News & Views
Welcome to the Tyne Area Shipping Club Website. The site is regularly updated so please get into the habit of checking it frequently for club news.
Have you some interesting news that you would like to share? please send it to me together with any supporting photographs.
(contact me via the contact page)
JKA
Quiz Corner Click here..
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-Local Weather-
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The scale model of 'San George' on Roker Park Lake
SD14 Visits Sunderland
Arranged by Sunderland Maritime Heritage, The Wirral Model Boat Club from Liverpool will be making a return visit to the Roker Park boating lake on Sunday the 12 th May from 10-00am to 15-00pm. They will be running the 1/32” scale 14 foot model of the SD14 “San George” along with the scaled model tug boats. This model was launched by John Lingwood in 2008 who worked on the original design at Austin and Pickersgills in 1981.
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National Maritime News
24/05/1943
In May 2013 the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic (BOA 70) will be commemorated with a series of events in the cities of Liverpool, London, Derry-Londonderry. The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest continuous military campaign in World War II, at its height from mid-1940 through to the end of 1943. The BOA demonstrated the enduring importance of control of the sea to provide a highway for the transport of raw materials, munitions, and men, to maintain the nation’s security and to project power across the globe.
"Never for one moment could we forget that everything happening elsewhere, on land, at sea, or in the air, depended ultimately on its outcome, and amid all other cares we viewed its changing fortunes day by day with hope or apprehension"
Winston Churchill
For BOA70 information click here..
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News Articles - From around the Area
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Restored Seaham Lifeboat finally Launched
George Elmy Seaham Lifeboat Restoration Update.
For those unaware of the story, on the afternoon of 17th Nov 1962 the weather in the North Sea off the Northumberland & Durham Coast and Seaham Harbour in particular was absolutely filthy, so bad that 10 miles north at Bartrams Shipyard where I was based most workers had been sent home in the driving rain, wind, and gloom.
I remember hearing of the news as it filtered through to Sunderland
At approximately 4.00 pm the lifeboat George Elmy was called out to an inshore fisherman in trouble. All the crew of the fishing boat were successfully transferred to the lifeboat but whilst making her way back to the harbour the lifeboat capsized and every one of the lifeboat crew and all but one of the fishermen were lost.
The lifeboat ended up washed up on a nearby beach.
What happened to the wreck from that date onwards I don't know but a few years ago she resurfaced in Southern Ireland I think, and although she was in a bad way she was bought by a local Trust and brought back eventually to the boatyard of Fred Crowell in South Shields on the river Tyne, a location famous for the invention of the concept of a self righting lifeboat and for the formation of a locally funded voluntary lifeboat service in the 1790s which was 30 or 40 years before the national organisation was formed.
Over the last two years or so Fred Crowell and his boatbuilder colleagues have painstakingly researched and restored the George Elmy, where possible finding a source and using or having to recast the wonderful brass fittings and other detail on the boat.
The original target date for completion was the 50th anniversary of the tragedy four months ago but unfortunately that was too optimistic.
Over the restoration and rebuilding Fred has posted a string of very informative progress reports available on the internet for public consumption, (fred and george u tube) but yesterday she was finally completed and put in the water for engine trials on the Tyne before some time shortly making her way to Seaham Harbour to become a major attraction for the town, a tribute to those who lost their lives, and a fitting tribute to Fred and his life's work.
No doubt the progress reports will continue to be posted on the internet until she is on show at Seaham, but in the mean time I took a few pictures which I thought some of you might like to see.
Enjoy!
Robert Hunter
(TASC Member)
The launching of George Elmy after restoration
Friday 15th March 2013
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Port of Tyne achieves highest cargo volumes in decades
(1st March 2013 - Port Technology International)
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Cargo throughput jumps 22% to 6.5 million tonnes
The Port has today announced its highest cargo volumes in over 20 years for 2012.
Continued investment throughout the year led to the handling of 6.5 million tonnes at the UK port, up 22 percent on levels recorded in 2011, and the highest volumes reported at the port since 1989.
Last year, the port invested around £5 million in the deepening of berths and the dredging of the river channel to bring capacity to the levels required to handle Panamax -sized vessels.
“The port is now able to accommodate 83 percent of the world's largest cargo ships and 95 percent of cruise ships, which means we can do even more to support business in the North East region,” commented Port of Tyne chief executive officer, Andrew Moffat.
“The volumes of cargo handled by the Port and the scale of the ships now coming in are an indication of a vibrant and sustainable port, which is our overall aim.”
Coal volumes at the port also rose to their highest levels in recent times to 3.7 million tonnes, while the number of cars handled by the port’s three designated auto terminals equaled last year’s record of 667,000 units. Passengers passing through Tyne’s International Passenger Terminal also increased to 598,000 as a result of the significant increase in incoming cruise vessels which almost doubled from 20 to 36 ships.
The Port of Tyne, which contributes an estimated £500 million to the economy each year, is now the UK’s fourth largest coal importing port, the largest UK car handling port and the leading handler of wood pellet in Europe.
February 2013
Newcastle University
The Marine Technology Special Collection
British Ships and the Shipbuilding Industry
A Unique Historical Resource
This is truly a fabulous collection of unique technical documents from the British shipbuilding and related industries. It spans the mid-19th century to 2000 with an emphasis on the north east of England and includes the less well documented industries of marine engine building, shiprepairing and shipbreaking.
Opening hours:
Usually Tuesdays and Thursdays 11.00 - 1500 and at other times by appointment. Please make contact to check that it will be open on the date and time of your proposed visit.
Contact Information:
The Special Collection is housed in the Armstrong Building on Newcastle University's central campus
The Marine Technology Special Collection
School of Marine Science and Technology, Newcastle University
Room 3.32 Armstrong Building, Queen Victoria Road,
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU
Visit www.ncl.ac.uk/marine/research/specialcollection
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Ribbon cut on Marine School's multi-million pound improvement programme
South Tyneside College 8th February 2013
A multi-million pound improvement programme will see the next generation of seafarers instructed on the latest state-of-the-art equipment, which includes a stunning full-mission bridge simulator.
The breath-taking centre, South Shields Marine School - at South Tyneside College’s Westoe campus, South Shields – has been years in the planning and will train all ranks of maritime personnel, from cadets to officers, chief engineers to chief ETOs, masters and pilots.
It has undergone an extensive transformation including £3m on upgrading facilities throughout the marine school, £1.5m on a simulator allowing students to ‘virtually’ sail any ship into any port in the world and operate most types of complex marine plants, £0.5m on halls for marine students and £2m on general upgrades that benefit all college students -including a learning resource centre, classrooms, workshops, learning zones and a refectory.
To herald the new dawn, Captain Ian McNaught, a foremost authority on UK shipping, cut the ribbon today (Friday, February 8th 2013) in front of delighted staff, shipping company representatives and other VIP guests.
Captain McNaught, the Deputy Master of Trinity House, which is the General Lighthouse Authority for England and Wales was welcomed to the college by Chair of Governors, Les Watson who gave a short introduction before the cutting took place.
Captain McNaught congratulated the college on acting on its vision of the future needs of the maritime industry.
The former commander of the QE2 said: “I am delighted to be here to officially open the South Shields Marine School. The outstanding facilities unveiled here today will ensure the college remains at the forefront of maritime education provision.”
Lindsey Whiterod, South Tyneside College’s Principal and Chief Executive, said the revamp and launch had been essential to ensure the marine school - founded in its original form in 1861 – remained a world leader
She said: “I am so very proud of the enhanced facilities here at South Shields Marine School and all that it represents in terms of the college’s future ambition.
“For more than 150 years the college has served the needs of shipping operators who want their staff to be trained to the highest possible standards.
“That is as true today as it always has been, and we remain one of the most prestigious, highly-rated and sought after training centres in the world - our reputation precedes us.
“This upgrade was necessary to ensure that we continue in that influential role.
“Generations of seafarers have been taught here and South Tyneside College is known throughout the world for the tremendous maritime expertise of South Shields Marine School. These improvements, along with our dedicated and talented maritime team, mean we can continue to rival the very best facilities that exist anywhere in the world.”
The full-mission bridge projection system, which includes Kongsberg K-Line type consoles, complemented by new full-mission engine room consoles, which include touch screen control and Kongsberg Big-View software, is at the core of the new facilities.
It gives an incredibly realistic view and portrayal of what it is like to be on a vessel’s bridge or engine room in various simulated situations.
College maritime experts say this and other improvements totalling £4.5 million fulfil the requirement of all the major shipping companies who spend thousands of pounds on every cadet they send for training as well as using the college to train more experienced seafarers to pass extra or promotion qualifications.
As such the marine school is recognised as one of the major educational centres for higher professional qualifications for deck, engineering and the new ETO qualifications training over 1,500 officers per year.
The school boasts a new 8-bridge Kongsberg desktop bridge simulation suite, integrated to VTS, and a digital CCTV recording and playback system operating throughout which will allow staff to monitor the non-technical skills of students. The latest VTS Kongsberg C Scope operator software in VTS Simulation has also been installed.
A key part of the overhaul is the installation of multiple cameras and microphones on to bridges as part of the marine school’s response to growing demands for training which addresses human actions and behaviours through Human Element Leadership and Management (HELM).
It is designed to reduce accidents and improve crew performance by studying skills such as team working, leadership, situational awareness, decision making and communication ie. what is said and implied through body language and gestures.
Thirty cameras and eight microphones have been installed in bridges and engine spaces to record what is said and by whom throughout each exercise. The results are utilised by an instructor on advanced recording and playback software.
The college’s G Block, close to Grosvenor Road, will be open to the public tomorrow, between 10am and 3pm (Saturday, February 9), for a Shipping Industry open day where anyone interested in a maritime career can see the facilities and speak to lecturers and shipping company representatives.
Those participating will be Clyde Marine Training, Jo Tankers, Pritchard Gordon Tankers, Bibby, Carnival Cruises, RFA, Princess Cruises, Shell, Ship Safe Training Group, Maersk, Sergo, Viking Recruitment, Chiltern Maritime and Anglo Eastern.
The simulation facilities can be seen in F Block, with L Block’s lecture hall hosting MNTB Careers at Sea DVD.
The college is further investing in a new climbing tower at its Marine Safety Training Centre - based by the river Tyne in South Shields with its partner Safety Technology - which will allow working at height to those aiming to work in the offshore wind market.
It will add to the centre’s existing facilities which include an environmental pool used for survival training, an eight-seat helicopter escape module, and offshore platform transfer simulator.
The centre, one of the foremost safety training facilities in the UK, is used by hundreds of organisations around the world. Courses utilise extensive and unique facilities in offshore safety training and include Europe’s first offshore wind transfer simulator.
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A dip into the past.. 
Advertisement in the 1915 Ainsley's Nautical Almanac and Tide Tables
Published by TL Ainsley
Mill Dam South Shields - price 1 shilling (five pence)
The course for Extra Master was Three Guineas (£3.15)
The course for Extra First Class Engineer Four Guineas (£4.20)
South Tyneside College - formerly The South Shields Marine & Technical College
(..before that - The Marine School of South Shields)
and now back to The Marine School of South Shields..
The college recently celebrated it's 150th anniversary. It was quite unique in its day being one of the first institutions to provide education for seafarers in order that they could better deal with the rigours of the sea; providing them with training in navigation and engineering to help prevent tragedy and loss of life that was so prevalent at the time the school opened in 1861. It is a brilliant achievement that, in 2012 the college offers some of the most modern and comprehensive marine simulation technology in the world. The college combines a unique blend of traditional experience and forward vision.
It is the largest UK centre for marine education, with a full range of courses in the three major disciplines
Deck :: Marine Engineering :: Marine Communications and Control
On Friday 20th May, members of the Tyne Area Shipping Club were guests of the Marine Simulation Department. We received a most comprehensive introduction to the world of high-end technology the art of simulation and their use of in-house mathematical -3D modelling techniques.
With many of us being ex deck and engineering officers, it was a most wonderful experience to see at first hand just how far the shipping industry has advanced technologically in just a few short years. We should like to thank John, Paul and Chris and other members of staff, for making the visit such a memorable one. We thank them also for information and photographs that will allow me to show you something of what we learnt and saw during our visit.
J.K.A. 
Ship Simulation The Marine Simulation Department boasts a total of thirteen simulated bridges in three locations. Five Kongsberg-Norcontrol (KMSS) Polaris-type bridges are housed at the Marine Simulation Centre. There is also a full mission engine simulator that is capable of being connected to a full mission bridge simulator for combined deck and engine room courses. This Centre also acts as the administrative base for the Department
Main Bridge
The Port Operations Unit contains a further four KMSS bridges, as well as, a comprehensive VTMIS simulator. The Radar Station is home to a four bridge Transas Simulator as well as six 'live' ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aid) systems and a Navigation Aids Laboratory.
Marine Simulation Centre
Bridges
There are five simulated navigational bridges capable of being used together or individually. All bridges have a visual display with high quality day/night photo- textured scenes. One bridge has a 135º projected horizontal field of view on either side of the bow and can be used facing astern for supply vessel operations.
Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
The Vessel Traffic Service simulator system consists of three shore based control stations with data input from radar scanner locations within the exercise area. The control stations use the same Norcontrol IT 'VOC5060' software that is used by actual VTS installations. There can be full interaction with any combination of the five simulation bridges plus any additional targets under the instructor's control. Digital audio communications are used, capable of full recording and synchronisation within the exercise scenario - for debrief purposes.
Cargo Handling Simulation
This workstation based system consists of up to eleven student workstations capable of performing the complete cargo handling operations of a real ship's cargo plant. There are ship models representing oil tankers (VLCC & Product), a chemical tanker and liquid gas (semi-pressure & Moss-type) carriers.
Full Mission Engine Room Simulator
This simulator is a generic reproduction of the control and engine room of a VLCC powered by a MAN B&W slow speed diesel engine. The control room contains consoles which house main engine controls, plant alarm, generator control, pump and compressor controls and oil fired boiler control panels.
The realism is further enhanced by an engine room located on two levels, with full sound and environmental conditions.
Engine Workstation Simulator
The individual workstation units are provided with various machinery models.
* Slow speed engine (MAN B&W 5LMC90)
* Combustion engineering boiler (CE V2 M9) and Stal steam turbine, powering VLCC
* Twin medium speed engine (Pielstick 10 PC 4.2) powering a ferry/general cargo vessel
* Diesel electric system, (Cegelec Synchro-converter) - powering a large passenger vessel
* Gas Turbine System (G.E. LM2500)
Engine Control station
Research & Development
The in-house research and development team, which includes Marine and IT professionals, can provide a range of customer specific 3D visual geographical
database areas as well as realistic ship models. These models are then used to deliver training scenarios or are integral to feasibility studies.
3D Modelling workstation
Model of Caledonian McBrayne ferry m.v.Bute
Port Operations Unit Port operations provide cutting edge training facilities. A single simulator system is based in twinned buildings; one location housing four KMSS ‘Desktop' bridges, the other is fitted with a fully integrated VTMIS suite. This unique development has been created specifically to service the full range of IALA approved VTS courses available at South Tyneside College.
Vessel Traffic Services (VTMIS)
The simulator system consists of three VTS Operator control stations and a VTS Supervisor station using the same Norcontrol IT VOC5060 software that is used by actual Norcontrol VTMIS installations. There are also five 'scenario stations', which provide the communication interaction to which VTS operators will need to respond. Each of these nine operators and up to two Instructors can observe a birds-eye-view of the VTS area of responsibility; they each also have access to a shipping movements database (Norcontrol IT VDB6070).
Radar Station
The Radar Station is to be found on the South Shields Foreshore, overlooking the mouth of the Tyne and houses six live radar systems, a Navigation Aids Laboratory and a Transas, PC-based, four bridge simulator
Radar Station
ARPA Radar
Marine Consultancy The Marine Simulation Department can provide a professional service to the marine industry; this can be provided by staff within the Department based on their practical experience and their academic ability. The simulation facilities can also be used to provide operational evidence and demonstration.
Provision includes:
* Safety Consultancy including Risk Analysis, Safety Assessment,
* Bridge Team Management Audits
* Port Operation Feasibility Studies
* Shore Based (VTS) Consultancy
MCA Approval
The Department is committed to maintaining the highest standards of training excellence. As evidence of this level of competence the Marine Simulation
Department has obtained MCA approval across its range of courses.
Quality
All courses operate under the quality control of ISO 9000:2000 with the Department having the flexibility to provide statutory courses or create courses to suit special or individual requirements
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To check out the college visit.. www.stc.ac.uk
Quiz Corner
For Fun only! - see if you can identify these South Shields Weather vanes Click here..
To check your answers click here..
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Ships and Things Trivia Quiz
1. What name oil tanker ran aground off the coast of Britany in 1978?
2. What was the name of Henry VIII's flagship that sank in 1545?
3. Which cross-channel car ferry capsized in 1987, after leaving Zeebrugge harbour?
4. Which destroyer was badly holed after hitting rocks off Lord Howe Island Australia?
5. The ferry Estonia sank in 1994 with the loss of 912 people, in which sea?
6. Where in Alaska in 1989, did the oil tanker Exxon Valdez strike Bligh Reef?
7. Which ship was involved in the collision with the Marchioness on the Thames?
8. Where in the English Channel did the Tory Canyon run aground at full speed in 1967 resulting in the spillage of 120,000 tons of crude oil?
9. What was the name of the Russian Submarine that sank with all 118 hands in the Barents Sea in August 2000?
10. How many crossings of the Atlantic had the Titanic completed before she struck an iceberg and sank?
11. Where is most of the Earth's fresh water located? Is it in Lakes, Streams, Clouds or Polar ice caps?
12. Whilst at sea boats occasionally encounter 'growlers', what exactly are growlers?
13. The deepest part of any ocean in the world is an area of the Pacific Ocean with a depth of 36,161 ft., what name is given to this area?
14. In dry desert climates rivers may not flow for many years on end, after a storm they may flow for only a few days or even hours, By what name is this type of river known?
15. What is the world's fifth largest ocean?
16. An iceberg, probably the biggest on record has recently broken off from Antarctica's Ross Ice Shelf, what is the area it covers, was it approximately 1,000 - 2,000 - 3,000, or 4,000 square miles.
17. The river Nile was prone to severe seasonal flooding until which dam was built in 1971?
18. The Amazon and it's tributaries contain what proportion of the worlds river water, is it 1/5, 1/4. 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 3/4?
19. H20 is the chemical formula for water, what is D20 more commonly known as?
20. Why did 60 small ships set out to cross the English Channel in June 2000?
21. What were the three ships on Columbus' first voyage?
22. What do you call the name of the line on ships that indicates the maximum loading permitted?
23. What do you call the flamelike electrical discharge that sometimes occurs above ships' masts or about aircraft in stormy weather?
24. 17th century Buccaneers used the West Indies for hideouts. Which country's ships were the targets of the buccaneers?
25. Which country claims the largest number of registered ships?
For the answers CLICK HERE
...Thanks to Pauls Quiz
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