Bridge & GMDSS Radio Equipment. Overview and Troubleshooting Guide

Modern ships rely on Bridge navigation electronics and the GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) to ensure safe navigation and emergency communication anywhere in the world. Failure of this equipment can stop a vessel from sailing, cause Port State Control detention, or create real safety risks.

This article explains the main bridge, GMDSS equipment and provides practical troubleshooting methods used onboard.

How to Choose a Fluke Insulation Tester for Marine Work

Choosing a Fluke insulation tester (megohmmeter or megger) for marine work is not just about price — it’s about test voltage, diagnostic capability, reliability, and safety in harsh environments. Below is the article with real-world models and prices in USD.

How to Choose a Fluke Insulation Tester for Marine Work

Working on a ship means dealing with high humidity and salt exposure, critical electrical systems (generators, motors, switchboards), strict safety standards. That’s why your insulation tester must be reliable, accurate, and powerful enough for marine systems.

What Is a Loop Calibrator? How to Choose the Right One

A loop calibrator is one of the most essential tools in industrial instrumentation. Whether you work with PLCs, sensors, or process control systems, you will eventually deal with the standard 4–20 mA signal—and that’s exactly where this device becomes indispensable.

What Is a Loop Calibrator

A loop calibrator is a device used to measure, generate, and simulate 4–20 mA current signals, which are widely used in industrial automation.

In practical terms, it allows you to:

• test sensors (pressure, temperature, level),
• simulate signals during commissioning,
• calibrate PLC or controller inputs,
• troubleshoot signal loops.

The 4–20 mA standard is popular because it is resistant to noise and works reliably over long distances. A loop calibrator acts as a reference tool for verifying that everything in the loop is working correctly.

What is EGR and SCR on a ship? Troubleshooting and Fault Finding

Modern marine diesel engines operate under strict environmental regulations established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), particularly Tier II and Tier III NOx limits. To comply with these standards, ship engines are equipped with exhaust gas emission control systems.

The two main technologies used onboard are:

• EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
• SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction)

Both systems are designed to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx), but they work in fundamentally different ways.

As an example, the article considers the MITSUI-MAN B&W 6S50ME-C9.5-EGRBP main engine with an EGR system and auxiliary Daihatsu 6DE-18 Tier III 630kW engines with an SCR system.

MAN ME Electronic Main Engine. Troubleshooting

Greetings! In this article, I introduce the MAN ME electronic main engine, the general concept of MAN ME engines, and examine its individual components — FIVA, ELVA, ELFI, Alfa Lubricator, and Tacho Pickup — as key systems for troubleshooting. As an example, the article examines the MITSUI-MAN B&W 6S50ME-C9.5-EGRBP main engine with an EGR system.

Modern two-stroke, low-speed engines from the ME series by MAN Energy Solutions are fully electronically controlled engines. Unlike mechanical systems, fuel injection, exhaust valves, and cylinder lubrication are controlled by electronic control units via hydraulic actuators.

This article summarizes key information on the main engine systems and troubleshooting algorithms.

Techcross BWTS Troubleshooting. Complete Operating Logic and TRO Troubleshooting Guide

Greetings! In this article, we'll discuss the Techcross BWTS (ECS) ballast system, its operating logic, and troubleshooting instructions from the Korean manufacturer.

The Electro-Cleen System (ECS) by Techcross is an electrochlorination-type Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS). It disinfects ballast water during uptake by generating sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) from seawater and neutralizes residual oxidants during discharge to comply with IMO D-2 regulations.

Discussion and troubleshooting Salwico Consilium Fire alarm system

This post is specifically designed to discuss the Salwico Consilium Fire Alarm System. If you have any problems with this system, please leave a comment below, and I'll try to help. For more information on the system, I recommend reading the article: "Salwico Consilium Fire Alarm System. Troubleshooting".

Comments in that article are closed because there were so many of them, and that's why this separate article was created.

Here is a summary of the article “Fire alarm system Salwico Consilium. Troubleshooting”.

Fire Alarm System Salwico Consilium – Troubleshooting Experience

The article presents practical field troubleshooting on a 10+ year old Salwico Consilium fire alarm system, focusing on how to systematically diagnose faults in chargers, batteries, loop wiring, SCIs, addressable devices, and loop modules.

What Fluke multimeter models are available and which is best for use onboard a ship?

When it comes to electrical testing equipment, Fluke is a name trusted by engineers and technicians worldwide. Known for their durability, accuracy, and safety features, Fluke multimeters are widely used in industrial, commercial, and marine environments. This article provides an overview of the most relevant Fluke multimeter models and guidance on selecting the best one for shipboard use.

In this article, we will look at what Fluke multimeter models are on the market and what is best for marine use.

Tips on how to get cadetship on board the ship as Marine Engineering Student (Engineers & Electricians)

Getting a cadetship on board the ship as a marine engineering student is a critical step toward becoming a licensed engineer officer. Here are some practical and effective tips to help you secure one:

1. Target the Right Companies

Focus your search on companies that offer structured cadetship programs:

• International shipping companies (e.g., Maersk, NYK, MOL, Wilhelmsen, Anglo-Eastern, Bernhard Schulte).
• Crewing agencies that manage cadet placements.
• Localregional shipping companies (especially if you’re in a maritime nation like the Philippines, India, Indonesia, etc.).

Tip: Visit the official websites of these companies and check their “Careers” or “Cadet Programs” section. You will find a list of such companies below in the article.

Which Maritime Professions Will Be Replaced by Artificial Intelligence in the Next 20–50 Years? Will the Electro-Technical Officer Still Be Needed?

Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and robotics are rapidly transforming the maritime industry. What once sounded like science fiction — fully autonomous ships without crews — is now a reality in testing, particularly in countries like Norway and Japan. This raises an important question: which shipboard professions are at risk of becoming obsolete in the next few decades? And will there still be a place for the electro-technical officer (ETO) on future vessels?

Maritime Professions at Risk of Disappearing

1. Helmsman and Navigational Watch Officers

AI-powered navigation systems can already chart optimal routes, avoid collisions, and even dock with impressive precision. In the coming decades, the need for human intervention in navigation may be drastically reduced, especially for routine voyages or coastal operations.