How Ship Systems Work

Radar
Radar is one of the most important discoveries ever made for the development of navigational aids, providing a picture of all solid objects in a range selected by the navigator, which is from a half-mile (800 meters) to a 72-mile (116-km) radius. Its greatest asset is as an aid to collision avoidance with other ships, although it is of value in finding a position at a distance when navigational marks or charted coastlines are within its range.

Engine Telegraph
These automatic signaling devices are used to communicate orders between the bridge and the engine room. There may be three, one on the bridge and one on each bridgewing.

Bow Thruster
This small two-way handle is used to control the bow thrusters, powerful engines in the bow that push the ship away from the dockside without tugs. Some new ships may also have thrusters positioned at the stern.

Rudder Angle Indicator
This device is normally positioned in front of, and above, the quartermaster. It provides both the commanding officer and the quartermaster with a constant readout of the degrees of rudder angle, either to port (left) or ­starboard (right).

VHF Radio
This is a radio receiver and transmitter, operating on VHF (Very High Frequency) with a “line-of-sight” range. It is used for communicating with other ships, pilots, port authorities,
and so on.

Radio Direction Finder
This operates on radio waves, enabling its operator to take bearings of shore radio ­stations. By crossing two or more ­bearings, you find the ship’s position.

Depth Indicator
This equipment (which is an echo-sounder) provides a ship with a constant digital monitor readout, together with a printed chart.

Course Recorder
This records and prints all courses followed by the ship at all times.

Clearview Screen
This device makes simple but effective use of centrifugal force, where instead of an automobile-type windshield wiper, a ship has circular screens that rotate at high speed to clear rain or sea spray away, providing those on the bridge with the best possible view in even the worst weather.

Engine Speed Indicators
These provide a reading of the number of revolutions per minute being generated by the engines. Each engine has a ­separate indicator, giving the speed in forward or reverse.

Facsimile Recorder
This special radio device is designed to receive meteoro­logical and oceanographic maps, satellite pictures, and other ­pertinent weather information transmitted by maritime ­broadcast stations throughout the world.

See menu (at left) for more valuable info from the Berlitz Guide available on Seasite.com.

		Berlitz 2010 Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships

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Berlitz Ocean Cruising & Cruise Ships 2009 by Douglas Ward © Apa Publications 2008-2009 www.berlitzpublishing.com

Berlitz Trademarak Reg.US Patent Office and other countries. MarcaRegistrada. Property of Berlitz Investment corporation and used under license by Apa Publications GmbH & Co. Verlag KG, Singapore Branch