The Deepwater Horizon accident discharged a staggering amount of oil (about 780,000 kL) into the Gulf of Mexico. In other forecast simulations based on the ocean-only models, spilled oil reached the Atlantic Ocean via the Gulf Stream. In this study, the authors simulated 3-dimensional movement of oils using real-time oceanic and atmospheric conditions obtained by the coupled MSSG (Multi-Scale Simulator for the Geoenvironment) model. Our simulation shows that the amount of oil discharge into the Atlantic is very limited due to the trade winds. The atmospheric coupling to the ocean model is essential in the forecast simulation of spilled oils.

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 This paper describes an experimental study on the combustion of suspended single droplets of fuel oils in high temperature air. The fuel oils used in the experiment were light cycle oil, vegetable oils and reference fuel oils, and the effects of ambient temperature on ignition delay and burning time were observed. The results show that the ignition delay of light cycle oil was determined by the reaction lag and that of vegetable oils was determined by the vaporization lag. The maximum burning time values were about equal. The maximum value was measured at an ambient temperature of 1000K. These results could be applied to the combustion of fuel oils in marine diesel engines.

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 The STCW convention was amended in Manila, the Philippines in 2010, and was added some new training concepts related to human resources. As for the competence requirements for marine engineers, the implementation of Engine-room Resource Management training (hereafter, ERM training) was adopted as mandatory training. It seems that ERM training will be introduced under the system utilizing machinery and simulators in foreign and domestic maritime education and training institutions.
 The National Institute for Sea Training (hereafter, NIST) is reviewing its curriculum according to the amended STCW convention. In fact, NIST has implemented human resource training such as Bridge Resource Management and ERM in its on-board training program, and has conducted a basic study of ERM training. In order to comply with the requirements, it is necessary to clarify the evaluation for the new mandatory trainings specified in the convention.
 A preliminary research of ERM training evaluation was conducted by utilizing a draft assessment sheet based on the basic study. This paper reports the practicability of the assessment sheet, the training assessment and the verification result of instructor’s evaluation in ERM training.

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 An induction heating system on a diesel particulate filter (DPF) applied to a 4 -stroke marine diesel engine is studied. The material and structure of the unit filter which comprises the DPF unit are introduced on the basis of the principle of induction heating. Experiments were conducted on a DPF developed for a marine 4 -stroke diesel engine. The PM (Particulate Matter) trapping characteristics were estimated in connection with PM reduction ratio. The DPF regeneration method is mentioned from the point of view of an equivalent electrical circuit of the induction heating load. The effectiveness of the DPF system is verified by experiments.

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