The ALEXANDER von HUMBOLDT II

Main Engine Specs:

• Volvo Penta D16 751hp
• Meets latest (2011) emission standards for ecological use
• Fully computerized engine controls and maintenance routines
• Full set of engine gauges and displays are read on a computer screen in the Bridge

The Watermakers:

• Reverse osmosis watermaker systems (multiple backup failsafe systems)
• Storage tanks for capacity to serve a crew of 75 onboard

Generators: Multiple Diesel Powered Generators

• Generators power ship systems 24/7
• Emergency backup generator

Engine Room Safety:

• Isolated engine room with fire retardant protection systems
• All safety systems include failsafe system backup

Specifications: Classic design hull was built in 2011 at the BVT shipyard – Brenn- und Verformtechnik Bremen GmbH in Germany.

Stability: For safety, the stability of every sailing ship is tested and given a ship stability rating. These tests produce a stability curve chart that measures the stability of the ship at various degrees of heeling.

Inspections: The ship performs annual state inspection and periodic full inspection requirements.  The inspection includes:

• Full ultrasound inspection of the hull for universal strength and thickness
• Safety equipment inspections of hull systems included: fire alarm and fire deterrent systems, fire extinguishers
• Stability inspection

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Decks: The ALEX-2 has large common deck areas Students use for our morning assembly ‘colours’, watch duty, sail maneuvers, socializing in small groups when not in class or on watch, relaxing, exercising and studying.

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All food is prepared in the Galley, Our modern galley is equipped and provisioned to serve 80 meals, three times a day.

Galley Equipment:

• Stovetop burners
• Convection ovens
• Commercial dishwasher
• Walk-in refrigerator and freezer to store provisions for weeks at sea

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All command, control and management of sailing, ship operating systems and communication come together on the Bridge.

The commanding officer on watch duty manages the ship and all crew activities from the Bridge. Students will stand Helm (steering wheel) duty under watch of the commanding officer.

Watch duties are managed from the Bridge. Standard watch duties include:

• Lookout: very important watch duty at all times while sailing
• Safety rounds: regularly scheduled safety rounds of the whole ship are made by students and professional crew on each watch
• Navigation: set and monitor sailing course, use of paper charts and computerized route planning systems
• Weather: monitoring weather and adapting sail plans according to changing wind and weather patterns.

Weather instruments on the Bridge:

• Classic barometer, thermometer, wind speed and wind direction instruments are used for monitoring weather changes
• A computerized nautical weather forecasting system is used to monitor weather patterns. The system provides weather maps and forecasts predictions on wind direction and velocity, ocean swell direction and levels, temperature changes

Navigation instruments on the Bridge:

• Compasses: classic and digital
• Charts: Main navigation is done on paper charts. Students and crew chart a course, estimate speed based on prevailing and forecast conditions, estimate sailing times and adjust course and sail plans for weather patterns
• Electronic navigation system: computerized electronic charts are available for all port destinations
• Computerized course plotting system: provides real time data on position, course direction, estimated travel and arrival times
• Radar: identifies other ships and land masses
• Automatic identification system (AIS): an automatic tracking system that uses transponders on ships to track the identity, size, position, course, speed, purpose of voyage for all other vessels at sea. This supplements marine radar by allowing watch officers to identify and track other vessels.

Communication devices on the Bridge:

• PA system for communication and safety announcements throughout the ship
• VHF radio
• MF high frequency radio
• Imarsat Communication System: a universal maritime communication system
• VSAT system (satellite internet and telephone access)
• Satelite telephone
• YB tracker: shows position
• EPIRB: emergency tracking device that sends a location signal
• GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System): controls and gauges to monitor and control all aspects of the ship system

System Controls and Gauges:

• Engine gauges: a computerized engine monitoring system provides highly detailed information on the engine
• Engine controls: starts and controls speed of the engine
• Rudder Direction Gauge
• Propeller Pitch Control: to adjust propeller direction
• Tank Capacity: fuel, water, grey water
• Fire and smoke alarm systems: smoke and heat detectors throughout the ship are
  wired to a warning alarm console on the Bridge

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Flag state: The ALEX-2 is registered in Germany and sails under authority of a ‘German Flag’. The ship is subject to standards for sailing vessels as defined by the German nautical authorities.

State inspection requirements: The ship follows all reporting requirements of the German nautical authorities and is subject to a regime of scheduled ‘state flag’ authority inspections to ensure the safety and security of the vessel.

Crew certification standards: For safe sailing, the Flag State defines crew certification requirements for all professional maritime crew positions aboard the ALEX-2. The ship must meet its ‘minimum manning’ requirements and all crew members must have required German certification requirements to be mustered on the ship.

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Rig Type: Barque Rig

• Traditional Barque rig with Square sails
• Class Afloat has an average of more then 90% sail time on our voyages
• Total Sail area: 1,360 sqm on 24 sails
• Masts: Foremast 29.90 m above the fore deck, main mast 32.90 m above the main deck, mizzen mast 25.80 m above the poop deck
• Lines: > 7km of lines

Climbing Aloft:

• The crew climbs aloft to make sail changes
• Climbing aloft is optional: instruction and training are required before climbing
• Climbing aloft is done according to rules defined by international sail training organizations
• Safety harnesses must be worn when climbing aloft or climbing out on the bowsprit