Grade 10 – Nautical Science

December 11, 2020

Nautical terms for shore facilities/construction

Dry dock (graving dock). This is an excavation faced with solid masonry which is connected with a harbour, river or basin. The entrance is closed with a sliding caisson, a floating caisson or dock gates. Water is admitted through special valves until the level of the water in the dock […]
December 11, 2020

Ship’s construction – materials

Water-borne vessels are constructed of various materials, ie steel, aluminium, wood, glass reinforced plastics (GRP). Steel is used for large vessels. Aluminium is used for very small craft and for on-board structures, ie minor bulkheads, deck houses, guardrail and awning stanchions, non-watertight doors and furniture. Wood is used for pleasure […]
December 11, 2020

Hull construction

Hull plating. The outer surfaces of the hull is built of steel plates that are welded together and to the main internal structural members of the hull. The plates are welded end to end to form a panel of plating which runs forward and aft and is known as a […]
December 11, 2020

Ship’s organisation – command and control

There are considerable differences between the organisation of naval and merchant ships and yet there are also basic similarities. In this module we will be looking at the merchant navy structure. The master of a ship is usually referred to as the captain which is usually the rank of the […]
December 11, 2020

Deck department

The deck department comprises all the navigating officers and seaman ratings carried onboard. Their duties and responsibilities are as follows: Navigating officers. They are responsible for the “driving” of the vessel. By this is meant: The safe navigation of the vessel. Managing the day to day running of the vessel. […]