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Thome Group News

Vessel Familiarization Program

By Jackie Lan Li, Management Trainee

Seven days is definitely not enough time to explore every aspect of life onboard ship,

however, I appreciated the chance to sail with the Champion Ebony from Hong Kong to

Sandakan in Malaysia.

Before I embarked on my week-long adventure, I boosted my after spending some time with our friendly officers onboard, I
basic vessel operation knowledge by undertaking several Seagull managed to understand how cargo heating systems work; how the
CBT modules. Those modules were informative and helpful and FRAMO pump system works as well as how the main engine and

gave me a brief idea on the different aspects of vessel operation – boilers work.
so at least I knew what to expect when I was onboard. I also went Champion Ebony is equipped with the SMSCrew mail system

through a medical examination to ensure I was fit for the journey. and the Horizonsat system. Crew members can obtain their
According to Thome’s HSSEQ system, all seafarers must take a SMSCrew account and user name from the Captain free of charge

medical examination and be proved to be fit before he or she can and use it to communicate with shore via e-mails or messages.
join the vessel. For a supernumerary, there is no exception.
Horizonsat connects the vessel to the shore wherever she goes by

Champion Ebony is owned by one of Thome’s oldest partners, using satellite. Crew members can connect to the satellite network
Champion Tankers AS. She is a Norwegian flagged oil tanker wirelessly by purchasing an account and top-up card: credit on the

engaged mostly in edible oil trades worldwide. For the leg from card is deducted based on the data usage. Once the client port is
Hong Kong to Sandakan, I managed to experience many different installed on crews’ laptops, the crew can use the same account for e-

activities as followed:
mails and phone calls. The Champion Ebony was recently installed
with free internet onboard.
■ Annual survey by Lloyd’s Register

■ Pilotage
When the vessel is sailing in the open sea, everyone has their
■ Onboard safety security tour and familiarization own responsibility and everyone plays an essential part in running

■ Stowage planning
the vessel. There is something of a family atmosphere onboard too.
■ Tank cleaning
This onboard experience was invaluable to me, as it is to the

■ Watch duties
crew members onboard, in getting a better idea of the rationale
■ Chart correction
behind certain requirements we have in our HSSEQ system. As a
■ Drills
key concept in Thome Human Element, dual-direction

■ Mooring
communication is essential in minimizing possible human errors.
■ Ballast tank sounding
I am very grateful to Capt. Arnold Quino, C/E Ciufudean

■ Potable water onboard testing
Bogdan, C/E Sugiana I Nyoman and the rest of the crew onboard
Besides working alongside colleagues in the deck department, I Champion Ebony for their hospitality and kind guidance when I was

also spent time with the engineering department in the Engine onboard. Because of all of you, I had an enjoyable and at the same
Room. I learned a lot about the various bits of machinery onboard. It time, meaningful seven-days onboard. Last but not least, I would

was amazing how helpful practical experience was in acquiring new like to wish all of you a safe and smooth 2014.
knowledge. As someone with a very limited technical background,
Stay happy and healthy!

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Issue 36: March 2014