Ship's Equipment

the technical equipment required for a vessel’s operation, particularly equipment required to maneuver, anchor, or moor the ship or handle cargo. Ship’s equipment includes the steering mechanism, cargo-handling gear, anchor machinery, mooring equipment, and rescue equipment. It also includes hatch closures and closures for side openings, such as those used for receiving freight and passengers. Such closures seal off the ship’s interior and protect it from water damage or other exposure. Trawling equipment and the ramps used to transport cargo onto the vessel from the dock are further examples of ship’s equipment.

Specifications for the equipment most important to the safety of the ship, crew, and passengers are prescribed by classification societies, which also perform operational inspections of the ship’s equipment.