Whales and marine animals are incredible creatures that roam the world’s oceans and communicate with complex and mysterious sounds. They are warm-blooded mammals that nurse their young and maintain a thick layer of fat called blubber to insulate them from the cold waters of the ocean.

The earliest whales arose around 40 million years ago, evolving from land ancestors that had hind legs and nostrils near their nose to fully aquatic whales with baleen mouths, flippers and a thick layer of fatty tissue on their bones and skin. Today’s whales are still incredibly similar to their ancient ancestors, with reduced hind limbs and an ear canal plugged by dense wax that acts as a barrier between the whale’s hearing organs and the surrounding water.

They have large snouts that help them swim and reproduce efficiently in a complex and nutrient-rich ecosystem, and a streamlined body shape that helps them push through the ocean’s dense water. They also have special bristle-like structures on their mouths (called baleen) that strain food out of the water and eat krill, small crustaceans and other plankton.

Their feeding strategy allows them to find a high-density patch of prey and eat it all in one sitting. This is important for keeping the animal’s weight down and maintaining the strength needed to withstand long, continuous migrations.

In addition to feeding, whales play a crucial role in the global ecosystem by helping to fertilize phytoplankton, which is a key source of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the ocean’s water. They release fecal plumes and urine as they migrate to and from their feeding areas and, along with sea currents and eddies, make the oxygen-rich nutrients found in their poo available to phytoplankton.

Whales also remove an enormous amount of organic carbon from the ocean ecosystem throughout their lifespan, becoming a major storage unit of that natural greenhouse gas. A blue whale, for example, can sequester 33 tons of CO2 during its long lifetime, making it the largest single storage unit of carbon on Earth.

They can also be very sensitive to noise and distraction, which can lead to stress, reduced sleep, and behavioural changes. Dolphins are particularly vulnerable, as they have a more limited range of activities and must depend on their mothers for nourishment and protection.

The impact of marine mammal watching is a matter of concern to scientists, regulators and industry operators alike. The International Whaling Commission, for instance, has developed a digital Whale Watching Handbook to ensure best practices are used worldwide during whale watching trips. This handbook outlines the many ways that whale and dolphin watching may negatively impact marine mammal populations, including:

Maritime Services manages all aspects of the Town’s waterways, including beaches, boardwalks, marinas, wharves and bulkheads. The department also provides law enforcement on bays and harbors, regulating private water craft, providing navigation markers, boat ramps, dinghy/kayak racks, and launching services.

Marine services are a vital part of the maritime industry and help to keep ships, boats, and other water craft operating safely and efficiently. They include vessel maintenance, dry docking, marine detailing, and more.

Vessels and ships have a wide range of needs, which are reflected in the types of marine services offered by businesses. These services can range from emergency repairs to full-scale overhauls.

A marine service company that is certified can offer you the assurance that they know what they are doing and that their work is of the highest quality possible. Certification is a measure of the skills and expertise that a company has gained in their field over time.

The WMO Marine Service Course was designed as a result of several decisions at the World Meteorological Congress-18 (2019). It is aimed at strengthening the capacity of Members to deliver this crucial marine service.

Maritime Service Management

A career in marine services requires a high level of technical knowledge and an understanding of the complex nature of marine transport. This includes a deep understanding of the physics and dynamics of shipping, as well as an ability to understand the impact of a vessel on its environment.

This is particularly true in the case of vessels that carry specialized cargo, such as oil and other heavy or toxic substances, which may require extensive research to ensure that they are handled in the most environmentally sound way possible.

Many mariners work for long periods at sea, often without shore leave, so they have to be able to adapt to the rigors of shipboard life. They are exposed to a variety of environments, from tropical tropics to the harsh Arctic Ocean.

They spend their days working alongside other mariners, who are usually strangers. They work long hours and are on call at all times. They must be able to handle a variety of challenges, including navigating by the stars, operating machinery, and dealing with emergencies such as engine failures or flooding.

Typically, mariners have degrees in engineering or marine studies. They may work for a commercial marine transportation firm or for an individual ship owner, such as a captain.

A mariner must be willing to put their health and safety first, as this type of job involves a significant risk of injury or death. To avoid accidents, mariners must have a strong sense of personal responsibility and be able to communicate clearly with others on the crew.

The skills and knowledge required to perform this role are diverse, but include the ability to identify, interpret, and apply complex nautical terminology. Depending on the nature of your employer, you might need to undergo training or obtain an apprenticeship in this field.

Whether you’re planning to sell your boat or simply want it to remain in working order, the right repairs can make all the difference. However, when it comes to making a repair on your boat, there are many factors you should consider. These include:

Personal Value

The first reason you might want to make a repair on your boat is to increase its value. A boat is an expensive piece of equipment, and the last thing you want is to spend money on repairs that will not add any value to your vessel. If you’re planning to sell your boat soon, you may also want to make sure that you don’t shave off too much of the value from your vessel by making too many repairs.

Another reason to make repairs is that they will help your boat perform better. For example, a broken propeller can have a dramatic effect on your engine’s performance. If you have a damaged propeller, you might be able to get more horsepower out of your boat by repairing it.

You’ll need a professional boat repair technician to fix it properly, though. A marine mechanic can evaluate your boat’s condition and advise you on how to fix it, as well as how much it will cost.

Your boat’s electrical system should be regularly inspected and maintained to prevent any problems from occurring. This includes checking the voltage on any electronic devices that use power, such as GPS systems and lights. If you notice that there isn’t enough power, it’s time to call a marine electrician.

No Power

You might think that the issue is simple, but if your boat suddenly doesn’t start or run when you turn the key, it’s probably an indicator that there’s a bigger problem. In this case, it’s a good idea to check for the source of the power problem by using a multimeter to determine whether there’s any voltage.

The multimeter is a must have for every boater, especially since basic units can be found for under $10. You can even purchase a light pen-type voltage tester to test your electronic devices, but these won’t be able to tell you exactly how much voltage is going to the device.

Steering Wheel Not Working

A common boat problem is a steering wheel that won’t work or turns in the wrong direction. If this occurs, it’s a sign that the steering mechanism needs to be repaired or replaced.

Often, this problem is caused by poor maintenance or an older model that’s not designed to hold up over time. A good boat repair technician can quickly identify the cause and replace the unit if necessary.

Propeller Replacement

A boat’s propeller is one of the most critical components on any vessel. It’s important to keep it in top shape by checking for wear and tear, replacing nicks or scratches and keeping it free of debris that can cause damage.

Other areas of your boat that need to be tended to are the fuel system and the water tank. Both of these systems need to be kept topped off with fuel and properly cleaned. You should also check the water separator and filter to ensure that they’re functioning properly.