Showing posts with label Marine English. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marine English. Show all posts

Wednesday, 8 February 2023

ChatGPT AI in the crewing process - a humble example

In Internet there are many examples of using ChatGPT for Python coding, data processing, math. The AI is known for its ingenuity as well as for its extraordinary "creativity". As any tool it has own realm of advantage, and scope of limitations. Nevertheless, it is a powerful tool closely mimicking human to human interaction backed up by a huge knowledge base. Why not to consider it for the crewing process?

Human beings are finite in their knowledge. They cannot know everything about their jobs, despite the job description's saying the opposite. Especially for those who gain experience in a new field.

One can agree that junior inexperienced ranks make rather many mistakes in their learning curves. This way they get mature. Although at a cost, which for a business process may be considered just a loss in the short term. A loss in efficiency and an 'installment' into a cumulative loss for the enterprise.

Productive use of an AI can be considered another way of clearing doubts, getting a 'third party' opinion.

Being a consultant, I see the use of the AI as if engaging an assistant who knows much. From the AI I need getting support, often in a form of a substantiated summary.

I would like to provide an example of how ChatGPT had already helped to clear confusion in the line of crewing process (hiring a seafarer) communication regarding sufficiency of a ship particulars data.

There was a product tanker position open for a professional with the previous ships' experience in so called "COP" pumps. Ambiguity arose in interpreting what type of the pump system is hidden under the abbreviation COP.

Client's executive, who did not understand the difference much, insisted on hiring the right experience. The receiving side, who got request for the COP profi, could not understand if the data was enough and sufficient. Doubt was expressed to the Client. Provided clarification stated that COP stands for the "centrifugal oil pumps" used on oil tankers, not a Framo or a Marflex system used on chem tanker vessels. Questions to the Client's clerk, whether the abbreviation actually stands for the "cargo oil pump turbine" (should had been described COPT), did not clear the situation.

Attempted googling brought to surface many references without giving any coherent answer: just loads of text and videos, which described different types of pumps used on tankers. 

Processing the technical information definitely was not the fastest way for a non-technical operator. Making a conclusion required a consultant confident in the field. Such a consultant could be also an AI. We tried it out, and in this question obtained sufficient 'consulting' support within just few minutes.

Below is my dialogue with ChatGPT clarifying the doubt about "COP":

Human: In the ship particulars it is said that the type of the Cargo pumps on a product oil tanker is "COP". How can we decipher the abbreviation? What is the type of the cargo pump?

AI: COP stands for "Centrifugal Oil Pump". It refers to a type of cargo pump commonly used on product oil tankers to transfer liquids such as crude oil or petroleum products. Centrifugal oil pumps use a rotating impeller to increase the velocity of the fluid, which is then converted into pressure by a volute casing to move the fluid through the pump.

Human: Then what is the driver for the COP: is it the steam turbine, Framo hydraulic system, Marflex electric system, any other?

AI: The driver for a Centrifugal Oil Pump (COP) can vary, and the specific type of driver depends on the ship and the pump system installed. Some common drivers for COPs on product oil tankers include:

  • Steam turbine: This is a type of driver that uses steam to power the pump. It is often used in older ships or in ships with steam turbine propulsion systems.
  • Framo hydraulic system: This is a hydraulic drive system specifically designed for use with cargo pumps on tankers. It utilizes hydraulic power to drive the pump, making it a reliable and efficient option.
  • Marflex electric system: This is an electric drive system that uses an electric motor to power the pump. It is a popular option on modern ships due to its reliability and ease of maintenance.

So the abbreviation COP does not determine the specific type of driver. The actual driver used would be specified elsewhere in the ship particulars.

The above explanation received from AI was enough to remove doubts and to convince the hesitents that "COP" was not a sufficient description in the requirements for the open position. One can see that AI returned to me the same phrases I used like "Steam turbine", "Framo hydraulic system", "Marflex electric system". The AI understood what I wanted from it and responded the correct way.

The dialogue became really an encouraging experience of using ChatGPT for our processes. Try it out.

Monday, 13 November 2017

Переклад сучасних морських термінів

Вперше я пишу в моєму блозі українською. Особисто для мене це маленька перемога.

Я зіткнувся із завданням перекладу декількох морських англійських термінів російською чи українською мовами. З російської це досить нескладно, тому що це одна з мов IMO. Українські еквіваленти іноді треба створювати.
 
Sustainable Shipping = Устойчивые морские перевозки [IMO] = Стійкі морські перевезення [Chepok]

Sustainable Maritime Transportation System = Устойчивая морская транспортная система [WWW] = Стійка морська транспортна система [Chepok]

Sustainability in shipping = Устойчивость морских перевозок [IMO] = Стійкість морських перевезень [Chepok]

Ship recycling = Рециркуляция судов [IMO] = Рециркуляція суден [Chepok]

The UNCTAD Liner Shipping Connectivity Index = Индекс обслуживания линейным судоходством ЮНКТАД [IMO] = Індекс ЮНКТАД по зв’язаності лінійними перевезеннями [Chepok]

... 

Sunday, 20 October 2013

Commercial Operations of Water Transport

Starting from September 2012 cadets and students of Odessa National Maritime Academy have been privileged to attend academical disciplines lectured in English.
I have also been involved in the process, though from the lecturers side, and launched Commercial Operations of Water Transport (COWT), i.e. the much updated version of Kommercheskaja Ekspluatacija Vodnogo Transporta (KEVT) in English.
COWT is a 108-hour course delivered to the 4th year cadets (students) of the Maritime Law Faculty. As COWT is a branch of Commercial Management it correlates with Maritime and Business Law, Shipbroking and Chartering, Maritime Insurance, Maritime Economics, Shipping Management and Logistics. The discipline studies and elaborates the interactions within the water transport, particularly those of the shipowners and the other actors in Shipping.

All the lectures are supported by the slide-shows. Here is an example of an abridged lecture:



In conclusion I would like to present the course outline:
Commercial aspects of shipping operations
World trade and shipping
Concept of parcel size distribution
Shipping as a transport system
Major sectors in shipping
International maritime passages and commerce
Port Agency services
Port charges and dues
Combined transportation
Foreign trade operations and contracts
Actors in the shipping business
International payment terms and settling practice
The international trade legal framework
International sales contract: structure and contents
Mercantile and shipping terms in international sales contracts
Incoterms
International freight market and its structure
Freight rate mechanism and indices
Chartering infrastructure and Brokage
Chartering routine
Broker-Customer relationship
Charter-party, Bill of Lading: role, types and functions
Carrier's liability as set in the international agreements
Contractual relations in Tramp Shipping
Contractual relations in Liner Shipping
Forms of competition in Liner Shipping
Contractual relations in combined shipping
Standard voyage charter-party forms
Common terms in the voyage charter in relation to ship
Common terms in the voyage charter in relation to cargo
Common terms in the voyage charter in relation to places of loading and delivery
Lay time, demurrage and despatch
Freight
Other terms and conditions in voyage charter-party
Lending and hiring ships on a time basis. Lessors and lessees
Time-Charter. Typical terms, clauses, standard forms
Bareboat-Charter. Typical terms, clauses, standard forms
Slot-Charter, Daily-Charter, Trip-Charter
Concept of insuring maritime risks
Insurance for shipowners and charterers
Insurance for cargo interests
Product and its quality in Shipping
Integrity and timely delivery of cargoes
Initial handling of cargo claims
Cargo care


Keep yourself refreshed!

A.O. Chepok
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Friday, 4 October 2013

О себе и об английском языке

Современный морской мир говорит на английском. Английский в море служит не только профессиональным языком, но и языком межнационального и делового общения.Учитывая глобальные тенденции, нас ожидает всё большее его господство.
Моряки знают, что кроме британского и американского английского существует также его "безнациональная" морская разновидность, официально базирующаяся на стандарте ИМО.

Увы, минимальный стандарт ИМО был разработан ещё в те времена, когда судоходство имело намного меньшую интенсивность. Основным предназначением морского стандартного словаря-разговорника было межнациональное общение судно-судно или судно-берег, а его знание обычно требовали от судоводителей и радиооператоров. Моряки других специальностей для работы в своих национальных экипажах в морском английском особенно не нуждались и успешно без него обходились.

Время прошло. Сегодня, благодаря глобализации и открытости международного рынка труда для моряков, английский язык понадобился именно для ежедневного общения на борту судна, с офисами компаний, с представителями организаций и органов власти. Объём информации на английском языке увеличился в порядки, и стандартным набором фраз уже не обойтись. Более того, ситуации, в которых происходит общение, носят теперь динамичный характер. Язык стал рабочим инструментом.

Владение морским английским стало необходимостью для всех, кто плавает в смешанных экипажах, в особенности это коснулось механиков - наших наиболее востребованных на сегодняшний день специалистов. 

Своим первым навыкам и первому большому интересу к английскому языку я обязан отцу и старшему брату. Всё начиналось со слушания адаптированной книги "Острова сокровищ" и попыток чтения газеты "Moscow News". Затем была средняя школа со школьным курсом английского, начавшимся в 4-м классе, год изучения которого почти ничего не дал. Как результат, последовало недовольство моей мамы, и так я попал в руки к одному из наиболее известных и уникальных учителей в Одессе - Геннадию (Генриху) Петровичу Покрывайло.

Проучившись у Покрывайло несколько лет, я понял, что хочу заниматься лингвистикой и иностранными языками профессионально. "Moscow News" было уже понятно и неинтересно: меня увлекало чтение "International Herald Tribune" и даже журнала "Time" :). Толчком в изучении языка послужила книга консолидированного издания трилогии "The Lord of the Rings" (J.R.R. Tolkien), которую взял у знакомого брат и принёс на почитать. Книга увлекла меня сюжетом и языком. Она была такая объемная, что до конца я так и не добрался до сих пор :). Но в тот момент я почувствовал вновь огромный интерес к англоязычному миру с его богатым переплетением культур.

Геннадий ПокрывайлоПоследовала подготовка к поступлению в ЛГУ. Однако судьба распорядилась иначе. Именно Геннадий Петрович отговаривает меня от безденежья советского филолога и советует применять английский язык как инструмент, а не профессию. И я принял этот совет от своего учителя.

С тех пор изучение языка никогда не прекращалось. После того как я начал плавать, я учил и практиковался в рейсах. Ещё курсантом давал уроки английского. Сдал TOEFL. Продолжал совершенствоваться в экипажах, где русского языка почти или вообще не было. Хотя правильного английского там не было тоже ...

Современный морской английский имеет много оттенков: индийский, греческий, филиппинский, китайский, арабский, шотландский, испанский, русский и т.д. Поэтому понять, что тебе говорят, уже означает 2/3 успеха. Но наша работа заставляет задействовать и оставшуюся треть, т.е. - умение сказать. Не без преувеличения, от владения языком зависят не только карьерный рост, но и само наличие хорошей работы.

Морской английский - это английский профессионалов. При этом предлагается не рафинированный школьный или даже институтский/университетский курс, по-обыкновению напичканный грамматикой, произношением артикля "зэ" или "вэ", телеграммами с пароходов "Комсомолец" и "Утопия", криками о помощи по радио: "Mayday, mayday!"

По моему убеждению, должный результат достижим только после увеличения словарного запаса ученика, для чего делается упор на чтение и восприятие на слух. Этот подход подходит в равной степени для людей разных возрастов и разных профессий. Пользуясь этой методикой изучения английского языка, я параллельно учил голландский и немецкий языки. (Последний получилось развить, а голландский без практики общения за несколько лет просто "утонул".)

При обучении важна ориентация на индивидуальные цели каждого, подготовка к встрече с реальными ситуациями, обучение живому профессиональному языку. В общем концепцию подхода можно сформулировать так: английский язык как инструмент достижения целей.

Таким образом, я учу и применяю английский язык уже 30 лет. Продолжаю этот бесконечный процесс совершенствования и пользуюсь своими навыками и опытом. Английский - это очень интересно!

А.О. Чепок
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Sunday, 24 October 2010

Common terms and abbreviations in the sales contracts

Abbrv. Term Modifier Explanation
B/L Bill of Lading
Document issued by a carrier, or its agent, to the shipper as a contract of carriage of goods. It is also a receipt for cargo accepted for transportation, and must be presented for taking delivery at the destination. Among other items of information, a B/L contains (1) consignor's and consignee's name, (2) names of the ports of departure and destination, (3) name of the vessel, (4) dates of departure and arrival, (5) itemized list of goods being transported with number of packages and kind of packaging, (6) marks and numbers on the packages, (7) weight and/or volume of the cargo, (8) freight rate and amount. It serves as a proof of ownership (title) of the cargo, and may be issued either in a negotiable or non-negotiable form. In negotiable form, it is commonly used in letter of credit transactions, and may be bought, sold, or traded; or used as security for borrowing money. A B/L is required in all claims for compensation for any damage, delay, or loss; and for the resolution of disputes regarding ownership of the cargo. The rights, responsibilities, and liabilities of the carrier and the shipper under a B/L (often printed on its back) are governed generally either by the older Hague rules, or by the more recent Hague-Visby rules.
AWB Airway Bill Type of bill of lading that serves as a (1) receipt of goods by an airline (carrier) and (2) as a contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier. It includes (a) conditions of carriage that define (among other terms and conditions) the carrier's limits of liability and claims procedures, (b) a description of the goods, and (c) applicable charges. The airline industry has adopted a standard format for AWB which is used throughout the world for both domestic and international traffic. Unlike a bill of lading, an AWB is a non-negotiable instrument, does not specify on which flight the shipment will be sent, or when it will reach its destination.

EXW EX Works (...named place of shipment) The seller (normally, the exporter) may be obliged to pay only for loading the goods to the transport delivered to the seller's premises (if particularly agreed). The buyer (normally, the importer) has yet to pay for (if not otherwise agreed) loading the goods to the transport delivered to the seller's premises, delivery of goods to the place of further shipping, export dues and taxes, pre-shipment inspection of the goods (if not otherwise arranged), loading costs, shipping costs, insurance, unloading costs, import dues and taxes, and transportation from the place of destination to the delivery place (normally, the importer's factory). All risks are passed from the seller to the buyer when the goods are delivered by the seller at the seller's premises. Applies to any mode of transport.
FAS Free Alongside Ship (...named port of shipment) The seller (normally, the exporter) pays for transportation of the goods to the port of shipment (port of loading), export dues and taxes. The buyer (normally, the importer) has yet to pay pre-shipment inspection of the goods (if not otherwise arranged), loading costs, shipping costs, insurance, unloading costs, import dues and taxes, and transportation from the port of destination to the delivery place (normally, the importer's factory). All risks are passed from the seller to the buyer when the goods are delivered alongside the named vessel at the loading place named by the buyer at the port of shipping (port of loading). Applies to water transport.
FCA Free Carrier (...named place of shipment) The seller (normally, the exporter) pays for transportation of the goods to the place of shipment (place of loading), export dues and taxes, plus loading costs (if not included into shipping costs). The buyer (normally, the importer) has yet to pay pre-shipment inspection of the goods (if not otherwise arranged), shipping costs, insurance (if required), unloading costs, import dues and taxes, and transportation from the place of destination to the delivery place (normally, the importer's factory). All risks are passed from the seller to the buyer when the goods are delivered to the first carrier at the place of shipment (place of loading). Applies to any mode of transport.
FOB Free On Board (...named port of shipment) Same as FCA: The seller (normally, the exporter) pays for transportation of the goods to the port of shipment (port of loading), export dues and taxes, plus loading costs (if not included into shipping costs). The buyer (normally, the importer) has yet to pay pre-shipment inspection of the goods (if not otherwise arranged), shipping costs, insurance, unloading costs, import dues and taxes, and transportation from the port of destination to the delivery place (normally, the importer's factory). All risks are passed from the seller to the buyer when the goods pass the ship's rail at the port of shipping (port of loading). Applies to water transport.
CPT Carriage Paid To (...named place of destination) The seller (normally, the exporter) pays for transportation of the goods to the destination, export dues and taxes, plus loading and checking-packing-marking costs. The buyer (normally, the importer) has yet to pay pre-shipment inspection of the goods (if not otherwise arranged), insurance (if required), unloading costs, import dues and taxes, transportation from the place of destination to the delivery place (normally, the importer's factory). All risks are passed from the seller to the buyer when the goods are delivered to the first carrier. Applies to any mode of transport.
CFR Cost and Freight (...named port of destination) Same as CPT: The seller (normally, the exporter) pays for transportation of the goods to the destination, export dues and taxes, plus loading and checking-packing-marking costs. The buyer (normally, the importer) has yet to pay pre-shipment inspection of the goods (if not otherwise arranged), insurance, unloading costs, import dues and taxes, transportation from the port of destination to the delivery place (normally, the importer's factory). All risks are passed from the seller to the buyer when the goods are delivered to the first carrier. Applies to water transport.
DAF Delivered At Frontier (...named port of destination) Similar to CPT: The seller (normally, the exporter) pays for transportation of the goods to the destination, export dues and taxes, plus loading and checking-packing-marking costs. The buyer (normally, the importer) has yet to pay pre-shipment inspection of the goods (if not otherwise arranged), insurance (if required), unloading costs, import dues and taxes, transportation from the place of destination at the frontier to the delivery place (normally, the importer's factory). All risks are passed from the seller to the buyer when the goods are delivered at the place of destination (place at the buyer's customs border). Applies to any mode of transport.
DES Delivered Ex Ship (...named port of destination) Similar to CFR: The seller (normally, the exporter) pays for transportation of the goods to the destination, export dues and taxes, insurance till port of destination, plus loading and checking-packing-marking costs. The buyer (normally, the importer) has yet to pay pre-shipment inspection of the goods (if not otherwise arranged), insurance not covered by seller, unloading costs, import dues and taxes, transportation from the port of destination to the delivery place (normally, the importer's factory). All risks are passed from the seller to the buyer when the goods are delivered at the port of destination (port of unloading). Applies to water transport.
DEQ Delivered Ex Quay (...named place of destination) The seller (normally, the exporter) pays for transportation of the goods to the destination, both export and import dues and taxes, insurance, plus loading, unloading and checking-packing-marking costs. The buyer (normally, the importer) has yet to pay pre-shipment inspection of the goods (if not otherwise arranged), transportation from the port of destination to the delivery place (normally, the importer's factory). All risks are passed from the seller to the buyer when the goods are delivered at the quay of the port of destination (port of unloading). Applies to water transport.
CIP Carriage and Insurance Paid Тo (...named place of destination) The seller (normally, the exporter) pays for transportation of the goods to the destination, export dues and taxes, plus loading, insurance and checking-packing-marking costs. The buyer (normally, the importer) has yet to pay pre-shipment inspection of the goods (if not otherwise arranged), unloading costs, import duties and taxes, transportation from the place of destination to the delivery place (normally, the importer's factory). All risks are passed from the seller to the buyer when the goods leave the means of transportation at the place of shipping (place of loading). Applies to any mode of transport. In case the carrier is the Liner also levying unloading charges, the seller bears the cost of unloading. In case the carrier is the Liner also levying unloading charges, the seller bears the cost of unloading.
CIF Cost, Insurance and Freight (...named port of destination) Same as CIP: The seller (normally, the exporter) pays for transportation of the goods to the destination, export dues and taxes, plus loading, insurance and checking-packing-marking costs. The buyer (normally, the importer) has yet to pay pre-shipment inspection of the goods (if not otherwise arranged), unloading costs, import dues and taxes, transportation from the port of destination to the delivery place (normally, the importer's factory). All risks are passed from the seller to the buyer when the goods pass the ship's rail at the port of shipping (port of loading). Applies to water transport.
DDU Delivered Duty Unpaid (...named place of destination) The seller (normally, the exporter) pays for transportation of the goods to the destination, export dues and taxes, insurance, plus loading, unloading and checking-packing-marking costs. The buyer (normally, the importer) has yet to pay pre-shipment inspection of the goods (if not otherwise arranged), import dues and taxes, transportation from the place of destination to the delivery place (normally, the importer's factory). All risks are passed from the seller to the buyer when the goods are delivered at the place of destination (place of unloading). Applies to any mode transport.
DDP Duty Paid (...named place of destination) The seller (normally, the exporter) pays for transportation of the goods to the destination, both export and import dues and taxes, insurance, plus loading, unloading and checking-packing-marking costs. The buyer (normally, the importer) has yet to pay pre-shipment inspection of the goods (if not otherwise arranged), transportation from the place of destination to the delivery place (normally, the importer's factory). All risks are passed from the seller to the buyer when the goods are delivered at the place of destination (place of unloading). Applies to any mode of transport.

FIOS Free in/out Stowed (… named port of shipment - … named port of destination) Consignees are in charge of loading onboard, stowing and discharging. Carrier is in charge of shipping, trimming.
FIOST Free in/out Stowed & Trimmed (… named port of shipment - … named port of destination) Consignees are in charge of loading onboard, stowing, trimming (bulk materials) and discharging. Carrier is in charge of shipping.
FIOSPT Free in / Free out, Stowed & Spout Trimmed (… named port of shipment - … named port of destination) Consignees are in charge of loading onboard, stowing, spout trimming (bulk materials) and discharging. Carrier is in charge of shipping.
FIFO Free in / Free out (… named port of shipment - … named port of destination) vide FIOS

FILO Free in / Liner out (… named port of shipment - ...named place of destination) Consignees are in charge of loading onboard. Liner is in charge of shipping, discharging and releasing to the Consignee at the named terminal.
LIFO Liner in / Free out (...named place of shipment - … named port of destination) Liner is in charge of receiving at its terminal, loading, shipping. Consignees are in charge of discharging.
LILO Liner in / Liner out (...named place of shipment - … named place of destination) Liner is in charge of receiving at its terminal, loading, shipping, and releasing to the Consignees at the Liners named terminal.
FICY Free in / Container yard (...named port of shipment - … named place of destination) Consignees are in charge loading onboard, Liner is in charge of shipping and releasing to the Consignees at a named container yard (often hinterland).
CYCY Container yard / Container yard (...named place of shipment - … named place of destination) Liner is in charge of receiving at a named container yard (often hinterland), loading, shipping, and releasing to the Consignees at another named container yard.
LI-Door Liner In / Liner to Door (...named place of shipment - … named place of destination) Liner is in charge of receiving at its terminal, loading, shipping, and delivering to the Consignees at their door (named place of destination)

AAR Against All Risks
Insured against all risks
FIFO First in - First out The basis of queuing the units at the terminal

BAF Bunker Adjustment Fee
Additional fee charged by the Liner for higher bunker costs
CAF Currency Adjustment Fee
Additional fee charged by the Liner for exchange rate fluctuations
B/L Fee Bill of Lading Fee
Additional fee charged by the Liner for issuing more than X originals of B/L


Wharfage Fee
Port duty charged to Liner for its use of wharves
Documentation Fee Duty for executing documents, etc.
ISPS Fee Additional fee charged by the Liner for the ISPS procedures in the ports

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