The test consists of 80 random questions.
Total questions on this topic: 209
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.
There is no noticeable difference in performance of the ship.
The speed is not affected, but more rudder is required to steer the ship.
The ship is less responsive to both rudder and propeller.
What are the immediate duties of the bridge Officer of the Watch when the ship suddenly runs into a fog bank?
Commence sounding the fog signal, engines on standby, call the Master and lookout, if not already on duty.
Commence sounding the fog signal and reduce speed to Slow Ahead.
Commence sounding the fog signal and call the Master and wait for him to arrive before taking any further actions.
Commence sounding the fog signal and if the radar indicates no echoes in the vicinity, proceed at the normal speed until ships are detected on the radar or until the fog lifts.
What is the two letter signal, to be used by flags, radiotelephony or radiotelegraphy, meaning “Calling All Ships”?
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?
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 should be put hard to starboard to reduce the water flow to the left side of the propeller.
Yes, the rudder can be put to port.
The rudder can be cycled from side to side.
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 steer with the prevailing weather and sea on the beam and the boat to be launch on the leeside.
The ship should steer about 30° off the prevailing weather and sea with the boat to be launch on the leeside.
The ship should lie stopped in the water with the weather on the opposite side to the boat to be launched.
What methods could be introduced into a passage plan for continuous monitoring of the ships position when navigating along a coastline?
Conspicuous headlands and navigational marks for taking positions.
The radar ranges of the coastline at all course alteration points.
All of the suggested answers.
How will the ship behave if it experiences a complete loss of power (blackout) in the situation illustrated?
The vessel will gradually swing to port and the speed will slowly reduce.
The vessel will gradually swing to starboard and the speed will slowly reduce.
The vessel will continue on course and the speed will slowly reduce.
The wind will push the vessel sideways, but the heading will not change.
What is important to check when transferring a position from the GPS receiver to a paper chart?
The chart datum is correct for the area the vessel is located.
That it is a “2D” fix and the antenna height is set correctly.
That the chart datum is also WGS84 or there are corrections.
Ensure that the chart has been corrected up to date.
Is the location of the Compass Binnacle critical?
Yes, it should be on the fore and aft centreline of the ship.
Yes, it should be sited on a non-metallic base if possible.
Yes, it should be away from all electrical power cables.
Yes, for the reasons stated in all of the suggested answers.
In the diagram, the amount of water under the keel is indicated by the letter “C”. Which bridge instrument would measure this value?
When making a new pilot ladder onboard the ship, which of the following ropes would be best suited as the side ropes on which the steps are fastened?
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 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.
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.
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 pilotage duties at anchor. 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.
What type of vessel is this and from what direction are you seeing it?
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 red light. I am seeing her from astern.
This is a vessel engaged in pilotage operations, deploying or recovering a pilot. I am looking at her port side.
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. I am looking at her port side.
This is a vessel engaged in pilotage duties at anchor. I am looking at her port side.
What is “AIR DRAUGHT”, in the figure?
Air draught is indicated by C, in the figure.
Air draught is indicated by B, in the figure.
Air draught is indicated by D, in the figure.
Air draught is indicated by A, in the figure.
With the Master on the bridge, when is the Officer of the Watch officially relieved of their responsibility for the vessel?
When the Master starts giving steering orders.
As soon as the Master enters the bridge.
It varies from deep sea to pilotage operations and is never very clear.
When the Master informs the Officer of the Watch that he is taking over the “con”.
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 altering his course to starboard.
That the vessel is operating astern propulsion.
That the vessel is picking up his pilot.
That the vessel is starting his engine and resuming his passage.
According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions and the illustrated lights, what type of vessel is it?
This vessel is not under command and stopped in the water.
This is a vessel constrained by her draft.
This vessel is not under command, but is making way through the water.
What could be the reason for the magnetic compass to swing through large angles when the ship is rolling in a seaway?
The error due to deviation is large for that ships heading.
The Coefficient B determined by the Compass Corrector at the last dry-dock was not correctly calculated.
The heeling error magnets are upside down and/or not in the correct position.
The induced magnetism from the earth’s magnetic field is very strong in that area.
When navigating along a coastline what should be considered the most accurate method of navigating?
Use of radar ranges and bearings.
Passing close to navigational buoys.
Bearings of navigational shore marks such as lighthouses.
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 do not think this is a good idea and retain control of the watch.
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.
What actions should the Officer of the Watch take when the ship’s steering gear fails?
Call the Master and advise him of the situation.
Display the NUC signal and consider stopping the engines.
All of the suggested answers.
Request the engine room to check the steering gear.
What would be the stopping distance of a VLCC when proceeding at 8 knots in deep water and the engines are put “Full Astern”?
Varies, but can be determined from trial data.
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.
Yes, the ship often steers better if trimmed by the stern.
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.
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.
What does this flag mean?
I wish to communicate with you.
My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.
I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed.
What are the additional duties required by the Officer of the Watch when navigating in fog?
Sound fog signal, effective radar watch reporting ship movements to Master and keep a good lookout for ships and fog signals.
All of the suggested answers.
Sound fog signal, plot positions and keep a good lookout.
When navigating in fog the Master will take over the watch and the Officer of the Watch should follow all of his instructions.
What do the shapes that this vessel is displaying tell us about her?
That she is not under command.
That she is engaged in towing.
That she is restricted in her ability to manoeuvre.
That she is constrained by her draught.
What are the limits of a passage or voyage plan?
From Full Away On Passage (FAOP) to End Of Passage (EOP).
It is dependant on the voyage and if there are any river or canal transits.
Which approved publication should be used by a seafarer to help overcome any misunderstanding in communications?
Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary.
The Oxford Concise Dictionary.
The (ISC) Bridge Procedures Guide.
The (IMO) Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) booklet.
The positions of the ship provided by the GPS receiver should always be verified by other means. Which of the following suggested methods would be the most accurate?
Bearing and distance from a navigational buoy.
Radar bearings of three distinctive shore objects.
Radar ranges of three distinctive shore objects.
A DR updated position from the last reliable one.
Where would the “pivot point” be considered to be located when the ship is proceeding at full speed ahead and there is no wind or current?
At a position near the stern of the ship.
At about 1/6 of the ship’s length from the stern.
At about 1/6 of the ship’s length from the bow.
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?
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 more than 100 metres in length. She is sounding an additional warning to approaching vessels, directing them to “keep clear”.
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 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”.
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”.
The IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases are recommended to be used when the ship’s Officer is verbally talking to whom?
When talking between ship and shore personnel.
In circumstances described in all of the answers provided.
When giving orders on board with other seafarers.
When talking on the VHF between ships.
If a mooring winch brake tension is set to 60 tons, the setting has a safely allowance, what would be the maximum breaking load (MBL) of a wire used on the winch?
What corrections must be applied to the echo sounder reading to compare the depth of water with the depth printed on the chart?
Allowance for the ships speed.
The distance between the pulse Transmitter and Receiver.
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 eye of the lines should be put on the bitts, fig. 2.
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 line should be kept on the warping drum of a deck winch, fig. 3.
What, by definition in the International Collision Regulations, is a “vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre”?
A vessel which because of her draught in relation to the available depth of navigable water is restricted in her ability to deviate from her course and keep out of the way of another vessel.
A vessel engaged in underwater work, such as the laying, picking up or servicing of a pipeline, or which is in support of diving operations, performing dredging and mine-clearance or is deploying or recovering a pilot.
A vessel which from the nature of her work is restricted in her ability to manoeuvre as required by the Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel.
A vessel which through some exceptional circumstance is unable to manoeuvre as required by the Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel.
If the radar is set onto the Relative Motion Display, what would an echo of a target with no trail indicate? Note this the trail of the echo and not a vector.
The target is stopped and making no way through the water.
The target is on the same course and speed as own ship.
The target is on a constant bearing and getting closer to own ship.
The target is on a collision course with own ship.
Where can a ship expect an act of piracy to take place?
At the south end of the Red Sea.
How can an ARPA assist the ship to steer a suitable course to make good the entrance to a channel?
Select Relative motion display and make Own Ship vector pass through the middle of the entrance to the channel.
Acquire the buoy at the entrance to the channel and on relative vector display alter course to make the vector of the buoy pass directly through the centre of the screen.
Select True ground stabilised vectors and make the vectors from both buoys at the entrance to the channel pass either side of the centre of the screen.
Select ground stabilised true motion display and alter course so that own ships true vector passes through the middle of the entrance to the channel.
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, less than 100 metres in length. She is sounding the additional signal top give warning of her position.
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.
When using the echo sounder in a river the soundings indicated may be incorrect, what would be the most probable cause of the error?
There should be no error with a properly working echo sounder.
The strength of the tide and current in the river.
The density of the water.
You are on a power-driven vessel underway in open water. This vessel is sighted directly ahead. The distance is closing slowly. What action will you take under the International Collision Regulations and why?
I will keep out of her way. I am the overtaking vessel and am obliged to keep clear under rule 13.
I will maintain my course and speed. The other vessel is being overtaken and is therefore obliged to keep out of the way by rule 13.
The vessel is on a steady bearing and the distance is closing. I will therefore take avoiding action, altering course to starboard and sounding one short blast under rules 14 and 16.
Which part of the magnetic compass error changes with a change in the course steered?
All of the suggested answers.
What can be simply rigged to assist a survival craft in keeping alongside own vessel?
The accommodation ladder deployed to the water surface.
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.
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.
Sailing vessel B must keep out of the way of sailing vessel A.
Both sailing vessels are required to take avoiding action.
Sailing vessel A must keep out of the way of sailing vessel B.
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 wide beam.
A short ship with a narrow beam.
A long ship with a wide beam.
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 tell the engine room to switch over to high suctions.
Stop engines and call the Master.
Sound the General Alarm and plot the ships position.
If a ship in deep water requires 2 nautical miles to “crash stop”, what will be the crash stopping distance in shallow water for the same start speed?
Similar distance to deep water.
Depends on the crash stop used.
The ship has a single fixed pitch right-handed propeller and is going astern as illustrated. What is the most likely way the ship will react in these circumstances?
The stern will “back” into the wind and the ship’s heading will swing to starboard.
The stern will fall off to starboard, making the heading swing to port.
The bow will “seek” the wind and the ship will swing to port.
The ship will go straight astern and the heading will remain approximately the same.
If your vessel is fitted with wires on self-stowing “split drum” winches, the advantage of having these split drum winches is:
Increased brake holding capacity due to the ability to keep the paid out wire in a single layer on the drum.
Less chance of the wire being jammed in the reel.
All the listed alternatives.
Which method is used to make a physical connection between a rescue vessel and a wreck?
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.
What is the purpose of a fire wire?
A wire for pulling burning ships off the pier.
A wire for pulling fire-hoses up to the top bridge.
A wire for handling fire buckets.
A wire for securing the Fire Tug alongside a burning ship.
What sound signal shall be used on ship’s whistle when there is a man overboard?
4 long blasts repeatedly.
5 long blasts repeatedly.
3 long blasts repeatedly.
6 long blasts repeatedly.
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?
Two prolonged blasts, followed by one short blast, 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.
One prolonged blast, followed by two short blasts, at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.
You are on a power-driven vessel underway in open water. This vessel is sighted wide on the port bow. It’s bearing is opening, but its distance is closing rapidly. Which of the following is a correct assessment of the situation and the action to be taken?
Risk of collision is deemed to exist and I will make a broad alteration of course to starboard, sounding one short blast. I will re-assess the situation when the alteration is carried out.
Risk of collision is deemed not to exist. However, to be sure of a safe passing distance, I will reduce my speed to allow the other vessel to pass ahead.
Risk of collision is a possibility. I will maintain my course and speed for now, but be prepared for an alteration of course to port if the CPA seems to be less than 0,2 nm as we draw closer.
Risk of collision is deemed not to exist and I will maintain my course and speed. I will continue to monitor the situation.
How can an ARPA assist the ship to steer a suitable course to make good the entrance to a channel?
Acquire the buoy at the entrance to the channel and on relative vector display alter course to make the vector of the buoy pass directly through the centre of the screen.
Select True ground stabilised vectors and make the vectors from both buoys at the entrance to the channel pass either side of the centre of the screen.
Select ground stabilised true motion display and alter course so that own ships true vector passes through the middle of the entrance to the channel.
Select Relative motion display and make Own Ship vector pass through the middle of the entrance to the channel.
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 maximum height that a pilot should be required to climb on a pilot ladder before reaching the deck or stepping onto an accommodation ladder platform is:
Which approved publication should be used by a seafarer to help overcome any misunderstanding in communications?
The (ISC) Bridge Procedures Guide.
The (IMO) Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) booklet.
Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary.
The Oxford Concise Dictionary.
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.
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 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.
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 forward on the tug, in a vertical line, the upper and lower being balls and the middle one a diamond.
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.
The lights here show those that must be exhibited by a vessel engaged in towing, as per rule 24 of the International Collision Regulations. But how long is the tow behind this vessel?
It is less than 200 metres.
It is more than 50 metres but less than 200 metres.
What are the two parts of the magnetic compass error?
Permanent and induced magnetism.
The latitude and longitude.
The ship’s engine is going astern and the ship is piking up sternway. The rudder is amidships and the ship has a single, right-handed, fixed pitch propeller. What would be expected to happen?
The ship will probably start to change heading to starboard and stern speed will increase.
The ship will probably start to change heading to port and stern speed will increase.
The ship will move astern at an increasing speed and the stern start to swing off to starboard.
The ship will probably go straight astern without a change in heading and the stern speed will increase.
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 2 is correct.
Calculation 1 is correct.
Calculation 4 is correct.
What are we seeing here?
A sailing vessel of less than 10 metres in length, displaying the mandatory combined lantern in lieu of sailing lights, seen head-on.
A sailing vessel, seen from astern, where the edges of her sidelights are both visible.
A sailing vessel less than 20 metres in length, displaying the optional combined lantern in lieu of standard sailing lights, seen head-on.
A sailing vessel, at anchor.
If whistles are fitted on a vessel at a distance apart of more than 100 metres, will manoeuvring and warning signals, as defined by rule 34 of the International regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, be given on one or both whistles?
They shall be given on both whistles simultaneously.
Manoeuvring signals will be given only on the forward whistle; warning signals will be given on both whistles simultaneously.
They shall first be given on the forward whistle, followed by the after whistle, with a 5 second interval in between.
They shall be given on one whistle only.
What is the weather associated with being in the centre of an Anticyclone (a region of High Pressure)?
Strong winds and heavy rain.
Persistent rain and very humid weather.
Strong winds but with very little rain.
Light winds and fair weather, sometimes fog.
What is the correct understanding of the term “bank effect”? If a ship was approaching the bank at an angle, what would be the effect on the ship?
The whole vessel would continue straight towards the bank and would require a large helm order to avoid going aground.
The vessel’s bow is pushed away from the bank.
The vessel’s stern is pushed away from the bank.
The vessel’s bow is attracted by the bank.
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 intend to overtake you on your port side.
I am faster than you. Get out of the way.
I intend to overtake you on your starboard side.
I am operating astern propulsion.
You are on a power-driven vessel underway in open water. You sight these lights on the port bow, on a steady bearing. The distance is closing. What are you looking at and what action will you take in compliance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea.
This is a power-driven vessel engaged in towing, less than 50 metres in length, length of tow under 200 metres and the tow, both being restricted in their ability to manoeuvre, seen from the starboard side. Under rule 18, I am required to keep clear and will take appropriate avoiding action.
This is a power-driven vessel, more than 50 metres in length or less than 50 metres in length and showing a second masthead light, restricted in her ability to manoeuvre. The sidelight of a second vessel can be seen beyond her. Under rule 18, I am obliged to keep clear of the first vessel and will therefore take appropriate avoiding action.
This is a power-driven vessel engaged in towing, more than 50 metres in length or less than 50 metres in length and showing a second masthead light, length of tow 200 metres or more, not under command. I will keep clear under rule 27.
If a DSC distress alert is received on board your ship, what is the first action that should be taken?
Immediately answer the distress message on the correct radio frequency.
Contact SAR Authorities via nearest coast Radio station.
Listen for a distress message on the appropriate radio frequency for five minutes.
Determine how close your vessel is to the distressed vessel.
What can be a cause of error observed on a gyro compass reading?
Fluctuations in the magnetism around the compass.
Incorrectly set heading and speed values.
Incorrectly set latitude and speed values.
Large values of variation caused by the gyro pole.
Which of the following figures drawn on the plane of the Meridian is correct for an observer in position Latitude 30° 00′ North; Longitude 15° 00′ West, when observing the sun on the meridian, if the sun’s Declination is 15° 00′ South?
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?
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 do not think this is a good idea and retain control of the watch.
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.
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.
This vessel is sighted ahead and slightly to port. What is her situation? What will you do?
This is a vessel engaged in fishing vessel, with her nets fast on a obstruction. I will keep out of the way by rule 18 of the International Collision Regulations.
This vessel is aground. I will navigate with extreme caution given the nature of the hazard.
This is a vessel not under command at anchor.
This is a vessel aground. She appears to have been headed to starboard of my track and I will therefore alter course to port, passing under her stern.