

3/off: C/off:

3/off: C/off:

3/off: C/off: 3/off: C/off:

For our surrounding area, the ship over there showing the green light is on an opposite course from us. Her distance is 6 miles, and her course is about 35 degrees, which is just about our opposite. The CPA is 2 miles. I see. There’s another ship, far away off our port side, at a distance of 15 miles. I’ve observed it on radar, and its course is also opposite of ours. We should be able to see her mast light soon. Yes, sir. (He looks for it with the binoculars) I can’t see it yet. There’s one more ship, this one following about 2 miles behind us; it’s the small one that we overtook awhile back. I haven’t seen any fishing boats, but the Second Mate saw a lot of them during his watch. Keep a close watch for them. Yes, sir. I haven’t received any navigation warnings. You’ve read the Captain’s night orders, right? Yes, I have. I’ll take over, sir. Thank you. Good night.

chart: map or other graphics that show various features of navigation, to help ships to sail safely darkness: lack of light night order: (in this case) a list of commands and precautions written by the Captain take over the watch: to take over the duty of keeping watch on the Bridge, Engine Control Room, etc. surrounding: things found around something binoculars: a visual aid made of couple set of lenses which allows faraway objects to be seen more clearly awhile back: some time ago, in the past Keep a close watch for … : to carefully look out for something, be prepared for navigation warnings: special warnings that alert ships about sailing conditions, i.e. weather alerts, storm warnings, etc. 74.

Taking Over at the Engine Room

1/eng:

Third Engineer, we’re now changing the main engine exhaust valve. Remember, whenever you work in the Engine Room, wear a safety helmet and don’t pass under any heavy machinery that’s suspended from hoists. 3/eng: Yes, sir. 1/eng: Meet Hashimoto, our previous Third Engineer. He’ll show you around and teach you what to do. Hashimoto: I’m Hashimoto. Nice to meet you. 3/eng: I’m Manuel Santos. Nice to meet you, too. Please show me everything you can. This is my first time on a Japanese ship, and I want to learn as much as possible. Hashimoto: The Third Engineer is in charge of several machines, such as the provision refrigerator, the air conditioner, the evaporator, their auxiliary pumps, and onboard electricity, etc. He’s also in charge of maintaining the fuel oil, including purifier maintenance, keeping the logbook and filing the noon report. You should read the Third Engineer’s takeover

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notebook to get the details. 3/eng: I’m confident working with electricity and the refrigerators, but I’m not so sure about controlling the fuel oil. Please teach me as much as you can. Hashimoto: Of course. This was my third ship as a Third Engineer. And what matters most is training, not studying. 3/eng: Thanks. By the way, I’m surprised at how clean it is in the Engine Room. Hashimoto: Thank you. To work efficiently, it’s really important to keep things clean and tidy. It also helps you quickly spot any trouble.

safety helmet: hard hat worn to protect the head suspended: hanging in the air hoists: device for lifting a heavy object previous: something occurring or existing before something else is in charge of: has the responsibility of doing something provision refrigerator: cooling device for preserving food auxiliary: additional, something provided to help the function of other main equipment purifier: device used to clean up something, e.g. air, water, oil logbook: a book of record, especially of navigation noon report: report showing the conditions of onboard equipment confident: sure, with assurance what matters most is training, not studying: It’s more important to learn by doing something, than by studying about it. efficiently: in an effective manner, in a manner that can yield good results tidy: clean and neat, well-organized

Chapter 7. General Duties on Board 75.

The Ship’s Safety and Sanitation Meeting

1/eng: C/off: 1/eng: C/off:

1/eng: C/off: A/off: 1/eng:

I’d like to know what you think of the schedule for the safety and sanitation meeting. When are you thinking of having it? On June 22 at 13:00. That won’t be a problem for the deck crew. The steward crew can attend, too. And it looks like there won’t be many ships around, judging from the ship’s estimated position at that time. That’s what the Captain said as well. The theme of the meeting will be the correct usage and maintenance of the safety and sanitary equipment. That’s a good idea. I think that our maintenance level has decreased recently. I think it will also be helpful if we demonstrate common mistakes after the meeting. I agree. The engine crew is scheduled to chip the pipeline on the Upper Deck during the

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76

A/off: C/off: A/off: 1/eng: C/off:

next voyage, so we should demonstrate how to use and care for chipping goggles. And we should explain what to do if you get rust in your eyes. OK. So the theme for the next voyage has been decided. But we have to get the crew to practice what they learn. We should check up on them before they start work. It is good to know that we are all ready to do our jobs We should schedule a routine check before work starts, so they know the theme for the next voyage. Is there anything else? Last time out, for recreation day, the Third Mate had planned a game of golf on the deck, but it rained that day. So this time he’s planning to organize a table tennis tournament for next week.

deck crew: sailors who work on a ship’s deck steward crew: sailors who work in the kitchen judging from … : according to … , based on the available information estimated position: place where someone or something is considered to be located usage: the way something is used, utility demonstrate: to show, esp. by showing examples engine crew: sailors who work in the engine room practice: to train, to do something well routine check: regular and frequently repeated inspection or test tournament: a series of contests fought until the winner is decided

76.

Conversation with an Agent at the General Office

Agent: C/off: Agent: C/off: Agent: 3/off: Agent: 3/off: C/off: Agent: C/off: Agent: C/off:

Good morning, Chief Mate. How’re you doing? Good morning, I’m fine, thanks. How about you? I’m doing pretty well, I guess. Did you have a good voyage? We ran into two big storms on the way here, but we managed to survive. Please have a seat. I’ll get you some coffee. Thanks. How would you like your coffee? With milk only, please. I’m on a diet. So you are the new Third Mate. Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you, too. We are carrying a lot of reefer containers on this voyage, aren’t we? Yes, we are. There aren’t so many oranges, but there sure are a lot of melons. There are about one and a half times more than on the last voyage. That many! The deck is going to be loaded. This ship has power supply problems because she’s so old. I know. I’ll bring the final plan later on. The power supply will be OK, although the GM distance will be too short. I’ll let the engine crew know about this. An auxiliary generator may be needed. How

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Agent: C/off: Agent:

much GM distance do we have? About 50 cm. That’s still safe. Well, we can still sail. We should be able to depart on Wendnesday evening if everything goes well. Yes, I think so.

managed to: … was barely able to do something I’m on a diet: I am trying to reduce my weight. reefer container(s): containers provided with refrigeration units one and half times more: 150% more power supply: supply of electric power (electricity) GM: Gravity and Metacenter (The location of the metacenter and gravity indicates the stability of a floating body.) auxiliary generator: additional equipment used to create electricity

77.

Conversation with the Authorities

C.G.: C/off: C.G.: C/off: C.G.: C/off: C.G.: C/off: C.G.: C/off: C.G.: C/eng: C.G.: C/off: C.G.: C/off:

Chief Officer, may I ask you some questions about cargo operations? Yes, please do. First, could you please tell me the cargo contents from your last voyage and the quantity of each item? Yes, here is the information on contents and quantities. OK. Now I’d also like to see the oil record book and the ship’s logbook. Here they are. Where is the record of bilge discharges? Here it is. How about for garbage disposal? It’s written here on these pages in the logbook. Chief Engineer, can you explain to me the bilge discharge method? Sure. Look at this drawing. We collect bilge water in a tank and discharge it with the bilge separator. I’ll show you where it’s done. OK. You can show me later when we are in the Engine Room. Chief Officer, will you please tell me where you incinerate plastics and where you keep the garbage? Yes. We keep the garbage on the Poop Deck, protected from the rain and seawater. Where’s your designated smoking area when loading at port. We have one here and here. (Indicating the areas on a map)

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C.G.:

Let’s see. This is the officers’ smoking room, and this is the crew’s smoking room, right? Thank you.

C.G.: Coast Guard cargo operations: work involving the handling of cargo cargo contents: list of cargo carried by a ship oil record book: a book showing records of oil cargo bilge discharges: elimination or disposal of bilge water garbage disposal: throwing away waste drawing: picture, a graphic representing or showing something incinerate: to burn, to eliminate something by burning designated smoking area: area specially set up for smoking (safety) indicating: showing

78.

Discipline on Board

Cruz: Santos: C/off: Cruz: C/off:

Santos: C/off: Cruz: Santos: C/off:

Santos:

A few days ago I was dressed down by the Chief Officer because I was only wearing an undershirt because it was so hot. He said I should always dress well, even during meals. The First Engineer told me the same thing. He told me it looked bad if I went around in my underwear. He said we must always wash our work clothes and keep them clean. Hi. What are you two talking about? You look so serious. About the dress code. You said we should always look neat. That’s right. We night have different opinions on style, but we all agree that dirty, torn clothes look bad. Many people come on board when we are at port and they will leave with a bad impression of both our ship and of our seamen’s discipline if we dress sloppily. What else should we be careful of? The most important thing is to always be on time. Real seamen follow the “five minutes ahead” rule. You should never be late. I see, if we don’t return to the ship in time for our departure, then the whole crew suffers. Besides, a person who is late won’t even be able to get on board? Yes, that’s right. If you’re not punctual, you’re not a seaman. And, on board, we live in a limited space, so we have to respect each other and try not cause any trouble. For example, we shouldn’t listen to loud music, bang doors, or leave our clothing unattended in the washing machine…. Oh, no! My clothes in the washing machine must be finished by now. Excuse me. I’ve

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got to run!

was dressed down: reprimanded, somebody scolded me serious: intense dress code: set of rules about how to wear clothing neat: nice and tidy, in good order torn: cut, tattered, ripped into pieces with a bad impression: not feeling good about something discipline: controlled behavior, self-control, a set of rules and regulations sloppily: in a disorderly manner, not neat suffer: to feel the bad results of something punctual: keeping the time, being on time respect: to show reverence, to defer leave…unattended: not pay attention to, to start something and then not watch over it

79. 3/off: 2/off:

3/off: 2/off: 3/off: 2/off:

3/off: 2/off: 3/off: 2/off:

Working Conditions Second Officer, I know that our salaries are based upon our rank, but are our salaries any different from the Japanese crew? Yes, they are. They’re different because of the Japanese system. In Japan, a company guarantees lifetime employment. Once an employee starts work for a company, he is guaranteed a job until retirement. And salaries are based on seniority. Salaries increase with the number of years the employee works for a company. So salaries don’t vary according to rank, then? No, they don’t. for seamen, however, the base salary varies depending on whether you are an officer or a crewmember. So once a person starts working for a company, their employment is secure? No, that’s not exactly right, and lately, things have been changing. It seems that shipping companies cannot remain competitive unless they use a Western-style salary system. More companies have abandoned their seniority system and now apply wages based on job evaluation. Well, our contracts start at departure from Manila and finish at arrival at Manila. E think that the Japanese system is better. I agree. Yes, and Japanese salaries are generally much higher than ours But you can’t only compare salaries. You also have to take into account the living standards of each country. We can’t say that Japanese seamen are richer than Filipino seamen because prices are much higher in Japan than in the Philippines.

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salaries: wages, usu. paid on a monthly basis rank: position, status guarantee(s): to promise or secure lifetime employment: a lifelong promise of work retirement: to stop working after reaching a certain age seniority: a job promotion system based on age or length of service vary: to differ, to change employment: having a job or work competitive: able to compare favorably with others job evaluation: judging how well a person is doing his job contract: basic agreement between concerned parties living standards: level of comfort, quality of life lived by people

80. 3/off: 2/off:

3/off: 2/off: 3/off:

2/off:

3/off: 2/off:

Union Meeting on Board I understand that there is going to be a union meeting on board soon. What is this all about? It’s a meeting where we collect any requests to the All Japan Seamen’s Union. We discuss various topics such as working conditions, wages, and so on. Then, the Union makes its policies according to our requests. Do you meet often? Yes, we do. We have meetings two or three times a year, making requests about our spring labor offensive or about our bonus. There’ll be an onboard chairperson. Second Officer, you are the onboard chairperson, aren’t you? It must be hard to get all of the people on board to come to an agreement. Everybody wants a higher salary, but I guess you can’t make everyone agree on the details. Well, that’s not exactly true. Of course, the higher the salary, the better. But everyone tries to consider each situation, whether it’s the company’s or the seamen’s. we all try to see how well the Union can bring about our request. Then, we settle for a compromise between the two sides. These meetings allow us to express ourselves and to work together. Then the Union is really a labor movement? There are too many different types of labor movements so you can’t just lump them all together. But, yes, the union meeting is the basis of such a movement.

request: claim or petition asking for something wage: payment given in exchanger for work or service policies (policy): a decision or plan or course of action for doing something spring labor offensive: labor actions customarily made in the spring in Japan Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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onboard chairperson: a person who chairs union meeting on board come to an agreement: reach a point where all concerned parties can agree settle for… : come to an agreement compromise: a half-way point where people of different opinions can meet labor movement: group of actions staged by laborers (workers) lump: put together into one group

81.

Supplying the Ship’s Stores

Supplier: C/off:

Good morning. I’m the supplier. The supply boat is waiting behind the Poop Deck. Do you want me to bring the supplies up by crane? Sure. Bosun, prepare the crane

(Starting to load the stores) Bosun: (To the Boatman) Hey, I’ll send you a messenger rope. Tie it to your rope. (T0 Avarro) OK. They’re connected. Avarro, heave it up and make it fast to that cleat. Avarro: OK, it’s fast. Bosun: (T0 the boatman) I’m lowering the hook. Watch your head! Boatman: (To Bosun) OK, stop. There, it’s hooked now, so lift it aboard. Bosun: Avarro, heave that line in. OK, hold on. Swing the load in and lower it onto the deck. Wiper, look out! It’s dangerous around there. Get back. Lower it down. Now take the stores out of the sling. Supplier: Later, will you check these with me? Bosun: (To Boatman) Hey, those cylinders are too heavy. This is only a one-ton crane, and that load’s near the limit. Only put ten cylinders in the next sling. Boatman: All right. But the sea’s getting rough, so hurry up. Bosun: OK. Let’s load up everything from the boat. The wind has picked up so we had better get this done quickly!

supplier: merchant who sells goods (to a ship in this case) crane: mechanical device used to lift and move heavy objects make it fast to … : to stabilize, to secure something by attaching it to something firm cleat: a projected piece of metal for attaching a rope or cable lowering: bring down, moving to a lower position Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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sling: device used to suspend and carry or support something getting rough: waves are getting higher

82.

Supplying Provisions

C/off:

(Speaking into transceiver) Captain, this is the Chief Mate. The crane and accommodation ladder are ready, sir. Capt: Thanks. A supply boat is coming up on our starboard side. When it gets here, pick up the supplies with the crane. C/off: Yes, sir. (The boat arrives.) Two ship chandlers have boarded and they say they have eight slings for us. We’ll start bringing them aboard, sir. Capt: Roger. I’ll hold this course and speed for a while. C/off: (To the Pump Man on the crane) Start loading. Slack down. hold on. Heave in. OK, swing it on deck. Slack down. OK, men, take the stuff out of the sling. Only take the frozen food to the Chamber. Leave the rest until after we finish. C. stew: Chief Officer, I want to get the frozen stuff stowed right away. Can you give me some people to help? C/off: The deck crews are all busy unloading right now. take some engine crewmembers to help you. And move those bottles more out of the way. Someone might hit them. C. stew: Thanks. Mess Man, move those bottles out of the way, will you? We’ll take this cart right to the chamber. C/off: Avarro, they’re watermelons, so be careful with them. OK, men, the next sling is coming. Pump man, swing it to this side and put it down here. (To the Captain by transceiver) Captain, we have one more sling to pick up, and we’ve just started to lift it now. Capt: Roger. Let me know when you’re done, so I can increase our speed. We’re too slow against this current. C/off: Captain, we’re finished, and the ship chandlers have left. The accommodation ladder is clear. Capt: Good work. Thanks for your help. You managed to do it quickly, and everyone did a good job.

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accommodation ladder: a ladder (climbing device) used to help someone board a ship supplies: things purchased and supplied chandler(s): a merchant who supplies goods to ships slack down: to make something loose chamber: room, storage, food storage in this case stowed: stored, placed in, put away in its proper place current: a flow of sea water

Chapter 8. Cargo Handling 83.

Foreman’s Request

Foreman: Third Mate, I want to change the loading sequence a little. Is the Chief Mate there? 3/off: No, he’s on shore getting a yellow fever vaccination. He said he’d return by 16:00. How do you want to change it? Foreman: According to the Chief Mate’s plan, we are supposed to load 2,000 tons at Hatch No. 2 and then 2,000 tons at Hatch No. 6 and then 1,000 tons at Hatch No.2 again. I would prefer to load the 3,000 tons at Hatch No.2 all at the same time. It would help us finish earlier. 3/off: Well, it won’t affect the trim of the ship, but I still don’t think we can load that much at once. Wait a minute; I’ll do some calculations. Foreman: It’s OK on most ships, so I think it’ll be OK. What do your calculations say? 3/off: Well, it seems to be a problem for our ship. If we discharge the whole ballast of the forepeak tank we could do it, but then the trim would be too large, and the aft draft might be a problem. Foreman: Well, it doesn’t seem possible then. I must follow your plan. 3/off: Yes, please do. Foreman: By the way, is the draft checked using this schedule? 3/off: Yes, I thank so. Foreman: OK. Let’s stick with this plan. 3/off: When can we have the exact reading? Foreman: I think I’ll have a figure for you when you finish the draft check calculations.

yellow fever: a serious disease transmitted by mosquitoes vaccination: an injection to give immunity against an infectious disease; i.e., a polio vaccination hatch: an opening in the deck roof or floor, a hatch of a cargo hold in this case trim: making the ship more balanced by shifting the ship’s cargo Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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discharge: to eliminate, to deliver, to let go forepeak: ship’s foreword ballast tank aft: the rear of a ship stick with: stick to, to follow, to do something in keeping with… draft check calculation(s): numerical operations for finding out a proper draft level

84.

Talking with the Foreman on Deck

Foreman: Third Mate, seawater is leaking from the topside tank in Hold No. 2. Will you come and take a look? 3/off: Again? This always happens. OK, I’m coming. (After checking the leak) It doesn’t seem to be leaking very much. I’ll discharge the ballast here, and it should stop soon. I’ll tell the Chief Officer about this. Foreman: We are going to pick up a bulldozer from Hatch No. 6. Please check the hold. 3/off: OK. I’ll check it after I speak to the Chief Officer. (Third Officer goes to Hold No. 6) 3/off: Assistant Officer, I’m going to check Hold No. 6. A/off: Be careful, Third Mate. Take your time and be careful not to slip and fall from the ladder. Some of our young seamen are so eager that they use the vertical ladder. You shouldn’t use it because it’s too dangerous. 3/off: Don’t worry. I’ll use the aft spiral ladder to go down inside. (Third Officer comes back from the Hold) Foreman: Is anything wrong? 3/off: Yes. The bottom part of the spiral ladder is broken. Foreman: It must have happened at another port. I don’t think it happened here. 3/off: I think that it happened here and not too long ago because the scratches look new. Will you come down and see? Foreman: Damn! I told everyone to be careful. OK, let’s go and take a look at the damage.

hold: storage space bulldozer: a heavy machine for clearing land vertical ladder: an upright climbing device spiral ladder: a climbing device shaped like a spiral scratches: damage caused by scratching or scraping Damn!: swear word said to show anger or disappointment Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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85.

Complaining to the Driver of the Cargo Loader

3/off: Foreman, can you come and take a look at Hatch No. 3? Foreman: Of course. What’s the matter? 3/off: The man who is loading the cargo has been loading the starboard side too much. The other hatches are evenly loaded, but No.2 Hatch is being over loaded on the starboard side. Could you please tell the cargo-loader operator to be careful? The Chief Mate instructed us to make sure that the ship doesn’t list. Foreman: I wonder what happened. He was doing fine until now. whenever I take my eyes off things, something always goes wrong. I’ll go and talk to him now. 3/off: Thank you. Foreman: (Through the transceiver) Hey, Jim! What are you doing? You’re loading the starboard side too much! Driver: What? I’m loading the starboard side too much? I don’t think so. Foreman: What’s wrong with you? Did you forget to wake up this morning? Pay attention to what you are doing and even out the load! Driver: OK, I’ll load on the port side. By the way, I’m thirsty. Can you tell the Third Mate to bring me a can of coke. Please? Foreman: OK. But pay attention to what you’re doing. Third Mate, could you please get the loader a can of coke? 3/off: Again? I just gave him one a little while ago. All right, I’ll get him one. Just make sure that he does a good job. Otherwise, I’ll have the Chief Officer file a complaint.

cargo-loader operator: a person who loads or unloads a ship’s cargo (goods) using a mechanical loader instruct(ed): to show how to do thins list: to incline, to tilt take my eyes off…: not to watch or pay attention to… complaint: a formal statement of dissatisfaction

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86.

Lashing Down the Cargo on a Container Ship

Worker: Hey, Third Mate, how’s it going? Did you go ashore last night and have some fun? 3/off: No, I was so busy last night that I didn’t have time to go ashore. Worker: That’s too bad. There are a lot of good places to go around here. Don’t you know that it’s bad for your health to work too much? Ha, ha, ha! 3/off: Yeah, right. Can you tighten the lashing bars in Bay No. 3? They’re loose. Worker: Those containers aren’t ours. Their destination is Los Angeles, so it’s not my job. 3/off: I know that they’re bound for Los Angeles, but they were loosened by mistake yesterday. So they have to be tightened again. Worker: That’s not my problem. I’ve been working all night in the rain and I’m tired. Ask the foreman to do it. 3/off: I asked him, and he told me to have one of you workers do it. Worker: Then ask my fellow worker over there. 3/off: I asked him and he told me to ask you. So when you finish this one, follow me. Worker: All right, all right. I’m coming. 3/off: Here, since you’re so tough, tighten this one up. Worker: Damn! Who did this? 3/off: (Mumbling) I don’t know, but they always come loose, so they have to be tightened anyway.

go ashore: to land, to disembark from a ship lashing bars: bars used for tying (or lashing) things down destination: a place where something or somebody is going bound for: destined to go to …, headed for … by mistake: something done wrong unknowingly, an error has been made mumbling: speaking in a low, hardly audible voice (usu. talking to oneself)

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87.

Lowering the Gangway

Agent: Quartermaster, lower the gangway, please. Ramose: Just a moment, please. We haven’t finished making fast. I’m just waiting for the Captain’s permission. Agent: I see. Then please lower it when you’re ready. Ramos: OK. He gave me the go. I’m lowering it now. Agent: Quartermaster, watch out for the bitt down here. Lower it slowly, so it doesn’t hit the bitt. Ramos: OK. Tell me when to stop. Agent: Stop. Actually, now it’s just a little too low. Can you pull it up a little? Ramos: OK. I’ll raise it. How’s that. Agent: That’s perfect. Thank you. (The agent comes on board) Agent: How is everything going? Ramos: Pretty good. We’ve going to lower the gangway onto the wharf after we’ve berthed. Agent: OK. 2/off: Ramos, we’ve anchored now. everyone’s coming, so lower the gangway onto the pier. Ramos: Yes, sir. 2/off: We’ll have to watch the tide. It’s high tide now, but tomorrow morning, when it is low tide, we’ll be a lot lower. So, we have to raise the gangway as soon as the tide ebbs, or it’ll be too late. Ramos: I know. I read the tide information that the Third Mate prepared for us.

gangway: a walk way used to board or disembark a ship making fast: tying something down to stabilize it or make it firm permission: being allowed to do something gave me the go: gave me the permission; it is OK to do … bitt: a post set on deck for securing ropes or cables perfect: complete, thorough, without a fault wharf: a landing place or a place where a ship can berth pier: sturdy structure projecting into the sea high tide: rising seawater level ebb(s): seawater pulling away from the shore, lowering seawater level Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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88.

Connecting a Hose

Bosun: （To the Pump Man who is operating the crane）Pump Man, give it some slack! OK. Stop! Hold on. Ramos, grab the hose with the rope! Be careful. Avarro: Perez, I’ll pass it to you on this side. Try to catch the end! Perez: OK. I’ve got it. I’ll send it around again. Avarro: That’s enough. Let’s tie it to the bitt. Bosun, hold on, sir. Bosun: Pump Man, give it some more slack, Perez, be careful!! Stay away from the hose! OK. Hold on. Avarro, how is it? Is it positioned properly? Avarro: Bosun, we need some more slack. Bosun: Pump Man, give it some more slack! Stop! How is it now? Avarro: It’s fine, sir. May I put in the bolts now? Bosun: Wait a minute. Let me check it. OK. You can put in the top bolt. Perez, put it into the side hole with the spike and hold it. Perez: Is this OK? Bosun: Yes, that’s good. Avarro, how’s it going? Can you reach it? Avarro: Yes, I’m screwing it in now. OK. I’ve got it! Bosun: OK. Fasten the other side. Perez, hold it like that until he’s finished. Avarro: I’ve inserted it on this side, too. And I set the nut. Bosun: Don’t tighten the nut. Perez, take out the spike and put a bolt in there. Perez: Done. I’ll put a packing sheet inside. Bosun: OK. Now set all of the bolts.

slack: looseness Bosun: low-rank officer in charge of deck work positioned properly: placed in the correct location spike: a hard, sharply-pointed piece of metal (looks like a big nail) screwing: turning and pushing in something, e.g. screws fasten: to secure, to hold something firmly insert(ed): to put in, to place inside something nut: small piece of metal with a threaded hole in the center packing sheet: a thin sheet placed for shock-absorbing or sealing purposes

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89.

Meeting with the Berth Master in the COC

C/off: B.M.:

C/off:

B.M.: C/off: B.M.: C/off: B.M.: C/off: B.M.:

Let’s begin the meeting. OK. I agree with your plan. You said that it will take a total of 20 hours, and I think so, too. The first cargo is Arabian Light crude oil. Discharge it at a rate of 5,000 Kl an hour for the first three hours. Then, I’d like you to increase it to 8,000 kl per hour. I understand. What do you think about the crude oil washing? We have Arabian Light in No. 3 Center, but I’m going to do the COW here with Arabian Heavy, the second grade, after I discharge all of No. 3 Center. That’s fine. Please let me know when you start the oxygen check. I would like my assistant to attend. OK. I will have the duty officer inform you when we begin the oxygen check. I will report the hourly discharge rate, the balance, and so forth to you by phone. Please tell the duty officers to report the ship’s figures to us, too. I will. Can I use the transceiver or the temporary phone to call you if there’s an emergency? Of course you can. I will be in either the COC or on deck. Just be careful not to spill any oil. Yes, we will be very careful. The last tank to be emptied is in No. 3 Center. I will be preparing 3,000 cubic meters of fresh oil there. Will that be enough? Yes, it will. Try not to suck too much air in during the final stage. OK. Let’s start discharging.

B.M.: Berth Master a shore-side professional experienced in ship’s berthing operations crude oil: heavy oil that comes from an oil well; unrefined oil COW: Crude Oil washing oxygen check: measuring the amount of oxygen present attend: to be present, to come to the site spill: to overflow a liquid cubic meter: m³,unit of volume (One cubic meter of water weighs one ton.)

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90.

Starting to Discharge Crude Oil

2/off: P.M.: 2/off: P.M.: 2/off:

Bosun: 2/off: bosun: 2/off: P.M.: 2/off: P.M.:

Chief Officer, I finished lining up and I will now start discharging. (Through the transceiver) Pump Man, this the COC. Do you read me? Loud and clear, sir. I will be starting the No. 1 cargo oil-pump. Roger! Chief Officer, I’m starting the pump now. (Pushes the start button. The pump starts up at minimum speed) Chief Officer, I’ll check the governor now. The governor’s OK. (To the Bosun through the transceiver) Bosun, I’m sending the oil to the deck. Let me know when the oil passes through the manifold. I will Chief Officer, I’m sending the oil to shore. (The Second Officer opens the delivery valve a little to watch the pressure gauges) COC, this is the manifold. The oil is passing, sir. Thank you. Pump Man, this is the COC. This is the Pump Man, go ahead, COC. I will be starting the No. 2 Pump and then the No. 3 Pump. Roger!

(The Second Officer starts the No. 2 and No. 3 cargo oil pumps. He checks the governor, then opens the delivery valve a little.) 2/off: Bosun, report the manifold pressure, please. Bosun: The manifold pressure is two kilograms now. 2/off: Roger. Two kilos. I’m going to increase the manifold pressure to five kilos. Please report to me at every half-kilo increasing up to four kilos, and after that, at every 0.2-kilo increment.

P.M.: Pump Man lining up: aligning things until they match governor: a feedback device of a machine used for adjustment or control; i.e. a throttle manifold: a pipe with several ports, a pipe or chamber with several openings delivery valve: a valve to allow a liquid to flow out pressure gauge(s): an instrument used for measuring pressure increment: small changes in value; a small amount or measure

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91.

Washing Crude Oil

Bosun: Avarro: Bosun: Avarro: Bosun: COC: Bosun: COC:

Bosun: Avarro: Bosun: COC: Bosun: COC: Bosun: COC: Bosun:

Avarro, let’s set the No. 2 Center COW machine’s angle to 125 degrees. Yes, sir. I’ll set the No. 1 and 2 machines I’ll do Number 3 and 4. I’m finished. (To COC by transceiver) COC, this is Bosun, how do you read me? This is COC, loud and clear, Bosun. Go ahead, please I’ve set the No. 2 Center, and Number 1 through Number 4 COW machines to 125 degrees, sir. Roger. Set No. 2 Center, and Number 1 through Number 4 COW machines to 125 degrees. I’ll start COW at No.2 Center. Bosun, please open 2C1, 2, 3, and 4 COW-machine valves. Roger. Open 2c1, 2, 3, and 4 COW-machine valves. Avarro, open Number 1 and Number 2. OK, opening valve Number 1 and 2. Bosun, I’ve opened them, sir. (To COC) COC, we’ve opened the 2c1, 2, 3, and 4 machine valves, sir. Roger. I’ll send the oil. Let me know when the oil passes the machine valves. Roger. Gas is passing through the valves. There, the oil is passing now, sir. Roger. I’m increasing power, and I’m going to set the COW line-pressure to 10 kilos. Roger. The COW machines have started running, sir. Roger. I’ve set the line pressure to 10 kilos. Check the COW line and COW machines. Roger. I’m going to check both the line and the machines.

angle: a figure formed by two lines meeting at the same point, a bend … how do you read me?: How can you hear me? Can you hear me well? line-pressure: pressure of a material flowing inside a pipe

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Chapter 9. Preparations for Departure 92. Capt: 3/off: 2/off: 3/off: Capt:

station on the Bridge for Leaving Port (1) Third Officer, let’s test the engine. Yes, sir. (Speaking through the transceiver) Aft Station. Second Officer, this is the Bridge, do you read me? I will now test the engine. Is the gangway clear? Bridge, this is the Aft Station. I hear you loud and clear. We are ready to test the engine. Roger, Second Officer. (By telephone to the Engine Room) Hello, you may test the engine now. thanks you (To the Captain) We are ready to test the engine, sir. Go ahead.

(The Third Mate tests the engine) (The Engine Room calls) 3/off: Hello, Bridge! We are finished testing the engine. Everything’s normal and ready. (To the Captain) The test is finished and the engine is ready, sir. Capt: Thank you. Put the engine on standby. 3/off: (Repeating) Engine on stand by. (Moving the engine telegraph) Engine on standby, sir. Capt: Thank you. (The Second Mate comes to the Bridge, with the Pilot) 2/off: Captain, here is the Pilot, sir. Capt: Good morning , Pilot. Pilot: Good morning, Captain. Is the engine ready? Capt: Yes, it is. Pilot: Thank you. I’ll show you how to unmoor and unberth. Will you show me your pilot card first? Capt: Yes, here it is.

test the engine: to check the proper functioning of the engine, start the engine I hear you loud and clear: Communication is good.; I can hear you well on standby: getting ready for some action, ready and waiting unmoor: to release the mooring of a ship unberth: to release a ship from its berthing position pilot card: ship’s detailed information given to the pilot

93. Pilot:

Station on the Bridge for Leaving Port (2) Captain, the Fore Station and Aft Station can single up now with the headline and the stern

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Capt: C/off: 2/off: C/off: 2/off: Pilot: Capt: C/off: 2/off: C/off: 2/off: Capt: Pilot: Capt: Pilot: Capt: Pilot: Capt:

line. Roger. (To fore and aft by transceiver) Fore and Aft, single up with the headline and stern line. This is the Fore Station. Roger. Single up with headline. This is the Aft Station. Roger. Single up with stern line. Bridge, this is Fore. Single up done, sir. Bridge, this is Aft. Single up done, sir. Now, let all lines go. Fore and Aft, let all lines go! Bridge, this Fore. Letting all lines go. Bridge, this is Aft. Letting all lines go. Bridge, this is Fore. All lines away. Lines clear, sir. Bridge, this is Aft. All lines away. Lines clear, sir. Fore and Aft. All lines clear, thank you. Thank you, Captain. Slow ahead engine and midships, please. Pilot, a small boat is coming out of the pier. Ah, yes. I believe it will turn right and proceed toward the East Passage and won’t go straight. But we will watch it carefully. It’s hoisting its destination flag now. the boat will be entering the East Passage. Will you prepare the starboard anchor so that we can drop it in case of emergency? We can use the anchor to deaden her speed. Roger. I’ll put the anchor on standby. It can be dropped by loosening the break.

single up: to release the mooring lines one by one till just one remains fore: front (forward) section of a ship let all lines go: to release all the ropes and cables holding the ship midships: setting the ship’s course in its central position proceed: to advance, move forward destination flag: a flag signal used in navigation to show where a vessel is heading deaden her speed: reduce the ship’s speed

94.

Preparing to Leave Port in E.C.R.

1/eng:

Good morning. Well, we’re finally leaving. You’re probably a little tense, since this is your first standby when leaving port.

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3/eng:

1/eng:

3/eng: 2/eng:

3/eng: 1/eng: 2/eng:

1/eng:

Yes, a little. Last night I read the standby manual for leaving port thoroughly, and I re-read all of the manuals for the Engine Room operations. I’m excited about starting up the engine, but I feel a little nervous. When do we start the standby navigation watch for leaving port? We usually start one hour before leaving. We are supposed to inform everyone in the Engine Room Department 15 minutes before we start the watch; today we’ll start at 09:00. It’s about fifteen minutes before the watch. Should I start the diesel generator now? We’ll start the No. 2 Diesel Generator locally because it hasn’t been used for a long time. If it starts normally, I’ll let you know. Then, you should turn on the generator’s air circuit breaker. First Engineer, I’d like to learn the procedure for starting the generator locally. May I go with the Second Engineer? Yeah, I think that would be a good idea. OK. Did you bring a transceiver, with you so we can communicate? We use Channel 2 in the Engine Room. Check that your transceiver is set to Channel 2. we’ll come back here after we start the generator. Let’s go! Be careful and make sure the Third Engineer understands everything.

E.C.R.: Engine Control Room tense: uptight, worried, being very attentive almost to the point of being nervous nervous: lacking composure, feeling worried and unsure navigation watch: a shift duty (usu. watching out for other ships or possible danger) diesel generator: machine for producing electricity powered by diesel fuel air circuit breaker: a device to cut off the power source

95.

Warming Up the Main Engine

1/eng:

OK. People, we will be setting sail in one hour. Let’s start warming up the main engine and prepare for departure. Third Engineer, go down to the Engine Room and stand by. Watch the Second Engineer and ask him any questions that you have about any of the operations.

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2/eng: 1/eng:

2/eng: 1/eng:

Should we use the No. 1 Group pumps instead of the No. 2 Group, since the No. 1 Group is already being used? Yes, let’s do that. Second Engineer, keep your eyes on seawater service pump No. 1’s delivery pressure when you switch pumps because the No. 2 Pump’s delivery valve often sticks open and then can’t be shut. Yes, sir. I’ll call you on the transceiver when I’m in place. As usual, we’ll start and stop the pumps from the Engine Room. OK.

(Everyone leaves and begins communicating by transceiver) 2/eng: Lubricant oil pumps, fuel oil pumps, fresh water cooling pumps, all normal, sir. I’ll start warming up the main engine now. 1/eng: Roger. Watch the No. 3 Cylinder Exhaust Valve that we replaced. 2/eng: Roger. 3/eng: You can start feeding the cylinder lubricant oil and start turning the main engine, sir. Everything here is normal. There is no sign of any trouble, sir. Not like the time when water from the fresh water cooling jacket was spraying from the main engine indicator valve. 2/eng: The No.3 Exhaust Valve on the No.3 Cylinder is normal and working well. 1/eng: Roger, everything is normal. We will be finished testing the engine after she turns for 30 minutes. 3/eng: The engine test will run for 30 minutes. Roger.

No. 1 group pumps: one of the duplex systems delivery pressure: pressure measured at the exit port lubricant oil pumps: pump for circulating lubrication oil fuel oil pump(s): pump used for delivering fuel oil fresh water cooling pumps: pump used for sending out fresh water used for cooling purposes cylinder lubricant oil: type of oil used to ensure smooth movement of the cylinder fresh water cooling jacket: a sleeve or structure provided for cooling a machine with circulating fresh water indicator valve: a valve which shows the flow of liquid inside an enclosed system

96.

Testing the Main Engine

1/eng: 2/eng: 1/eng: 2/eng:

Second Engineer, this is First Engineer. How do you read me? First Engineer, this is Second Engineer. Loud and clear, sir. Over. We’ll start testing the engine now. remove the turning gear and prepare to test the engine. Starting engine test, roger. (Preparations have been completed) First Engineer, we’re

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1/eng: 2/eng: 1/eng: 2/eng: 3/eng: 1/eng: 2/eng: 1/eng:

ready to test the engine. Please start the air run. Over. Roger. Starting air run. (After the air run is finished) Air run finished. Air run, finished, roger. All main engine indicator valves are shut, sir. Please test the engine now, over. Roger. We will first test the engine ahead then astern. Main cylinder cover, exhaust valves, fuel pump, starting air pipe are all normal, sir. Turbocharger is normal, sir. Roger. Then I’ll test the engine ahead. Something’s wrong with the fuel-regulating rack for the No. 2 Cylinder Fuel Pump. All of the others are normal, sir. Roger. Something’s wrong with the fuel-regulating rack for the No.2 Cylinder Fuel Pump. Watch it closely later when we increase the main engine’s RPMs. Well, that does it! We’re finished testing the engine.

turning gear: gear used for rotating a mechanical unit air run: test running the engine using compressed air without supplying fuel exhaust valves: a valve fitted to an engine through which combustion products are let out turbocharger: originally a ‘turbo-supercharger’; an exhaust-driven turbine is used to maintain the intake pressure fuel-regulating rack: a device used to adjust the flow of fuel

97.

Increasing the Main Engine Speed

1/eng: 2/eng: 3/eng: 1/eng:

Second Engineer, I’ll increase the main engine’s speed. Is the fuel-regulating rack for the No. 2 Cylinders Fuel Pump working OK now? It’s working normally. First Engineer, even though we have enough boiler water, we only have 70 tons of fresh water. Should I turn on the fresh water generator? I’ll start it after we finish increasing the main engine’s speed and get it set.

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3/eng: Yes, sir. Then I’ll only start the ejector pump. No.1 oil: First Engineer, this is No. 1 Oiler. In case of rough weather, I’ve finished lashing the movable equipment in the Engine Room, in the Steering Room and on the deck. 1/eng: Thank you, No. 1 Oiler. We’ve already accelerated the engine and reached the set revolution. Will you take care of the soot-blow and turn off the auxiliary boiler? Then, with the Second Engineer and Oiler B, would you secure the boiler. No.1 oil: Yes, sir. I’ll do it right away. 1/eng: Second Engineer, since we’ve changed the fuel oil in the No. 2 Diesel Generator from heavy fuel oil to diesel, we can switch off the air circuit breaker for the generator and run it with only the turbogenerator. 2/eng: Start running the turbogenerator on its own. Roger . I’ve started the exhaust gas economizer’s solid-brush soot-cleaning system. 3/eng: I’ve started the fresh water generator. 1/eng: Roger. The Captain says we can start the M0 operation from 17:00. All hands, let’s do the M0 check!

boiler water: water supply for the boiler fresh water generator: a machine which removes salt from sea water and makes distilled water ejector pump: a pump using the ejection force of water or air to remove something from a pipe soot-blow: a forced air system for eliminating collected soot air circuit breaker: an device to cut off the power source turbogenerator: a generator driven by a turbine exhaust gas economizer: a device for tapping the heat of exhaust gas

Chapter 10. Bunkering 98.

Meeting for Receiving Fuel Oil

C/eng:

3/eng:

Third Engineer, we’re going to be receiving fuel oil from a barge starting at 10:00 today. This is the bunkering plan; the total quantity will be 1,250 tons, and it will be loaded in all tanks except for the No. 1 port and starboard fuel oil tanks. Our tanks should be 75 percent full after receiving the fuel. That should be easy because we will have plenty of extra space in the tank if it’s being filled to only 75 percent capacity.

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C/eng:

You’re right. But you have to keep in mind that you can’t be too careful when doing these kinds of operations. 3/eng: Believe me, I’ll keep it in mind. Doing this always makes me a little nervous. Which manifold are we going to use? C/eng: We’ll use the starboard side. Remember to sign off as the person responsible for the operation. And, on the list, write the names of the No. 1 Oiler and the Wiper as sharing the responsibility. 3/eng: Yes, sir. May I do the remote-control valve and the level-alarm devices’ operational test when we get to the final stage? C/eng: Yes. Confirm that it’s shut then lash the No. 1 Suction Valves for the port and starboard tanks. We won’t be loading these tanks. 3/eng: OK, I will. I’ll start preparing to receive our supply. Should we put in the plugs on the deck before we begin? And after that prepare the starboard manifold? No.1 oil: For sure. Let’s put in the plugs for the oil-spill tanks.

barge: a flat-bottomed service boat bunkering plan: a schedule for supplying fuel keep in mind: not to forget, try to remember remote-control valve: a valve which is opened or closed by means of a faraway control device level-alarm device(s): an indicator that shows if the amount of liquid goes below or above a specific level lash: to tie with a rope and the like suction valve(s): a valve which allows the intake of air, water, fuel, etc. oil-spill tank(s): a tank used to collect any spilt oil, used to prevent ocean pollution

99.

Receiving Fuel Oil at the Starboard Manifold

3/eng:

No.1 Oiler, we’ve finished putting in the plugs for the scuppers and spill tanks. Let’s start preparing the starboard manifold. No.1 oil: The fuel oil transfer procedure and a drawing of the fuel oil loading pipeline are displayed on the starboard side manifold for your reference. 3/eng: Should we prepare the tools and emergency equipment? No.1 oil: They’re always stowed in the Center Store on deck. Let’s go get the stuff we need. Wiper: I’ll get rags from the Consumable Store, so you two go ahead! No.1 oil: Can you do it by yourself? Wiper: Yes, I’ll use a cart to carry them. 3/eng: OK, here’s the sounding scale, the oil receiver can, sawdust, sand, oil dispersant, fire Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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extinguishers, and so on. It looks like we have all the tools and emergency equipment. No.1 oil: I forgot to set the pressure gauge and thermometer on the pipe; now we can’t read the inside pressure and temperature! 3/eng: It’ll be fine, but thanks for letting me know. We’ve finished preparations for the starboard manifold, so let’s tell the Chief Engineer that we are ready. (By transceiver) Chief Engineer, this is Third Engineer. We’ve finished the preparations for the starboard side manifold.

scupper(s): an opening on the deck to let water flow out spill tank(s): a pit provided on the deck to collect spilt fuel, liquid, etc. fuel oil transfer procedure: a set course of action for moving fuel oil from one place to another fuel oil loading pipeline: an enclosed pipeline system used for loading fuel onto a ship rags: tattered, worthless bits of cloth sounding scale: instrument used to measure the depth of a liquid oil receiver can: a can for collecting drained oil oil dispersant: a chemical used to drive off or break apart oil fire extinguisher(s): a device used to put out fires using chemicals pressure gauge: an instrument used for measuring the pressure

100. 3/eng:

C/eng: 3/eng: C/eng: 3/eng:

Receiving Fuel Oil Chief Engineer, this is Third Engineer. I’ve confirmed the receiving quantity and that the wires are sealed for each tank of the barge. Also, I’ve checked the temperature, the specifications of the oil, and the amount of water in the fuel oil, and everything looks fine. The specific gravity is 0.9756; the temperature, 48 degrees centigrade; viscosity, 280 centi-stokes at 50 degrees centigrade. I also confirmed with the barge that they’d be stopping the supply flow from their end. Roger. I asked a duty officer to hoist the “B” Flag and to announce that we’re starting the bunkering. OK, please open the starboard manifold stop valve. All preparations are complete. I’ll open the starboard manifold stop valve now. Keep it running at a slow rate. Commenced bunkering at 10:05, sir. The fuel oil has just passed through the manifold, sir. Everything looks good, sir.

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C/eng:

Third Engineer, I haven’t confirmed the oil flow into the tanks yet, so will you ask them to gradually increase the flow rate a little? Roger. I’ll ask them to gradually increase the flow rate. Right now, the pressure at the manifold is 1.5 kilos, and the temperature is 42 degrees centigrade. The loading rate is now 300 cubic meters per hour, sir. Thank you. I’ve confirmed the flow into the tanks. Please keep your eyes on the pipeline and the sea surface at all times for any possible signs of trouble.

3/eng:

C/eng:

temperature: hotness or coldness of the body or the environment specific gravity: ratio which compares the mass of a substance to a mass of water of equal volume centigrade: Celsius viscosity: stickiness stop valve: a valve which stops the flow of something inside cubic meters: m3, a unit of volume

Chapter 11. Maintenance 101.

Work Schedule Meeting at the General Office

C/off:

Bosun: C/off: Bosun: C/off:

Bosun, I’d like to talk about the work schedule for our next voyage. I gave you the draft of my plan yesterday. How do you feel about stripping and painting the pipeline on the upper deck and cranes? Yes, I think it’s a good idea. The tops of the cranes are really rusty, even though you don’t notice it from the deck. That’s true. The inert line is quite rusty, too. Bosun, how long do you think it’ll take you to finish the inert line? There’s a lot of rust, so it might take a week to chip away the rust and to apply the first coat. According to the latest forecast, the weather won’t be so bad on our next voyage, at least as long as we are still east of Singapore.

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Bosun: C/off: 3/off: C/off: Bosun:

We should start with the cranes since we will have good weather. We can do the pipeline even when the sea is a bit rough. That’s true. By the way, Third Mate, you said that you wanted to overhaul the draft gauges. How long will that take? The front one is in bad shape. I’ll use compressed air to clear it, and then I’ll clean the inside of the mercury glass tubes. It’ll take one day to finish. OK. Send two crewmembers to do the painting when the weather is good. Can you take care of that, bosun? Yes, sir. We should be able to do it once we’re in the Indian Ocean.

draft: a provisional schedule, idea, plan, etc. rusty: covered or having rust (corroded metal) inert line: a pipeline supplying inert gas forecast: predicted weather pattern, weather information draft gauges: an instrument which shows a ship’s draft level compressed air: a body of air under pressure mercury glass tubes: glass tubes filled with mercury used to measure pressure

102. 2/eng: 3/eng: 2/eng: 3/eng: 2/eng:

3/eng: 2/eng: 3/eng:

Maintenance of the Chambers Once a day, you must check the temperature of each chamber with these analog thermometers. Yes, I will. So there’s the Meat Chamber, the Fish Chamber, the Vegetable Chamber, and the Lobby, right? They seem to be really cool. Are the refrigerators in good condition? The refrigerators are fine, but the expansion valve for the Meat Chamber sticks sometimes because of ice formation. You should keep an eye on it. How do you fix it? The key is to prevent the formation of ice in the first place by preventing air from flowing into the system. Also, you need to remove any moisture from the system by regularly changing the silica-gel cartridge; otherwise, it turns to ice and causes the expansion valve to freeze up. Would you show me how to change the cartridge when you have the time? Are there any other problems I should know about? The knob on the Fish Chamber door is broken, so please replace it. Do you have a new one?

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2/eng:

It’s supposed to be waiting for us when we get to Kashima, the next port of call. During the next voyage, we’re going to overhaul the seawater cooling pump of No. 1 provision refrigerator. I’d like to read the manual for that pump. Do you know where the instruction book is? Some of the instruction books are in the Engine Control Room, and the rest of them are in the General Office. I’ll be explaining a little about the pump as we go along, though.

3/eng: 2/eng:

analog thermometer(s): a temperature measuring device which shows readings in an analog method refrigerator(s): a machine for chilling something, esp. to enhance preservation expansion valve: a special-purpose valve stick(s): to become jammed or struck, to attach together, to adhere ice formation: water or moisture turning into ice due to coldness in the first place: first of all, before doing anything else moisture: water content in the air silica-gel: a desiccant, a drying agent Kashima: a port city in Ibaragi in eastern Japan

103.

Removing Old Paint

Bosun: Avarro: Bosun:

Perez: Bosun: Avarro: Bosun: (Later) Bosun:

Avarro:

At first, we’ll use air hammers to remove large pieces of peeling paint and rust. This area isn’t so large. After that, we’ll use disk sanders, right? Yes. When we get to that step, we’ll divide into two groups: Group One will continue grinding the surface, and Group Two will remove any light rust with a jetter. Remember, never take off your protective goggles, and everyone should be working about two meters away from one another. There’s quite a bit of rust. And the air hammer easily removes it, but I’m still getting tired. You need to hold the head of the air hammer more tightly. It takes more time when you only hold the handle. Like this? OK, but hold the hammer at a downward angle to keep rust from spraying up.

OK, you can stop chipping now. you two, please use the sanders to grind off any paint left after chipping. Remember that the paint will only adhere to properly prepared metal. The Pump Man and I will go with the jetters. Perez! You can’t just tighten the sandpaper to the sander by hand. You have to use a wrench, or else the paper may fly off and hit someone.

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Perez: Bosun:

Oh. Is this the wrench here? Men, when you finish chipping, we should sweep up and apply one coat of paint.

air hammers: power tools to drive different heads (in this case paint chippers) operated by compressed air peeling: coming off in thin pieces or sheets disk sanders: power tools with round, disk-shaped grinders, used to sand, polish, or brush jetter: a tool which creates water jets protective goggles: large glasses worn to protect the eyes grind off: polish and remove something by scrubbing adhere: to stick, to stay in place coat of paint: a single application or brushing on of paint

104. 3/off: A/off:

3/off: A/off:

3/off: A/off:

3/off: A/off: 3/off: A/off:

Painting Good morning, sir. The sun’s shining and there’s no chance of rain, so today looks like the day for painting. The paint we use needs a hardener, doesn’t it? Yes, this type of paint is called denatured epoxy. The base and hardener set up when combined. We mix the amount of hardener that we need according to the instructions, and then we add the hardener to the base at a ratio of one to ten. If we don’t mix at the proper ratio, what will happen? Well, since the paint works by a chemical reaction between the hardener and the base, the paint wouldn’t be very permanent. But the manufacturer allows for a plus or minus 10 percent margin of error. If we use the denatured epoxy, we don’t need to use anti-corrosive paint, do we? Right, the two paints are anti-corrosive by different means. Marine paint, which was popular before, prevented corrosion through a complex chemical reaction. Denatured epoxy, on the other hand, prevents corrosion due to its thickness after it dries. It’s really quite effective. Does that mean that we need to apply it extra thick? That’s right. A thickness of 100 microns is normal when brushed on, but it is about 200 microns thick when applied by spray, so it’s better to apply it that way. How long does it take for the paint to dry? It depends on the weather, but one hour is usually enough. It adds a whole new twist to painting.

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hardener: a chemical which helps other substances to turn solid denatured epoxy: hydrocarbon resin with a special property base: any material which acts as a foundation proper ratio: mixing substances according to specified proportions chemical reaction: interaction of chemical substances permanent: long-lasting, lasting a lifetime allows for: there is some room or leeway anti-corrosive paint: a paint which fights off or resists rust corrosion: rusting or worsening of the quality of metals, etc. microns: one millionth of a meter, a unit of measurement spray: a fine flow of liquid from a pressurized container adds a whole new twist to: opens up a new way of thinking, introduces an entirely new way of doing something

105.

Greasing Up

Bosun: Ramos: Bosun: Ramos: Bosun: Perez: Avarro: Bosun: Avarro:

Hey, you forgot to grease the back of the winch here. Check behind there and add a little grease, will you? Sorry. Where is it? Oh, I see. I’ll get right to it. This area is exposed to the sea and salt more than any other area of the ship, so if anything here is not thoroughly greased, it will get damaged. OK, I’ll be more careful next time. This grease nipple isn’t accepting the grease, so maybe you should change it and try applying the grease again. Yes, sir. Hey, Avarro, do you have any new grease nipples? No, I’m all out. Bosun, do you have any? No, I don’t either. But there are some back in the Deck Tool Store. Avarro, would you go get some for us? Sure.

(Avarro returns with the new grease nipples.) Bosun: Avarro, change the one on top of the deck roller; it’s completely covered with paint, and doesn’t work. Avarro: OK, right away. Bosun: This nipple has too much grease applied to it. Remember, it’s wasteful to smear grease on the outside like that; it’ll just end up on the deck. Avarro, you can wipe up the overflowing grease later. Avarro: Yes, sir. Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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Bosun:

Well, it looks like we’re finished, so let’s clean up the grease pumps.

grease: viscous (sticky) oil used as a lubricant exposed to: not covered so is open to… grease nipple: a small tube used to deliver and apply grease to a machine smear: scatter, apply paint, grease, etc. in a disorderly manner wipe up: to remove by cleaning with a rag

106.

Overhauling the Fuel Oil Purifier

3/eng: 1/eng: 3/eng: No.1 oil: 3/eng: 1/eng: 3/eng: No.1 oil: 3/eng: No.1 oil: 3/eng: No.1 oil: 3/eng:

First Engineer, I stopped the No. 1 Fuel Oil Purifier because it was vibrating, and I heard a loud clanging noise during the M0 checks this morning. It sounds like the vertical bearing might be broken. Well, let’s check it out right now. have you started the No. 2 Purifier already? Yes, I have. No. 1 Oiler, will you prepare a half-ton chain hoist? We’re using all the half-ton hoists, so I’ll prepare a one-ton. We’ll need empty buckets or cans to catch the gear oil that we drain. Will you tell the Wiper to bring two empty 18-liter containers and a bag of rags? Third Engineer, start overhauling only after you’ve confirmed that the pump’s not running. If it’s running, you could get seriously injured, or damage the machine. Yes, I’ll confirm that it’s not running. I’ve read the manual carefully, so I know the proper procedure. Third Engineer, the purifier has completely stopped, so I’ll start opening it now. Let’s carry the bowl to the workshop so we can overhaul it. Please dump the drained gear-oil into the waste-oil tank. Oh, I can see that the vertical thrust bearing is damaged. OK. Since we have a new one, let’s change it now. Please replace all of the O-rings at the same time. We should be able to finish this quicker than I thought. Thanks for your help.

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vibrating: shaking, moving back and forth loud clanging noise: a very loud noise made by something banging into something else it sounds like: from the description, I get the feeling that… vertical bearing: an upright bearing chain hoist: a lifting device which uses a chain get seriously injured: to be hurt badly bowl: a round vessel or container (the enclosure for the Fuel Oil Purifier gears in this conversation) vertical thrust bearing: an upright thrust bearing which moves up and down O-rings: flat rings used as gaskets for shock-absorbing and sealing purposes

107.

The Diesel Generator

1/eng:

Good morning. Are you ready to change the NO.2 Diesel generator’s cylinder cover? You should be prepared, as we have planned the earlier. 3/eng: Yes, I have. I’ve already posted a note in the Engine Control Room that says, “We’re overhauling the No.2 Diesel Generator, so don’t try to use it”. I posted it on the distribution board, as well. I’ve also disabled the Engine control room’s generator controls and enable only the local controls. No.1 oil: The tools and spares have been ready since yesterday. 3/eng: We’re draining the jacket cooling water now, so We’ll be able to start in about ten minutes. 1/eng: To be safe, lock the start/stop handle in the stop position. The stop valve for the air should be shut, too. 3/eng: OK, I’ve done all that . No.1 Oiler, please get us three portable lights because the area around the generator is dark. No.1 oil: Yes, sir. By the way, we only have three spare cylinder cover left. Which cover should we change first? 3/eng: How about one, two, and three , in that order? 1/eng: Tell everyone to keep clear from under the crane when it’s moving the cylinder. 3/eng: I will. But I think we’ll be all right because we’ve practiced KYT for working around heavy lifts. Anyway, I’ll review the key points of the job with the crew. No.1 oil: Third Engineer, the jacket cooling water has been drained, sir. 3/eng: OK, let’s get started!

posted: display, placed on a bulletin board, etc. distribution board: tool box showing how electric power is serviced Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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spare parts: machine components stored for repair or replacements jacket cooling water: circulating water in a jacket used for cooling a machine keep clear from: stay away from, not to go near something.

108.

Removing a Motor

3/eng:

No.1 oil: 3/eng: No.1 oil: 3/eng: No.1 oil: 3/eng: No.1 oil: 3/eng: No.1 oil:

3/eng: No.1 oil: 3/eng: No.1 oil:

(Pointing) On the evaporator ejector pump starter panel, switch the power off. OK. It’s indicating “NOT IN USE.” OK. On the local control box, set the lock in stop position. OK, we’re ready. Let’s remove the motor. Third Engineer, remove the electric cables, please. Right away. No. 1 Oiler, please remove all of the coupling bolts. I’ll mark the couplings before I remove them. Good idea! I’ll remove the set pin and set bolts. I removed the coupling bolts. Three of the six rubber rings are damaged. We’ll replace them when we set the motor back up. OK, let’s remove the motor. Begin lifting with the chain hoist. Third Engineer, be careful not to catch your fingers there. Shall we move the motor to the workshop and overhaul it there? It’s more comfortable in there, compared to this hot and noisy Engine Room. OK, slowly put the motor on the cart. That’s good! Setting it back up is harder than removing it, isn’t it? It must be difficult to center it right. Yes, it’s a lot harder to put it back than to take it out, but there’s no need to worry once you get the hang of it. Would you teach me when we set it back up? Of course.

ejector pump: a pump which uses the force of compressed liquid, etc. to eject something electric cables: electric wires for supplying power coupling bolts: bolts used to connect pipes, etc. Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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set pin: a pin used to keep something in place set bolts: bolts used to keep something in place rubber rings: rings made of rubber replace: to change, to remove an old one and put in a new one chain hoist: device using chains for lifting heavy objects compared to: said in reference to other things center it right: properly align the different but matching parts get the hang of: to know how to do a certain thing

Chapter 12. Muster Drills 109.

The Drill for Abandoning Ship

(Announcement) (“Muster Drill! Muster Drill! Muster Drill! Station for abandoning ship! All crew, assemble at the starboard lifeboat!”) C/off: Bridge: C/off:

Bridge: C/off: Bosun: C/off: Bosun: C/off: Bridge: C/off:

People, put on a life jacket and hurry to the starboard lifeboat! (In front of the lifeboat, using a transceiver) Bridge, this is the starboard lifeboat. I’ll take roll call now. Roger. Stand in two rows while I call the roll. Second Mate, Second Engineer (He reads all the names and finishes.) Bridge, roll call finished. There are 19 persons out of the total of 24; the five not here are on duty. They are the Captain, the Third Mate on the Bridge, the Quartermaster, Ramos, and the No. 2 Oiler in the Engine Room. Roger. Prepare to lower the boat. Prepare to lower the boat, Roger. Bosun, undo the lashing! Roger. Undo the lashing. Avarro, untie that rope perez, take a long painter as far forward as you can. Ramos, stand by the cradle stopper. Bosun, stand by the break lever! Standing by the break lever, sir. Remove the cradle stopper! Bridge, this is Chief Mate, standing by to lower the boat, sir. Roger. Lower the boat to the deck level. Lower the boat to the deck level, roger. Bosun, lower the boat to the deck level!

Muster Drill: a drill in which everybody participates Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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abandoning ship: crew leaving their ship in an emergency; taking to the life boats assemble: to gather, to come together lifeboat: boat used for evacuation or rescue life jacket: a floatable jacket worn to help prevent drowning on duty: working, not resting undo: to release or untie something lashing: tying with ropes, making fast long painter: a rope attached usu. to a boat’s bow and sometimes to the stern cradle stopper: device to stop the lowering of the lifeboat cradle break lever: a lever that releases or applies the break to allow the lifeboat to be lowered

110.

Fire-Fighting Drill

(Announcement) (“Muster Drill! Muster Drill! Muster Drill! Fire at the portside manifold! Man your stations for fire fighting!) C/off:

Bridge: C/off: Bridge: C/off:

Use the starboard side, which is the weather side, to get to your stations. Bosun, connect the hose there. Avarro, stand by the turret nozzle (To the Bridge, with a transceiver) The exact location of the fire is the No.2 line. Preparing to put out the fire. The Wiper working here has been burned; let’s get him on a stretcher and to the dispensary immediately! Roger. How bad are his injures? He’s badly burned but he’s still conscious. Roger. All right, everyone hold the hose firmly at your waists. Chief Officer, standing by the fire hose, sir. Bridge, standing, by the fire hose and turret nozzle. Get ready to put out the fire! Start the pump! Roger. Starting pump. OK, the pressure’s good enough. We’ll start extinguishing the fire, sir. Roger. Keep updating us on the situation down there. We should stay where we are for the time being because the fire’s very intense.

(Later) C/off:

Boy, that air-foam really works well for putting out fires. The fire is completely.

Bridge: C/off: Bridge: Bosun: C/off:

turret nozzle: a rotating structure holding a fire hose nozzle stretcher: a flat, simple bed-like structure for carrying sick or injured people injuries(injury): wounds, being hurt conscious: with sensory organs fully operating, fully aware of the things gong on Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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extinguishing: putting out a fire updating: give the latest information for the time being: for now, for the moment intense: very strong, severe air-foam: chemical extinguisher used to put out a fire by cutting off the oxygen supply

Chapter 13. Docking 111.

Meeting with the Shipyard – Deck Schedule

YD staff: Good morning, Chief Officer. Let’s start the meeting. C/off: Yes. Second Mate, Bosun, let’s get going. YD staff: As written in Schedule A, it takes six hours to dry her after shifting her to dry dock. Then we’ll give her a high-pressure wash and inspect her bottom. That will take until about 13:00 on the third day. C/off: Does that mean that we’ll be painting the hull from around day four? YD staff: Yes, I think so. We already agreed with your company’s superintendent that we would begin painting the hull on the fourth day. They’re going to supply a new kind of paint for us to use this time. C/off: Let me know when you finish sandblasting. The crew wants to see the bare hull before you start painting. YD staff: Yes, I’ll let you know. By the way, after going into dry dock, please siphon off as much of the ballast as possible from No. 2 and No. 4 Center Tanks. The bottom plugs that you see marked here will be removed, but the drying time depends on how much you can siphon off. C/off: I see. I’ll shut all the valves after discharging the ballast. YD staff: Yes, please do so. C/off: Do we have to do anything when you take out the anchor chains? YD staff: No, you don’t. we’ll take care of everything, and it should be easy since the hydraulic system will still be usable.

YD staff: Yard Deck staff (superintendent working at the deck yard) high-pressure wash: cleaning with a jet of pressurized water hull: ship’s body, shell superintendent: high-ranking officer to oversee the work sandblasting: cleaning the surface by blowing sand with compressed air Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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siphon: draw out a liquid using a siphon mechanism discharging: eliminating or removing something anchor chains: iron chains attached to an anchor hydraulic system: a system powered by a compressed liquid, e.g. oil, water, etc.

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Supervising a Job in the Shipyard

3/off: Excuse me, Chief. When will you do today’s scheduled inspection? YD staff: We’re waiting for the inspector’s instructions when he comes. 3/off: I see. By the way, I was told that they had finished welding the crane steps. But when I checked, I found that they didn’t do it properly. Will you tell them to finish the job the right way? YD staff: Let’s see … yes, you’re right. It has to be fixed. I’ll tell them to get on it right away. 3/off: Aside from that, there’s a lot of garbage that the dockhands left behind. Would you have them get rid of it as soon as possible? YD staff: Sure. Oh, they’ve just finished cleaning the No. 2 Center Tank. Would you give it a quick once-over? 3/off: Yeah, sure. Hey, Bosun, the No. 2 Center has just been cleaned. I’m going to check the inside of it, so will you have Ramos meet me there? Bosun: He’s in the forepeak with the Second Officer right now, so I’ll grab a portable light and go with you. (Inside the tank) 3/off: It seems to be clean. Let’s split up. I’ll check the starboard side. Bosun: Then I’ll check the port side. Keep an eye out for any discarded rags. 3/off: I’ve already found some. We have to check very carefully. Bosun: You are right. I found a thin wire right here.

inspection: a check, examination instruction(s): a set of information about how to do something weld(ing): applying extreme heat to join two metal pieces aside from … : in addition to, on top of that… dockhand(s): a worker working at a ship’s dock get rid of: to eliminate, discard, throw away a quick once-over: a quick check or inspection discarded rags: rags thrown away or left by someone Conversation On MerChant Vessels

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Meeting Before Proceeding to the Shipyard Well, finally, we’re going to dock. This time we’re supposed to have some kind of special survey, so we might be in for a surprise. Keep on your toes, everyone! People can get easily injured when there’s a mess on board, so be extra careful. Besides, now you have to look out for our crew and the dockworkers and the servicemen as well. We have to avoid any accidents. I’m nervous about docking because it’s my first time. But at the same time, I’m looking forward to it. When do we change the power source from the ship to the shore? We change it before pumping the water out of the dry dock. Why is it changed before pumping the water out of the dry dock? Because the diesel generator needs seawater as a coolant, and after dry-docking, there’s no more coolant. I see. We have to change the power source before the coolant runs out. That’s why we can’t use the main air compressor and why the shipyard supplies compressed air. Not only that, but during dry-dock, the shipyard also supplies cooling water for the provision refrigerator and for the unit cooler in the workshop. Chief Engineer, we’ll soon be about 15 miles from the shipyard. We should start reducing our speed. Shall we change the main engine’s fuel from heavy fuel oil to diesel? Yes, let’s do that. Remember, safety first! Let’s ge going!

be in for a surprise: may find oneself in an unexpected situation Keep on your toes: to stay alert and attentive servicemen: workers who do repairs looking forward to: wait for something with expectation; anticipate coolant: water or air used to cool down a machine, etc. air compressor: machine for compressing air to do work compressed air: air under pressure provision refrigerator: a cooling unit for preserving food reducing our speed: decreasing or lowering a ship’s speed

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Working in the Engine Room at Dry Dock Hi, Third Engineer, are you busy? No, not really. I just finished changing the delivery valve on the ejector pump. Thank you very much. Well, have you seen the Second Engineer? He’s at the auxiliary boiler. Thanks. Workers are removing the No. 2 Cylinder Piston right now. it’s a good chance to have a look at the procedure. Wow, I’m really surprised! I can’t believe that such big pistons move in one-second reciprocating strokes. All of the pistons and their covers will be moved to the workshop to be overhauled and inspected. I’d like to see that. I’m going to watch this afternoon. Why don’t you come with me? And remember to watch your feet and watch your head, too. Yes, I will. I just saw the big cylinder they removed. It was hanging from a hoist, and I almost walked under it. I was lucky that the Second Engineer warned me before I made a mistake. There are dangers everywhere when you’re in a shipyard. May I go into the empty cylinder to see the liner? Yes, but make sure to get permission from the guys working on it. OK, I will. It’s for safety and not getting in their way, right? That’s right. And make sure you don’t have anything in your pockets because if you drop something in there, you’ll be in big trouble. All right. I’ll be careful.

delivery valve: a discharge valve auxiliary boiler: an additional boiler reciprocating stroke(s): a back and forth movement be overhauled: to open up an enclosed unit to clean the inside or make repairs get permission from: obtain approval from an authority to do something

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Working in the Engine Room at Dry Dock Third Engineer, you haven’t seen the exhaust gas economizer being rinsed before, have you? Let’s go watch. Great! I want to see that. Why do we have to rinse the economizer? It’s to remove as much soot as possible. And it’s difficult to do because we have to finish the job as quickly as possible, even though the soot collection tank’s capacity is 30 tons. What’s soot collection tank? It’s the tank that stores the soot, and the dirty water that’s been used to clean the economizer. So you mean that we can clean it thoroughly because there’s no shortage of wastewater storage? Exactly. Moisture-laden soot causes corrosion, so it needs to be completely removed. Soot can also cause fires so a very thorough cleaning is essential, isn’t it? Right. In the event of a soot fire the economizer can be extensively damaged, so we have to always keep it relatively soot-free. So that’s why we always watch the exhaust gas temperature at the outlet to prevent and detect soot fires. Yes. Ensuring safe navigation and economical operation is part of our duty. Let’s go!

exhaust gas economizer: a device for using the heat of exhaust gases soot: fine carbon left after combustion which accumulates on exhaust surfaces soot collection tank: tank to hold soot for future disposal wastewater storage: tank to hold waste water until future disposal Moisture-laden soot: soot that is wet or full of water corrosion: rust or oxidation of metal soot fire: a fire in which the fine carbon particles of soot ignite, creating a very dangerous condition extensively: widely, very badly relatively: somewhat, comparatively exhaust gas: gases produced by combustion, which are then exhausted

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