Learn More About Essential Marine Equipments: Before Plan or Navigate a Voyage at Sea

You cannot plan a voyage without marine equipment as it is the foundation on which water transportation rests. If you are associated with marine transportation, then you might be knowing that it possess the maximum amount of risk than any other form of transportation. Hence the selection of proper marine pieces of equipment determines the safety of your journey to a great extent. The advancement of technology has given birth to various equipment for helping the navigation officer. Moreover, it automates the process of navigating through the sea.

You can collect more accurate data within a lesser span of time. So, continue with this article to know the important Marine Equipment, so that you can facilitate a hassle-free and secure journey. We have explained in this article the essential marine equipment that can prevent the loss of lives and property of many.

Look Below to Know Some Essential Marine Equipment:

Have a look at the navigational equipment that must be available in any merchant ship for ensuring the safety and protection of the people on a voyage.

Anchors

These metal devices are used to hold back the ship in its place against heavy winds or oceanic current. It thereby prevents the ship from getting away with the water current or storms. Modern anchors come with metal flukes to hook on to rocks. Moreover, it prevents from going deeper into the bottom of the sea. The requirement of anchors differs from smaller vessels to larger ships.

Barometer

A barometer is a scientific instrument to measure the air pressure and forecast the short-term changes in weather. There can be water-based and mercury barometers that work with two different principles. Some barometers are available in the market for measuring the air pressure. A low air pressure indicates rough weather that is harsh for the mariners. Whereas, the high pressure predicts good weather. Hence, the Mariners check the air pressure before navigating at sea. As a result, they prevent harmful damages to cargo, other mariners, and the ship itself.

Radar

Radar helps to measure how far is the ship from the land and other floating objects at the sea. Furthermore, the Radar helps to monitor the traffic within its range at the port. Therefore, you can take its help to prevent accidents, when you are navigating in a high-density area. It is the user-friendly equipment that can work with less power and electricity.

Magnetic Compass

It is the fourth vital marine equipment in the list of marine transportation. Magnetic compass uses the magnetic field of the earth to provide the direction in which your ship shall move. It determines the true north and is generally expressed in directions on maps. It is a highly reliable instrument which is best operated at moderate altitudes but might show misleading results when your ship comes closer to the earth’s magnetic poles. It is due to the reason that the difference between the geographical and magnetic North increases.

Auto Pilot

It is a combination of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems to control the ship’s steering system remotely. It removes human intervention for controlling the vessel on a predetermined course. Hence, you can navigate your ship in the absence of a crew as well. This automated system increases the speed of the ship and reduces its fuel consumption. Remember it does not replace the human operator but assist him to a great extent. The only limitation is that it is not useful for large alterations or in restricted water.

Echo Sounder

Echo sounder transmits sound waves to measure the depth of water from the bottom of the ship. It is extremely beneficial to determine the location of icebergs nearby. Nowadays, single-beam echo sounders have come in the market with enhanced features. It can even determine if an animal is present deep in the sea. In addition, it is relatively cheaper and requires a lesser investment for installation. With this useful marine equipment, you can obtain large quantities of data and real-time results with the highest accuracy.

GPS Receiver

It refers to the Global Positioning System receiver that determines the exact location of the ship. It uses a global positioning satellite in the earth's orbit to indicate latitudes, longitudes, and altitudes of the earth. Apart from this, portable GPS receivers are equipped with a single antenna for determining directions at a walking pace as well.

Navigational Lights

Navigational light is another name for the night light that is extremely useful for moving your ship in the dark. It is equally important to an echo sounder and GPS receiver. You cannot avoid this equipment at all because sudden cloudy weather might require the help of navigational lights.

Voyage Plan

Voyage plan is a complete view of the previous voyage plans so that you can plan the future voyages easily. It provides information about the amount of fuel consumption, cost of selecting a specific route, anticipated traffic, weather conditions and more. Hence, you can easily plan your voyage only after calculating the amount of risk involved in it. With the help of the Voyage plan, you can also take some precautionary measures required to avoid the hazards associated with the upcoming voyage.

If you consider each of the marine equipment we have discussed in this article, then you won’t have to worry about a voyage at sea. Also, it will ensure that your voyage is going to be a successful one.