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Maritime Manual Maritime Manual is a portal of information about seagoing and nautical topics. Prevalent since the e

New Post: Maritime Manual Listed In Top 50 Shipping Blogs
12/05/2024

New Post: Maritime Manual Listed In Top 50 Shipping Blogs

FeedSpot honored Maritime Manual by including it in the Top 50 Shipping Blogs list. Maritime Manual thanks our readers for their continued support and wishes!

New Post: Utopia Guide Long Island
11/05/2024

New Post: Utopia Guide Long Island

Utopia Guide Long Island: Utopia is a planned luxury residential ocean liner project. Long Island Cruise: These are some famous cruises...

New Post: ISPS Code: History, Objectives, Levels, and Requirements of ISPS Code
11/05/2024

New Post: ISPS Code: History, Objectives, Levels, and Requirements of ISPS Code

ISPS Code or the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code is a framework that provides ships and port facilities with guidelines to function...

Skeg Guards: Are They Actually Worth It? Almost every boat owner has heard of a Skeg guard and has participated in at l...
24/01/2024

Skeg Guards: Are They Actually Worth It? Almost every boat owner has heard of a Skeg guard and has participated in at least one debate on whether they are actually a good investment. Skeg guards are usually metal, plastic, or fabric covers that are designed to protect the skeg of your boat from damage and general wear and tear.

In this article, we will explore whether skeg guards are actually worth your time, the benefits of installing a skeg guard, along with the drawbacks.
What is a Skeg Guard?
A skeg guard is considered an extremely important piece of equipment for most ships. This is because the skeg guard protects the skeg (skeg refers to the part of the ship that connects the keel with the bottom of the rudder post) of the ship from external damage.

The skeg plays an important function in the boat as it stabilizes and changes the direction of the ship. Usually, a skeg guard is a plastic or metal cover that is fitted on the skeg with screws and bolts in order to prevent damage from debris in the water. It also reduces the risk of barnacle formation on the skeg.
Why is Skeg Guard Used?
The skeg plays a vital role in the boat as it protects the propeller and rudder of the ship from underwater obstruction, makes the boat directionally stable, and helps control the direction of the boat. Damage caused to the skeg from underwater debris (https://buff.ly/4bancnW) leads to a reduction in directional stability, ineffective steering, and excessive vibration (https://buff.ly/3tVUsie) of the engine. Skeg guards can effectively protect the skeg from such damage and in some cases even protect the skeg from water damage.
Benefits of Skeg Guards
There are several benefits of skeg guards. These are:

- Protects from damage- Skegs play an extremely important role in the navigation (https://buff.ly/3Odkg04) and stability of a boat (https://buff.ly/495MNfW). Therefore, any harm caused to the skeg can adversely affect our ability to properly steer the ship in the right direction. A good skeg guard will effectively protect the skeg of your boat from rocks and other river debris.
- Improves tracking and stability- Protection provided by the skeg guards improves the boat’s overall performance and tracking as the skeg guards deflect harmful debris from the ship. By covering your boat’s keel and skeg with a skeg guard, you are creating a barrier between the water and the boat which makes the boat more stable, especially in rough weather conditions.
- Reduces drag and enhances the boat’s performance- The barrier provided by the skeg guard between the boat and the water reduces the drag on a board by breaking the surface tension of the water. This enhancement in the performance of the boat helps the boat move easily through the water, thereby increasing the average speed of the boat and saving fuel.
- Saves money on expensive repairs- A well-installed Skeg will save you a pretty penny on expensive repairs, especially while your boat is operating at heavy speeds frequently.

Drawbacks of Using Skeg Guards
While the drawbacks of using skeg guards are outweighed by the advantages significantly, we will still take a look at them. First of all, a good skeg guard can be expensive and they are typically a waste of money if you are not taking your boat in shallow waters frequently.

Next, installation of skeg guards is usually complicated, and poor installation can cause more damage to the boat than prevent damage. It is also important to know that skeg guards, especially the metal ones, add weight to the boat. Damage to an aluminum skeg can be heavy on your pockets and the skeg guard’s inability to protect the propeller of the boat will only add to the cost.
Are Skeg Guards for your Boats?
It is only human to wonder whether a skeg guard is actually worth it for your boat, especially if you have no prior experience with boats. The answer is pretty simple- ‘It all depends on your boat and how you use it.’

The people you hear who swear by using skeg guards are almost always using their boats in a water body with shallow water, rocks, and stumps. In this case, a skeg guard is absolutely necessary because it will certainly protect your skeg and propeller from damage. However, if you use your boat for recreational purposes in waters with not a lot of obstacles, then installing a skeg guard is not worth it.
Types of Skeg Guards
There are usually three common types of skeg guards. These are the skeg guards made from rubber or plastic, metal, and fabric. The rubber or plastic skeg guards are commonly used because they are inexpensive and easier to install than the metal and fabric skeg guards. However, the plastic skeg guards and fabric skeg guards do not protect the skeg from debris like rocks and other sharp objects, as convenie…

A skeg guard is considered an extremely important piece of equipment for most ships. This is because the skeg guard protects the skeg...

The Need for Resilient Infrastructure in Port and Harbor Engineering Ports and harbors have been crucial features of so...
23/01/2024

The Need for Resilient Infrastructure in Port and Harbor Engineering Ports and harbors have been crucial features of society for centuries, and modern economic demands have only emphasized their importance.

In recent years, ports have faced adversity from a pandemic, supply chain disruptions and other devastating events. These situations have underscored the need for resilient infrastructure in port and harbor engineering.

What needs to happen to improve ports and harbors for future generations? Here’s a guide for enhancing this critical maritime infrastructure.
Why Do Ports and Harbors Need Resilient Infrastructure?
Recent global events have pushed ports and harbors to their limits. Maintaining economic prosperity is essential in all corners of the globe, so here are five reasons port and harbor engineering needs resilient infrastructure in the 21st century.
Climate Change
Climate change is the most pressing issue for ports (https://buff.ly/3u0oAcd) and harbors, as its effects have been more visible in the last decade. These trade points are vulnerable to climate change as sea levels rise, causing delays and compromised infrastructure. Sea levels have steadily risen since 1880, with experts projecting an average change of 8-9 inches (https://buff.ly/48YQQdS) in the last 144 years. Scientists say sea levels will continue to rise this century, emphasizing the need for resilient infrastructure.

Another side effect of climate change that harms ports and harbors is coastal erosion. This phenomenon leads to receding landmass and shallower waters, making docking and navigation more challenging for ships. Additionally, ports must allocate more time and money to ensure adequate water depth, thus stretching budgets thin in challenging economic conditions.
Natural Disasters
Climate change also brings about more powerful and more frequent natural disasters. Hurricanes and cyclones are the chief concerns for ports and harbors worldwide, as these storms sometimes carry powerful winds, flood risks and tornadoes. These natural disasters threaten ships, cargo, cranes and other essential equipment by compromising structural integrity.

Ports and harbor engineering must improve infrastructure to prepare for the harsh reality of future hurricanes. Scientists say climate change has created stronger storms due to warmer water (https://buff.ly/3tVQPJ8), producing more energy in each storm system. The maritime industry should focus on ports and harbors in the Atlantic Ocean, as this body of water stands out with intense storms.

Preparing infrastructure for natural disasters should be a priority for smaller nations that rely on ports and harbors for a significant portion of their economy. Hurricanes can devastate these countries and force them to take years to recover. For instance, Hurricane Elsa caused $1 billion in damage (https://buff.ly/3St2Sad) to the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Barbados and other Caribbean nations. Storm damage limits or suspends their ability to trade valuable resources with partners.
Declining Infrastructure
The need for resilient infrastructure grows because many of the world’s ports and harbors will be unable to withstand the present and future climate issues. Some aging ports have not seen significant upgrades in decades, making them vulnerable to the weather and compromising the safety of employees and operations. Older infrastructure is also less capable of meeting demand because they’re less efficient and more susceptible to backlogs.

Declining infrastructure has become a significant issue, and international leaders have pledged funds to improve their ports. For instance, the head of Fiji’s Maritime Safety Authority says the nation plans to improve 47 ports (https://www.fijivillage.com/news/Aging-port-infrastructures-around-the-country-need-a-major-upgrade---MSAF-x5f84r/) and will start with the busiest facilities, such as Natovi and Nabouwalu.

The U.S. has also allocated resources to improvement projects, with the Department of Transportation (DOT) announcing $653 million (https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/biden-harris-administration-invests-more-653-million-ports-strengthen-american-supply) to modernize 41 ports nationwide. With these upgrades, maritime infrastructure will be more efficient and have higher capacities to meet supply chain demands.
Emissions Concerns
While climate and weather events are significant factors, the boats and ports contribute to modern infrastructure issues. One problem ships produce is emissions, considering the carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) from vessels and the various equipment used in transportation.

Maritime emissions declined temporarily…

Ports and harbors have been crucial features of society for centuries, and modern economic demands have only emphasized their importance.

New Post: How Does the Corrosion Process Affect Ships?
05/01/2024

New Post: How Does the Corrosion Process Affect Ships?

Corrosion causes ship parts to deteriorate over time, compromising the boat’s integrity and leaving occupants vulnerable to accidents....

How Does the Corrosion Process Affect Ships? Boats constantly interact with water, making them susceptible to damage at...
05/01/2024

How Does the Corrosion Process Affect Ships? Boats constantly interact with water, making them susceptible to damage at sea. While ship operators have numerous duties, watching for and preventing corrosion is high on the list.

Corrosion causes ship parts to deteriorate over time, compromising the boat’s integrity and leaving occupants vulnerable to accidents. Longevity and efficiency are crucial for ships, considering today’s economic demands. How can crews keep their vessels in tip-top shape?

First, understanding how the corrosion process affects ships is essential. Then, crews must be able to identify the types of corrosion and prevent it for the boat’s long-term health.

How Does the Corrosion Process Affect Ships?

Corrosion occurs when metals deteriorate, whether from the air or ocean water. The primary culprit of this decay is oxygen. A ship’s metals begin to corrode when going through oxidation, when metals lose electrons to the oxygen (https://buff.ly/3S53OBc) coming from seawater, thus forming an oxide with the metal.

Corrosion is a common issue for ships, leading to weakened structural integrity and equipment failure. An older study from “Transport and Aerospace Engineering” says 90% of ship failures (https://buff.ly/47sRWxs) derive from corrosion, making it a priority for crews worldwide.

The corrosion process affects ships in numerous ways, starting with the boat’s metal parts. For instance, it wears the hulls (https://buff.ly/47w3BvG) and makes them weaker over time. Metal decomposition creates cracks and thins the hulls, meaning they’re less capable of withstanding waves and the weight of heavy cargo. Additionally, ocean storms can become a nuisance and cause ship corrosion.

While the corrosion process causes equipment failure, its effects are visible before the breakdown. Metal decomposition leads to increased drag and decreased fuel efficiency. Corrosion causes the hull’s composition to change and become coarse, making moving more difficult for the ship and requiring more fuel usage. Maritime transportation accounts for about 3% of greenhouse gas emissions (https://buff.ly/48xjgf0) worldwide, so upkeeping ships for efficiency is critical.

Another critical impact of corrosion comes through tanks. A ship’s tanks hold fuel, ballast water and other vital materials, but metal decomposition makes them susceptible to failure. Corrosion weakens the tank walls and increases the risk of leaks and sinking. Ship crews should also be aware of materials inside the containers causing metal decay, such as gasoline. Petroleum items accelerate wear because of their chemical reactions, thus causing corrosion.

What Types of Corrosion Affect Ships?

While corrosion is a silent killer of ships, understanding the different types is essential. Ships have numerous points vulnerable to water damage, so here are three types of corrosion crews should watch for.

Galvanic

One of the most common types of corrosion that crews see is galvanic corrosion. This decomposition occurs when multiple metals react after contacting saltwater, partly due to their instability.

Galvanic corrosion most often occurs with grounded metals on ships, considering how conductive saltwater can be. Additionally, the metals typically have different electric potentials depending on their electrons.

Galvanic corrosion can occur in numerous places on the ship, so crews must be vigilant of this decay. For example, a vessel could have an aluminum hull with steel parts throughout, such as a propeller.

Aluminum and steel have differing electric potentials, with aluminum being an anode and steel being a cathode. Galvanic corrosion weakens the aluminum hull in places where the metals intersect.

Crevice

Crevice corrosion is another decomposition affecting stainless steel. Crews will likely find this decay in narrow spaces on the ship, such as gaskets, overlapping plates, fishing lines and other areas. Stainless steel is more susceptible to crevice corrosion in spots with exposure to moisture but minimal oxygen. It may also occur where water has entered but cannot escape, such as the scuppers and hawse pipes.

Like galvanic corrosion, crevice corrosion is a silent killer because it’s difficult to spot. Plates are an excellent place to start because of their narrow spaces, with idle seawater causing corrosion inside crevices.

Another place crews should check is the bolts around the ship. While bolt heads don’t allow much room, there is just enough space for moisture to enter and decompose the metal.

Pitting

Pitting corrosion is a type of decay similar to crevice corrosion. With pitting, ships…

Corrosion causes ship parts to deteriorate over time, compromising the boat’s integrity and leaving occupants vulnerable to accidents....

Types Of Boats
04/01/2024

Types Of Boats

Types Of Boats: Boats are used every day for various different things, be it catching fish in personal or commercial fishing boats, enjoying...

Who Is A Cargo Engineer?
04/01/2024

Who Is A Cargo Engineer?

Cargo Engineer is in-charge of operation & maintenance of all deck and cargo related machinery while liaising with the Chief Officer during loading, discharging

6 MINDBLOWING Facts About Waterspouts At Sea
04/01/2024

6 MINDBLOWING Facts About Waterspouts At Sea

Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water or move from land to water. These tornadoes look similar to a land tornado. Appearing as a funnel-shaped cloud,

What Is A Mooring Buoy?
03/01/2024

What Is A Mooring Buoy?

A mooring buoy is a floating structure that is used to moor vessels either cruise ships, fishing boats, cargo ships, private ships, or even seaplanes...

What Are Underwater Welding Schools?
03/01/2024

What Are Underwater Welding Schools?

Underwater welding schools train and teach the candidates to become a proficient underwater welder. A qualification from a good underwater welding school will..

Major ports in Spain
03/01/2024

Major ports in Spain

Ports in Spain are well managed, maintained and are constantly working on improving the facilities at the ports with the latest technology. Major ports in Spain

What is a Bow of a Boat? Types of Bow Designs
03/01/2024

What is a Bow of a Boat? Types of Bow Designs

Ships come in a variety of bow designs. The bow is that part of the ship that comes in contact with the water first and can be designed to control...

8 Types Of Gangways – Ultimate Guide
03/01/2024

8 Types Of Gangways – Ultimate Guide

A Gangway is a passage that is used to make a way between the dock and the ship. It is a ladder or ramp type of thing which helps in giving easy access to the

Who Is A Shipping Agent?
02/01/2024

Who Is A Shipping Agent?

A shipping agent is a person who is responsible for handling the shipments and cargo, keep up with the interests of clients and represent ships owners.

What Is A Shuttle Tanker?
02/01/2024

What Is A Shuttle Tanker?

A shuttle tanker is a particular type of ship that specializes in the transportation of oil from offshore oil fields to onshore refineries.

15 Interesting Facts About The Straits of Gibraltar
02/01/2024

15 Interesting Facts About The Straits of Gibraltar

Facts About The Straits of Gibraltar: It is one of the world's busiest shipping routes and as such has been of great geopolitical importance.

Ocean Engineering vs. Naval Architecture
02/01/2024

Ocean Engineering vs. Naval Architecture

Ocean Engineering vs. Naval Architecture: Both are highly sought after qualifications in the maritime industry. They share a lot of commonalities but still...

What Are Bulk Carriers?
02/01/2024

What Are Bulk Carriers?

Bulk carriers are the kinds of ships that are used to transport bulk cargoes over large distances. They are also called bulk freighters or bulkers.

Best Anti-Seizure Compounds Used in Ships
01/01/2024

Best Anti-Seizure Compounds Used in Ships

Anti-seizure compounds prevent seizure of metals parts in ships and vessels due to marine growth, corrosion, and caustic environment on hulls...

17 Endangered Ocean Species and Marine Animals
01/01/2024

17 Endangered Ocean Species and Marine Animals

Speaking of endangered ocean species, the earth is now in the midst of its sixth mass extinction of plants and animals — the sixth wave of extinctions.

Is Career In Underwater Photography Lucrative?
01/01/2024

Is Career In Underwater Photography Lucrative?

Underwater photography is one of the most fascinating career options. If you have a passion for both photography and the ocean then this is a field that is

Top Websites For Merchant Navy Jobs
01/01/2024

Top Websites For Merchant Navy Jobs

Maritime jobs are now even easier to find with these top websites for Merchant Navy jobs. This list of over 40 websites will surely have your dream marine job!

What is a Ship Porthole Window?
01/01/2024

What is a Ship Porthole Window?

Porthole windows are small, often circular or oval-shaped windows found on ships and boats. These windows are designed to serve specific...

Who Is A Subsea Engineer?
31/12/2023

Who Is A Subsea Engineer?

A Subsea Engineer is primarily responsible for the design and installation of equipment and structures below the surface of the sea to extract crude oil & gas.

13 Astounding Facts About The Black Sea
31/12/2023

13 Astounding Facts About The Black Sea

The Black Sea is one of the most popular water bodies in the world. One gets to know about it in school days from his or hers geography textbook and the

What is a Bill of Lading (B/L or BoL) in Shipping?
31/12/2023

What is a Bill of Lading (B/L or BoL) in Shipping?

A Bill of Lading (B/L or BoL) acknowledges that the carrier (or the agent) has received the goods (cargo or shipment). Though the British term refers...

What Is An Ocean Biome?
31/12/2023

What Is An Ocean Biome?

An ocean biome is the largest biotic unit on earth and is present in the ocean covering more than 70% of the earth. The Ocean biome or the marine biome includes

Food Provision On Merchant Ships
31/12/2023

Food Provision On Merchant Ships

The food provision on merchant ships can be self-purchased or supplied through the procurement group of the company. The method of food provision to the...

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