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What Is Monkey Island On Ships?
The “monkey island” is a deck at the most accessible height on a ship, directly above the navigating bridge. It is also called the ship’s upper bridge or flying bridge on top of a pilothouse or chart house.
In earlier times, Monkey Island was located about 3/4th way up the main mast on a few ships, and sailors used it for solar and stellar observations.
There is no evidence about how and why the term ‘Monkey Island’ came to be used. However, there are a few theories.
Theory 1
Monkey Island was at the top of the main mast of sailing ships, and sailors had to climb up to free or repair the sails or to watch out for icebergs, reefs or land. The act of climbing was compared to the climb of monkeys, and so this interesting name evolved.
Theory 2
According to this theory, it is believed that in ancient days, cannon balls were stored aboard ships in a brass frame or trays called “monkey”. During extreme cold, the brass trays would contract and spill the cannon balls.
Hence, a humorous reference was established that the climate was cold enough to freeze the balls of a brass monkey.
However, this theory is hardly believed because of several reasons:
- There is no evidence found that such a “deck” was named “monkey”.
- The rate of contraction of the brass frame cannot cause the mentioned effect.
- Per records, cannon balls were not stored on the deck except during a battle. The deck was kept as clear as possible
- Practically, it is impossible to store cannon balls at such a height, as during heavy rolling and pitching, the cannon balls would fall off, causing harm to the ship and crew.
In modern-day merchant ships, Monkey Island is where most external parts of the bridge equipment are kept.
While the navigation bridge has display interfaces of bridge equipment for use by the OOW, the monkey island is where the ‘powerhouse’ of each equipment is placed.
Some units placed on the monkey island are:
- VDR capsule
- AIS Tx/Rx antennae
- Radar scanner(s) attached to the radar mast
- Sat C/F77 Tx/Rx antennae
- Communication equipment gear
- Various halyards connected to the yardarm to hoist flags
- Weather vane
- The mast leading up to the ‘Christmas Tree’ (navigation lights)
- The mast leading up to the ship’s aft whistle
One of the most important equipment carried on the monkey island, which is also mandatory per SOLAS carriage requirements, is the magnetic compass.
SOLAS states, “All ships irrespective of size shall have a properly adjusted standard magnetic compass or other means, independent of any power supply, to determine the ship’s heading and display the reading at the main steering position”. A periscope leads from below the compass to the bridge to give the OOW the magnetic heading.
Maintenance of Monkey Island is important as it houses vital equipment. Hence, the Monkey Deck must be de-rusted, painted and cleaned as per the ship’s schedule to prevent the buildup of salt particles, dust and reduce damage due to exposure to weather. It must also be pressure-washed with fresh water.
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Disclaimer :
The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website.
About Author
Shilavadra Bhattacharjee is a shipbroker with a background in commercial operations after having sailed onboard as a Third Officer. His interests primarily lie in the energy sector, books and travelling.
Disclaimer :
The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website.
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My son just sent me a photo of MONKEY ISLAND. Curious, I goggled this landform to discover my ignorance in that it is part of his vessel . So this is an island of no fixed address !
That is called monkey island coz , during the old days , monkeys were placed on topmost part of the vsl without giving them enough water … it was believed that they had a sense to spot fresh water .. so when ever the thirsty monkeys sense the frsh water they will start making nboices … this wil alarm the officer and then they will look out for any land fall in that particular direction …!
I grew up with a story that money island was about mental health. Ship monkey would entertain the crew and be gregarious. But after a while it would climb onto the monkey island to be alone. Spend time alone for a couple days. Then climb down and be all social again. Everyone needs some piece and quiet and to have opportunities to recharge alone.