The test consists of 80 random questions.
Total questions on this topic: 209
During an STS operation with one ship at anchor, should an anchor watch be maintained?
Anchor watch responsibility rests with the discharging vessel which would be the vessel which is anchored.
Anchor watch responsibility rests with the vessel which has its anchor down and the ship to ship connections is the responsibility of the other vessel.
Both ships have normal anchor watch responsibility in addition to watching ship to ship fendering, mooring etc.
Anchor watches are not kept as the duty officers will be on deck conducting the cargo operations.
Can anything be done on a vessel with forward speed, to reduce the change in heading caused by a right hand fixed pitch propeller being put astern?
Yes, the rudder can be put to port.
No, the rudder should be kept amidships when going astern and there is little that can be done to reduce the swing to starboard.
The rudder can be cycled from side to side.
The rudder should be put hard to starboard to reduce the water flow to the left side of the propeller.
You are proceeding along a narrow channel in front of another vessel, both heading for port. You hear this signal from the vessel behind you. What does it mean?
I am faster than you. Get out of the way.
I intend to overtake you on your port side.
I am operating astern propulsion.
I intend to overtake you on your starboard side.
What does this flag mean?
I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed.
My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.
I wish to communicate with you.
Which of the answers best summarises the information which should be provided for the bridge Officer of the Watch within an effective Voyage plan?
Contingency arrangements in case of problems.
Expected prevailing wind and weather.
Courses to steer; distance off dangers; parallel index lines; expected currents; prevailing winds; distance between alteration points.
All of the suggested answers.
When should voyage planning be done?
During the pilotage when leaving the berth.
Prior to leaving the berth.
Before the vessel completes the previous passage.
Before the pilot is leaves the vessel at the departure port.
What are the limits of a passage or voyage plan?
It is dependant on the voyage and if there are any river or canal transits.
From Full Away On Passage (FAOP) to End Of Passage (EOP).
You are in open water and clear conditions. You are approaching the pilot station when you hear this signal from a vessel ahead of you. What does it signify?
That the vessel is operating astern propulsion.
That the vessel is altering his course to starboard.
That the vessel is picking up his pilot.
That the vessel is starting his engine and resuming his passage.
The following vessels are all required to make the same sound signal when in or near an area of restricted visibility: a vessel not under command; a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre; a vessel constrained by her draught/a sailing vessel; a vessel engaged in fishing; a vessel engaged in towing or pushing another vessel. What is that signal?
One prolonged blast, followed by two short blasts, at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.
One prolonged blast, followed by two short blasts, at intervals of not more than 1 minute.
One prolonged blast at intervals at not more than 2 minutes.
Two prolonged blasts, followed by one short blast, at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.
In the Beaufort Scale of Wind Force, what is the Beaufort number associated with the wind force known as a “Gale”? This should not be confused with a “Near Gale” or “Strong Gale”?
What would be the effects of a ship passing into shallow water?
The vessel has a tendency to swing to port with a single fixed-pitch right-hand turning propeller.
The ship is less responsive to both rudder and propeller.
There is no noticeable difference in performance of the ship.
The speed is not affected, but more rudder is required to steer the ship.
Which of the following answers most suitably cover the standard duties of the bridge Officer of the Watch when the ship is at anchorage?
Display anchor signal and keep a good lookout of other ships in the area.
Display anchor signal, check the ships position and keep a good lookout.
Display the anchor signal and ensure the ship swings the same way at each change of tide.
Display the anchor signal, patrol the ship frequency and check the anchor chain for dragging.
Ships vary considerably in design and underwater shape, but does the ship’s trim ever have any influence on its steering abilities?
Yes, a ship often steers better if trimmed by the bow.
No, the ship will have the same steering ability and is unaffected by trim.
No, it is usually best to be on an even keel and have no trim at all.
Yes, the ship often steers better if trimmed by the stern.
The gyro compass can suffer from a compass error and may need to be allowed for, when steering a course in a dangerous navigational area. What is the probable cause of the error?
Fluctuations in the electrical supply to the compass.
An uncorrected course and speed error.
When navigating along a coastline what should be considered the most accurate method of navigating?
Passing close to navigational buoys.
Use of radar ranges and bearings.
Bearings of navigational shore marks such as lighthouses.
When the temperature of the air increases with height it is known as a “Temperature Inversion” and may influence the performance of some instruments on the ship. What should the bridge Officer of the Watch be prepared to happen?
The GPS may give errors of position because of interference of incoming signals from the satellites.
The radar will be show abnormal sea clutter as the pulse is trapped by the inversion.
Abnormal ranges of VHF RT and Second Trace Returns on the radar.
The bearings obtained from the Directional Finder (DF) will not be as accurate as normal.
What corrections must be applied to the echo sounder reading to compare the depth of water with the depth printed on the chart?
The distance between the pulse Transmitter and Receiver.
Allowance for the ships speed.
Is the location of a vessel’s standard compass binnacle critical?
Yes, it should be away from major electrical power cables.
Yes, it should be on the fore and aft centreline of the ship.
Yes, for the reasons stated in all of the suggested answers.
Yes, it should be sited on a non-metallic base if possible.
The ship is sailing in shallow water with reduced Under Keel Clearance. If the ship is steaming with the engines at full RPM, what would be the speed in comparison to the speed achieved in deep water?
It would be very difficult to maintain full deep sea RPM on the engines and therefore difficult to assess the speed.
What are the two parts of the magnetic compass error?
Permanent and induced magnetism.
The latitude and longitude.
Two ships are meeting in a restricted channel as illustrated. Which of the following actions would be the most suitable to take on both vessels as they approach and pass each other?
Slow down if possible without losing steerage and be prepared for prompt application of rudder to counteract any swing as they approach and pass each other.
Increase speed slightly to pass each other as quickly as possible and thereby reduce the effects of “ship to ship” interaction.
Maintain speed and a straight course on the starboard side of the channel.
Keep as far as possible on the starboard side of the channel and maintain speed to retain effective steerage.
When should gangway nets be rigged?
Between sunset and sunrise.
Whenever the gangway is regarded as unsafe.
When it is deemed necessary by the Master of the Chief Officer.
Whenever the gangway is rigged.
What is the weather associated with being in the centre of an Anticyclone (a region of High Pressure)?
Persistent rain and very humid weather.
Strong winds and heavy rain.
Light winds and fair weather, sometimes fog.
Strong winds but with very little rain.
The Master has decided to “single up” to a spring line at each end as the last lines to let go whilst unmooring. Which of the following methods should be used to hold the lines, whilst waiting for the order to “let go”?
The line should be turned up on the bitts, fig. 1.
The line should be held on a stopper ready for immediate release, fig. 4.
The eye of the lines should be put on the bitts, fig. 2.
The line should be kept on the warping drum of a deck winch, fig. 3.
The Master arrives on the bridge obviously under the influence of alcohol and states he is taking over the “con” of the ship. What actions should the Officer of the Watch (OOW) take in this situation?
Watch the actions made by the Master and if not dangerous, wait until the Master becomes more capable to take control or leaves the bridge.
Attempt to diplomatically avoid taking any actions that would put the ship or crew into danger and call the Chief Officer for assistance.
Tell the Master you consider him incapable of taking over the responsibility of the watch and that he should retire to his cabin and sleep it off.
Tell the Master you do not think this is a good idea and retain control of the watch.
Which type of vessel suffers from the greatest squat effects?
Vessel with a low Block Coefficient.
Vessel with a high Block Coefficient.
Vessel with a small length to beam ratio.
Vessel with a large length to beam ratio.
You are on a tug and are towing an unmanned barge. You are restricted in your ability to manoeuvre. The total length of the tow is 219 metres. What daylight signals are required by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea?
A diamond shape, where it can best be seen, on the tug only. Three shapes shall also be displayed, being three balls in a vertical line.
Three shapes shall be displayed on the tug, where they can best be seen, in a vertical line, the upper and lower being balls and the middle one a cylinder. The signal flag “T” shall also be flown on the tug. A diamond shall be displayed aft on the tow.
A diamond shape, where it can best be seen shall be displayed on the tug and the tow. Three shapes shall also be displayed in a vertical line, the upper and lower being balls and the middle one a diamond. Diamond shape.
Three shapes shall be displayed forward on the tug, in a vertical line, the upper and lower being balls and the middle one a diamond.
What sound signal shall be used on ship’s whistle when there is a man overboard?
4 long blasts repeatedly.
3 long blasts repeatedly.
6 long blasts repeatedly.
5 long blasts repeatedly.
The IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases are recommended to be used when the ship’s Officer is verbally talking to whom?
When giving orders on board with other seafarers.
When talking on the VHF between ships.
When talking between ship and shore personnel.
In circumstances described in all of the answers provided.
In an extreme case, in addition to having your winch brakes as tight as can be, you can increase the brake holding capacity of the winch drum by putting it in gear and setting the power to the “heave” position. However this may cause:
Strain on the fairleads and rollers in use in excess of their Safe Working Load.
All the listed alternatives.
The increased braking power of the winch to exceed the breaking strength of the wire and rope paid out from it which might cause the wire or rope to part.
Damage to the winch by distorting the shaft.
Rule 12 of the International Collision Regulations prescribes the action to be taken by a sailing vessel when meeting another sailing vessel. This depends on the direction of the wind relative to each vessel. In the situation shown here, which sailing vessel (A or B) must keep out of the way of the other?
The upwind sailing vessel must keep out of the way of the downwind sailing vessel.
Both sailing vessels are required to take avoiding action.
Sailing vessel A must keep out of the way of sailing vessel B.
Sailing vessel B must keep out of the way of sailing vessel A.
Which of the following answers correctly specify the following most common rudders? a) UNBALANCED, b) BALANCED, c) SEMI-BALANCED and d) UNDERHUNG BALANCED. i. e. The number in the picture is related to the letter adjacent to the name of the rudder.
1 = d, 2 = a, 3 = b and 4 = c.
1 = b, 2 = c, 3 = d and 4 = a.
1 = c, 2 = d, 3 = a and 4 = b.
1 = a, 2 = b, 3 = c and 4 = d.
What is important to check when transferring a position from the GPS output to a paper chart?
Ensure that the chart has been corrected up to date.
It is important to ensure that the GPS is setup on 2 dimensional and not 3 dimensional position fixes.
Ensure that the GPS is setup on the same datum as the chart.
Any necessary corrections are applied to convert between the GPS datum and the chart datum.
What sound signal can be made when nearing a bend in a river, with the view around the bend obscured by an intervening obstruction?
What are the required data inputs into most gyro compasses to reduce any possible compass error?
All of the data in the suggested answers.
Maximum helm angle and rolling period.
The rudder is in the hard over position with the propeller stopped and the ship turning slowly. On a ship with a single fixed pitch right handed propeller and no thrusters, what can be done to make the ship increase the speed of turn without significantly increasing the forward speed of the ship?
Give the engines a short kick ahead.
Give dead slow ahead on the engines and leave the rudder in the hard over position.
Give full astern on the engines until ship has stopped and then full ahead on the engines with rudder hard over.
Give half astern on the engines as this will increase the rate of turn.
What would be considered the most favourable heading of a ship when launching a lifeboat?
The ship should steer about 100° of the prevailing weather and sea with the boat to be launched on the leeside.
The ship should lie stopped in the water with the weather on the opposite side to the boat to be launched.
The ship should steer about 30° off the prevailing weather and sea with the boat to be launch on the leeside.
The ship should steer with the prevailing weather and sea on the beam and the boat to be launch on the leeside.
What can be simply rigged to assist a survival craft in keeping alongside own vessel?
The survival craft painter made fast on the vessel’s deck.
A single weighted line hanging over the side from the deck.
A painter rigged fore and aft against the vessel’s side.
The accommodation ladder deployed to the water surface.
How will the ship behave if it experiences a complete loss of power (blackout) in the situation illustrated?
The vessel will gradually swing to starboard and the speed will slowly reduce.
The wind will push the vessel sideways, but the heading will not change.
The vessel will continue on course and the speed will slowly reduce.
The vessel will gradually swing to port and the speed will slowly reduce.
Can the OOW be the sole lookout?
When the visibility is good and the ship is in the middle of the ocean where there is very little shipping.
Never should the Officer of the Watch be the only lookout.
During daylight when visibility and traffic allows.
Only if the ARPA radar is set onto Auto Acquisition with an audio alarm sounding when a ship is detected.
What actions should be taken by the Officer of the Watch if the ship’s steering system totally fails?
All of the suggested answers.
Display the NUC signal and stop the engine(s).
Call the Master and advise them of the situation.
Request the engine room to check the steering system.
What possible reason could there be for the identification mark associated with a Racon not being visible on the radar screen?
All of the suggested answers.
The Racon may not be transmitting a pulse.
The radar may be suppressing the mark with application of the Interference Rejection control.
The transmitted radar frequency may not trigger the Racon transmitter.
Two mooring lines are pretensioned equally and have the same length, same breaking strength and same directional load. However, one is made of wire (with a full load elastic elongation of about 1,5 % of its length) and the other made of nylon (with a full load elongation of about 30 % of its length). If a gust of wind increases the load on the lines, how will it be shared?
Wire takes 45 % of the extra load. Rope takes 55 % of the extra load.
Wire takes 55 % of the extra load. Rope takes 45 % of the extra load.
The wire and rope will share the load equally.
Wire takes 95 % of the extra load. Rope takes 5 % of the extra load..
What is the depth of an iceberg below the surface of the sea?
The draught of an iceberg is normally about 3/4 of its total depth.
The draught of an iceberg varies with the type of berg and its age.
The draught of an iceberg is about the same as the visible part of the iceberg above the water.
The depth of an iceberg below the surface is always about one sixth of its total depth.
You are on a power-driven vessel underway in open water. This vessel is sighted on the port bow on a steady bearing. What kind of vessel is it and what will your action be?
This is a sailing vessel underway, seen head-on. It is my responsibility to keep clear under rule 18 and I will take appropriate avoiding action.
This is a vessel engaged in fishing. It is my responsibility to keep clear under rule 18 and I will alter course to starboard, sounding one short blast.
This is a sailing vessel not making way through the water. There is no risk of collision and I will maintain my course and speed.
This is a sailing vessel underway. I am the stand-on vessel and will maintain my course and speed under rule 17.
Who is ultimately responsible for approving the voyage plan?
The Officer of the Watch (OOW) on duty.
The Second Officer as the official Navigation Officer.
The ship owner will provide overall parameters within which the ship must follow.
You are in an area of restricted visibility, close to a port. You hear this signal. What vessel does it come from and what additional information does the signal provide?
A vessel at anchor, more than 100 metres in length. The additional signal indicates that her cable extends at least 25 metres from her bow.
A vessel at anchor, more than 100 metres in length. She is sounding the additional signal to give warning of her position.
A vessel aground, more than 100 metres in length. The additional signal indicates which side the clear water lies on.
A vessel at anchor, less than 100 metres in length. She is sounding the additional signal top give warning of her position.
What immediate actions should the Officer of the Watch take when the ship goes aground on an uncharted shoal in the middle of the ocean?
Stop engines and immediately request “Full Astern”.
Stop engines and call the Master.
Stop engines and tell the engine room to switch over to high suctions.
Sound the General Alarm and plot the ships position.
You are approaching a port in a snowstorm. You hear this signal. What kind of vessel is it and what is it doing?
It comes from a vessel engaged in pilotage duties at anchor, over 100 metres in length.
It comes from a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre.
It comes from a vessel at anchor, less than 100 metres in length.
It comes from a vessel engaged in pilotage duties and it is making way through the water.
Which of the following hull shapes would normally provide a directionally stable ship?
A long ship with a narrow beam.
A short ship with a narrow beam.
A short ship with a wide beam.
A long ship with a wide beam.
What is the correct understanding of the term “a ship with good Directional Stability”?
A ship when swinging, will continue to swing even after the rudder is returned to amidships.
The ship will shear away from its heading if not controlled.
A ship moving forwards with the rudder amidships, will continue in a straight line.
A ship will always follow in the direction that the rudder is put.
The ship is to berth alongside a quay in calm conditions of no wind or current. The ship has a single fixed pitch right handed propeller. Which angle of approach would be considered the most favourable?
The decision should be left to the pilot who is in charge of the manoeuvre.
What is understood by the term “Dew point” of the air?
The temperature at which water vapour in the air forms into water droplets.
The temperature of the water vapour in a cloud.
The “Dew Point” is the point at the centre of an Anticyclone.
All of the suggested answers.
According to rule 12 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions, in the situation illustrated, which sailing vessel (A or B) must keep out of the way of the other?
Sailing vessel B must out of the way of sailing vessel A.
Sailing vessel A must out of the way of sailing vessel B.
Both sailing vessels are required to take avoiding action.
The upwind sailing vessel must keep out of the way of the downwind sailing vessel.
Which part of the magnetic compass error changes with a change in the course steered?
All of the suggested answers.
You are proceeding along a coastal route when you hear this signal. The visibility is severely restricted. What does the signal mean?
There is a vessel aground in the vicinity. She is less than 100 metres in length. She is sounding an additional warning to approaching vessels to “navigate with extreme caution”.
There is a vessel at anchor in the vicinity. She is less than 100 metres in length. She is sounding an additional warning to approaching vessels that they are “running into danger”.
There is a vessel at anchor in the vicinity. She is more than 100 metres in length. She is sounding an additional warning signal to approaching vessels, directing them to “keep clear”.
There is a vessel aground in the vicinity. She is more than 100 metres in length. She is sounding an additional warning to approaching vessels that they are “running into danger”.
A balanced rudder has some of the rudder area forward of the rudder axis. About how much area should this be to call it a balanced rudder?
What are the main components causing the magnetic compass to require a regular evaluation and compass correction?
The change in the position of the magnetic pole causing annual changes in the variation.
The continual changes of courses steered by the ship.
Permanent and induced magnetism in the ships structure.
What is the purpose of a sea anchor?
To adjust the drifting speed of the lifeboat.
To keep the lifeboat steady against the sea/wind.
To keep the lifeboat in a position close to the vessel.
To give a better signals to any aircraft searching for survivors.
The ship is required to be stopped in the water as quickly as possible, but without major changes to the ship’s heading. What is the most effective method to achieve this?
Make a zig zag manoeuvre while reducing the engine power.
Make a complete turn while reducing the engine power.
The use of the rudder hard over both sides combined with reducing engine power, a method known as “high frequency rudder cycling”.
Put the engine full astern and keep the rudder amidships.
What is the depth of an iceberg below the surface of the sea?
The draught of an iceberg varies with the type of berg and its age.
The depth of an iceberg below the surface is always about one sixth of its total depth.
The draught of an iceberg is about the same as the visible part of the iceberg above the water.
The draught of an iceberg is normally about 3/4 of its total depth.
What action should the Officer of the Watch (OOW) take if he is forced to make a major deviation from the voyage plan?
There is no special action necessary.
Make an appropriate entry in the Log Book.
Check that the deviation will not lead into danger.
What are the main advantages to the Navstar, Glonas and Galileo satellite navigation systems?
If a vessel uses any one of them, there is no need to practice other forms of navigation.
These satellite systems give world-wide coverage 24 hours a day.
They are all made specifically for ships and marine operations.
Satellite navigation systems also give information about weather and wave conditions.
What is “AIR DRAUGHT”, in the figure?
Air draught is indicated by B, in the figure.
Air draught is indicated by A, in the figure.
Air draught is indicated by C, in the figure.
Air draught is indicated by D, in the figure.
According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions and the illustrated lights, what type of vessel is it?
This vessel is not under command, but is making way through the water.
This vessel is not under command and stopped in the water.
This is a vessel constrained by her draft.
The ship has a right-handed propeller and is swinging to starboard when the engines are slow ahead and the rudder is to starboard. The engines are stopped and the rate of swing rapidly slows down. How could the swing to starboard be maintained without the ship making much headway.
By applying the rudder hard over to starboard and going ahead on the engines.
Astern on the engines will allow Transverse Thrust to continue the swing.
The only effective method is by using the bow thruster to push the bow to starboard.
Transverse Thrust will reduce the swing and therefore a kick ahead is necessary with full starboard helm applied.
When using the echo sounder in a river the soundings indicated may be incorrect, what would be the most probable cause of the error?
The density of the water.
There should be no error with a properly working echo sounder.
The strength of the tide and current in the river.
Who is responsible for the number and the position of any tugs to be used during a mooring operation?
The Pilot is fully responsible for the number and use of tugs within the port area.
The Master, with consideration of the advice of the pilot.
The Port Authority will dictate the tug requirements and their use within the port limits.
It will be only the wind speed that will determine the required number of tugs and how they are used.
What letter is represented by this flag and what is it’s meaning when displayed by a vessel in port?
P – All persons should report on board as the vessel is about to proceed to sea.
W – All persons should report onboard as the vessel is about to proceed to sea.
S – I am operating astern propulsion.
The position of the ship is found by taking a series of bearings using a magnetic compass. How should an error of 5° WEST be applied to the compass bearings?
Subtract 5° to the bearings.
The same error applies to all bearings and therefore it can be ignored.
The error should be “High” or “Low” and therefore more information is required.
Add the 5° to the bearings.
What is the weather associated with being in the centre of an Anticyclone (a region of High Pressure)?
Strong winds and heavy rain.
Light winds and fair weather, sometimes fog.
Strong winds but with very little rain.
Persistent rain and very humid weather.
According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions and the illustrated lights, what type of vessel is this and from what direction is it viewed?
This is a vessel engaged in fishing other than trawling, making way through the water, with outlying gear extending more than 150 m in the direction of the all-round white light. Looking at its port side.
This is a vessel engaged in fishing other than trawling, making way through the water, with outlying gear extending more than 150 metres in the direction of the all-round red light. Looking at it from astern.
This is a vessel engaged in pilotage duties at anchor. Looking at its port side.
When navigating using the GPS, how does the GPS display indicate when the accuracy of the displayed position is reduced?
A large “Correction Factor” number is displayed on the screen.
The GPS display is always very accurate and does not give any indication of lack of accuracy.
A large HDOP value is displayed on the screen.
The GPS display flashes and sounds an alarm.
Why should a Ground Stabilised True Motion radar display not be used for anti-collision purposes?
True motion does not provide the collision risk of targets as only true vectors are available.
The true vector can never give an indication of collision risk with another ship.
The “aspect” of the target is confused, so the Regulations for Preventing Collisions cannot be accurately applied.
Because this display is only ever used for navigation.
Which of the four calculations illustrated is the correct one to determine the latitude of the observer when the sun is on the meridian?
Calculation 3 is correct.
Calculation 1 is correct.
Calculation 4 is correct.
Calculation 2 is correct.
What is the probable cause of an error in position of the ship obtained from the GPS system?
A three dimensional instead of a two dimensional position output.
Abnormal sun spot activity causing unusual radiation effects.
Incorrect height of the antenna.
All of the suggested answers.
The rudder is hard over with the engine at full ahead. Will the turning effect of the rudder be changed if the engine is stopped?
Yes, the turning force will be dramatically reduced when the engine is stopped.
No, the turning force is unaffected by the speed of the propeller.
No, the turning force applied by the rudder will be maintained within about 90 % of the turning force when going full ahead.
Yes, the turning force will be reduced to about 50 % of the original force when the engine is stopped.
If a distress signal is received on board your ship, what should be the first action that should be taken?
Determine if anyone else has heard the distress signal and if your vessel is near the distress.
Attempt to establish contact with the distressed vessel.
Contact SAR Authorities via nearest coastal Radio station.
Determine how close your vessel is to the distressed vessel.
What is the correct understanding of the term “Isobar”?
An “Isobar” is the line showing the direction of the predicted path of a hurricane.
An “Isobar” is a line joining places of equal temperature.
An “Isobar” is the line of the cold front in a frontal depression.
An “Isobar” is a line joining places of equal pressure.
A ship is equipped with a right-handed fixed pitch propeller, which when going from Full Ahead to Full Astern will make the ship sheer to starboard. Can anything be done to reduce this change in heading?
The rudder can be put from side to side in a “Rudder Cycling” movement.
The rudder should be put Hard to Port to reduce the water flow to the left side of the propeller.
The rudder can be put to Hard to Port to reduce the water from to the right side of the propeller.
The rudder should be kept amidships when going astern and there is little that can be done to reduce the swing to starboard.