Maritime Zones Explained: The Boundaries of Our Seas

The concept of maritime zones is a cornerstone of international maritime law, defined primarily by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). These zones determine the extent of a coastal state’s rights, responsibilities, and jurisdiction over the waters and resources adjacent to its shores. Background • Maritime zones were established to resolve disputes over navigation, resource ownership, and national security. • Boundaries are measured from a country’s baseline (usually the low-water mark along the coast). • The key zones include: • Internal Waters – full sovereignty like land territory. • Territorial Sea – up to 12 nautical miles. • Contiguous Zone – up to 24 nautical miles. • Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) – up to 200 nautical miles. • Continental Shelf – may extend beyond 200 nautical miles depending on natural features. Purpose • Internal Waters – treated like land territory, full state control. • Territorial Sea (12 nm) – authority over navigation, resources, and law enforcement. • Contiguous Zone (24 nm) – enforcement against smuggling, illegal entry, and security threats. • Exclusive Economic Zone (200 nm) – exclusive rights to explore and exploit resources (fish, oil, gas). • Continental Shelf – rights over seabed resources even beyond EEZ. Importance • Safeguards national security and territorial sovereignty. • Ensures sustainable use of marine resources (fisheries, oil, gas). • Provides control over shipping routes and trade lifelines. • Strengthens sovereignty in disputed waters (vital for nations like the Philippines). • Globally, reduces conflict, promotes order and cooperation, and protects the marine environment.

Parts of the Anchor System of a Ship

What is the Anchor System of a Ship? The anchor system is essential equipment that secures a ship in place at sea or in port. It consists of interconnected parts such as the anchor, chain, windlass, and locker, working together to prevent drifting, protect the vessel, and ensure safety during operations, emergencies, or harsh weather conditions. Parts of the Anchor System of a Ship 1. Anchor A heavy steel device that grips the seabed to hold the ship in position. It prevents drifting due to wind, waves, or current, ensuring stability and safety. 2. Chain Cable A strong, durable chain linking the anchor to the ship. Its weight and strength allow effective seabed penetration, withstand high tension, and resist corrosion in harsh marine conditions. 3. Windlass A powerful mechanical device used to heave up or let go the anchor chain. Operated hydraulically, electrically, or manually, it ensures safe, efficient anchoring operations and controlled chain movement. 4. Chain Stopper A securing device that locks the anchor chain when not in use. It relieves stress on the windlass, prevents chain slippage, and ensures safety during sailing or rough weather. 5. Anchor Lashing Strong securing arrangement that holds the anchor firmly in place while the ship is underway. It prevents unwanted movement caused by vibration, waves, or ship motion, protecting vessel structures. 6. Hawse Pipe A cylindrical pipe at the bow through which the anchor chain passes from deck to sea. It aligns and protects the chain, preventing friction damage and entanglement.

IMMERSION SUIT: Essential Survival Gear for Every Seafarer

An immersion suit also called a survival suit is a life-saving garment designed to keep seafarers protected in the event of abandoning ship, especially in cold waters. Made of insulated, waterproof material, it drastically slows body heat loss and increases chances of rescue. Purpose • Thermal Protection: Retains body heat to prevent hypothermia. • Buoyancy: Keeps the wearer afloat without the need to swim. • Visibility: High-visibility color and reflective tape help rescuers locate survivors quickly. • Survivability: Protects against wind, waves, and freezing temperatures while awaiting rescue.

WILLIAMSON TURN

The Williamson Turn is a maneuver used to reverse the course of a vessel and return along its original track. It is primarily applied during Man Overboard (MOB) situations, especially when the exact position of the casualty is uncertain or when visibility is poor, such as at night or in fog. Purpose: • To bring the ship back onto its previous course line, improving the chance of relocating the person who fell overboard. • Ensures the vessel returns to the point of incident efficiently and safely. • Helps maintain visual and navigational reference in low-visibility conditions. Procedure: 1. Apply full rudder toward the side where the person fell overboard. 2. Allow the vessel to deviate 60° from its original course. 3. Shift full rudder to the opposite side. 4. Continue the turn until the vessel is heading about 20° from the reciprocal (opposite) course. 5. Return rudder to midships. 6. Steady the vessel on the reciprocal course and proceed back along the original track to search for and recover the casualty.