Conversational theme № 44

I. Read, translate and learn the text:

Merchant ship search and rescue manual

The purpose of this Manual is to provide guidance for those who during emergencies at sea may require assistance from others or who may be able to render such assistance themselves. In particular, it is designated to aid the master of any vessel who might be called upon to conduct search and rescue operations at sea for persons in distress.

In general, distress incident fall into two main categories:

1. coastal - in which some or all of the following may be available to assist: ships, aircraft, helicopters and shorebased lifesaving facilities;

2. ocean - in which ships and long range aircraft may be available although, in the more remote ocean areas, only ships may be available.

It is known that the basis for this Manual is the international conventions which set out responsibilities for assistance at sea. It is accepted as the normal practice of seamen, indeed there is an obligation upon masters, that they render every assistance within their power in cases where a person or persons are in distress at sea. These obligations are set out in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at sea.

Position-reporting is an instrument for search and rescue. Therefore, masters are encouraged to make full use of position-reporting arrangements and facilities wherever they exist.

Certain governments vest responsibility on designated land-based authorities to exercise general coordination and to supervise, as appropriate, the conduct of search and rescue operations. This task is usually carried out by units established for coordinating search and rescue in designated areas. The units are usually referred to as rescue coordination centres (RCC) or rescue subcentres (RSC) and the areas as search and rescue regions (SRR).

II. NOTES:

designate предназначать

obligation - обязательство

appropriate - надлежащим образом

RCC (rescue coordination centre) - СКЦ (спасательный координационный центр)

III. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

1. What does the abbreviation MERSAR stand for?

2. What types of incidents do you know?

3. Who has obligations of search and rescue?

4. What is an instrument for search and rescue?

5. What units are responsible for search and rescue?

Conversational theme № 45

I. Read, translate and learn the text:

Great britain - the great marine power

Definition of Great Britain as the great marine power is connected first of all with conquering of enormous territories.

Owing to this factor Great Britain had to create the fleet sufficient to safeguard their interests. For instance, East Indian trading company had been established in 1600 as a result of colonization. All this became possible due to great persons, naval commanders and military operations.

Naval activity of Horatio Nelson contributed considerably to the growth of marine power of Great Britain.

Francis Drake, English seafarer famous pirate took active part in the expedition with the aim to capture vessels of Spain with slaves or treasures on board. He was the second after Magellan who undertook round the world voyage in 1580. It was he who in fact took the command in 1588 during the battle with invincible naval Spain fleet.

James Cook promoted to the strength of the Empire as the surveyor and manager of the round the world expeditions arranged by the British admiralty mainly for conquering of new lands.

Despite the failure of the British colonial system in 1947 Great Britain still remains the great maritime power since it occupies central part in the British Commonwealth of Nations.

Moreover London is the headquarters of the International Maritime Organization and International Marine Satellite organization.

The basic marine institutions such as: the Register, insurance clubs had been laid in London.

What concerns international Maritime Law as far as we know British law­makers had made considerable contribution to the maritime legislation system.

II. NOTES:

enormous – огромный

sufficient – достаточный

slaves – рабы

treasures – сокровища

invincible – непобедимый

to promote – способствовать

British Commonwealth of Nations – Британское Содружество Наций

III. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

1. Why did Great Britain have to create the fleet?

2. What is the role of Great Britain?

3. Who was Francis Drake?

4. Where is the head quarters of the International Maritime organization situated?

5. Why does Great Britain remain the great maritime power?