The test consists of 80 random questions.
Total questions on this topic: 209
The Second Officer, when on watch on the bridge, is often referred to as the OOW. What does OOW actually stand for?
On official watchkeeping.
What does this signal flag indicate when seen on a vessel in a port approach?
Keep clear. I have divers down.
I am in distress and require immediate assistance.
I require medical assistance.
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.
When a ship is lying at anchor in a tidal area using both forward anchors, to what particular aspect should the officer of the watch be paying special attention?
The two anchors will restrict the ships swing with the tide and the ship may not lie to the prevailing current and wind.
The tension on both cables should be similar, to avoid one dragging and all the weight of the ship remaining on the other anchor only.
When the ship swings to the tide the direction of swing should be controlled to avoid the anchor cables becoming wrapped round each other.
The ship will become controlled by the tide and the wind will not be allowed to have any effect on the direction the ship lies at anchor.
How can a new officer, just boarding a ship, ensure that he knows the location and operation of all navigational and safety equipment and take account of the operating limitations of such equipment?
By using the equipment on regular watchkeeping duties.
By following the standard company Induction procedures for a bridge watchkeeping officer.
The certificate of competency will ensure the officer has suitable competence in operating the bridge equipment.
By asking other officers and practicing with the use of the equipment.
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 more than 50 metres but less than 200 metres.
It is less than 200 metres.
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 about 1/6 of the ship’s length from the bow.
At a position near the stern of the ship.
At about 1/6 of the ship’s length from the stern.
When plotting a position, where should the Officer of the Watch select as the ships position, when three gyro compass bearings intercept as a triangle (Cocked Hat) and not as a single point?
At the point nearest to the danger, if any.
At the point furthest away from any danger.
At the point nearest the course line drawn on the chart.
At the centre of the triangle.
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 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 can be used to reduce the effect of the state of sea-water?
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, 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, 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.
A man is reported to have fallen overboard and the Officer of the Watch releases the lifebuoy and starts a man overboard manoeuvre, who are the first persons onboard he should inform?
The crew quarters for extra lookouts.
Chief Officer and lifeboat party.
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.
You are approaching the port entrance. What do these lights mean?
A vessel may proceed only when she has received specific orders to do so.
Vessels may proceed – one-way traffic.
A vessel may proceed only when she has received specific orders to do so, except that vessels which can safely navigate outside the main channel need not comply with this message.
Vessels may proceed – two-way traffic.
Who is ultimately responsible for the voyage plan?
The Second Officer as the official Navigation officer.
The Officer of the Watch (OOW) on duty.
The ship owner will provide overall parameters within which the ship must follow.
What is the two letter signal, to be used by flags, radiotelephony or radiotelegraphy, meaning “Calling All Ships”.
What is the direction of wind associated with an anticyclone (area of high pressure) in the Northern Hemisphere?
Straight towards the centre of the anticyclone.
Anticlockwise around the high pressure.
Clockwise around the high pressure.
Directly away from the centre of the anticyclone towards the nearest low pressure.
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.
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.
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.
Two ships travelling in opposite directions are to pass each other in a narrow river, as illustrated. Explain what is likely to happen as they pass each other?
Due to interaction, the bows will repel each other, and then when alongside each other the two ships will be sucked together and finally the sterns will be repelled as they start to pass clear.
There will be very little effect between the two ships as they pass.
Due to interaction, the bows will attract each other as they approach, then they will repel each other alongside and as they pass clear, the sterns will be attracted.
As they approach, rudder should be applied quickly to avoid sheering into the path of each other. Then as they are alongside they will be attracted and finally repel each other as they pass clear.
You are proceeding up a river, with berths on both banks. You see this flag hoist on a vessel moored on a berth ahead. What does it mean?
You should proceed at slow speed when passing me.
I am about to depart the berth.
Caution! I have an anchor down.
Which of the four figures illustrated shows the correct position line for the following situation: Latitude 50° 00′ N, Longitude 30° 00′ W, Time 1200 GMT. Course steered: 090° True, Speed: 12 knots, bearing of the sun: 200°, Intercept correction: 00° 02′ Towards (observed altitude – computed altitude).
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.
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.
In the figure, which letter gives the correct understanding of the term “LENGTH OVERALL”?
Length Overall is indicated by C, in the figure.
Length Overall is indicated by D, in the figure.
Length Overall is indicated by B, in the figure.
Length Overall is indicated by A, in the figure.
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 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.
This vessel is aground. I will navigate with extreme caution given the nature of the hazard.
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.
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.
A ship is navigating in the Caribbean in August when it receives the warning of a Hurricane. To determine the centre of the storm the Master uses “Buys Ballot’s Law” and faces the wind. On what side of the Master would the low pressure area be located?
This is not a suitable method to use with a Hurricane.
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 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 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 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 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”.
Which statement best describes how land moves, if at all, on an ECDIS set in North-up, relative motion mode?
Land is stopped with the vessel symbol moving across the sea floor.
Land on the chart screen moves relative to the ship symbol.
The land is always in the middle of the screen.
This is a feature only seen on radar displays.
What is the description for a sidelight, as shown in rule 21 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea?
A red light or a green light, with a minimum range, in a vessel of 50 metres or more, of 3 miles. In a vessel of 10 metres.
A green light on the starboard side and red light on the port side, showing an unbroken light over an arc of 112,5°, from right ahead to 22,5° abaft the beam on the respective side.
A red, green or yellow lantern, showing an unbroken light over an arc of 112,5°.
A green light on the starboard side and red light on the port side, showing an unbroken light over an arc of 135°, from right ahead to 22,5° abaft the beam on the respective side.
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 would be considered the most favourable heading of a ship when launching a lifeboat?
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 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.
Which approved publication should be used by a seafarer to help overcome any misunderstanding in communications?
Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary.
The (ISC) Bridge Procedures Guide.
The (IMO) Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) booklet.
The Oxford Concise Dictionary.
The ship is involved in a collision, what is the immediate action by the Officer of the Watch after the incident has taken place?
Stop engines and check over the side for any signs of pollution.
Call the Master and check the position for any immediate dangers.
Contact the other ship and send the bridge lookout down to start taking soundings.
Sound the General Alarm and stop engines.
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.
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.
The ship is drifting in the open sea with a temporary engine breakdown. The ship is equipped with GPS navigation equipment. What should the bridge Officer of the Watch do in this situation?
Keep a good lookout for other ships.
Display the “Not under Command” signal and switch off the normal steaming lights.
All of the possible answers.
Plot the direction and rate of drift and predict the ships position for the period while the ship is “Not Under Command”.
Why should Ground Stabilised True Motion display mode be avoided when using the ARPA for anti-collision purposes?
The true vector can never give an indication of collision risk with another ship.
The collision regulations are based on ship courses through the water.
The Relative Motion display and relative vectors is the only display to use for anti-collision purposes.
True motion does not provide the collision risk of other ships.
With a pilot ladder, the lowest spreader shall be the 5th step from the bottom. At what interval should there be further spreaders upwards on the ladder?
At intervals not exceeding 9 steps.
At intervals not exceeding 12 steps.
It does not matter where the spreaders are fitted.
At intervals not exceeding 15 steps.
How can an ARPA assist the ship to steer a suitable course to make good the entrance to a channel?
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 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 ground stabilised true motion display and alter course so that own ships true vector passes through the middle of the entrance to the channel.
Which is the “CENTRE LINE”, in the figure?
The Fore and aft Centreline is indicated by D, in the figure.
The Fore and aft Centreline is indicated by A, in the figure.
The Fore and aft Centreline is indicated by C, in the figure.
The Fore and aft Centreline is indicated by B, in the figure.
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.
What is the two letter signal, to be used by flags, radiotelephony or radiotelegraphy, meaning “Calling All Ships”?
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 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.
What does this signal hoist mean?
I require immediate assistance.
I require medical assistance.
Do you require assistance?
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.
The bridge Officer of the Watch (OOW) is plotting the ship’s position in the chartroom, when the ship is in collision with a fishing vessel. Why would the OOW be held responsible for the collision?
Under the Rules a proper lookout should be maintained at all times and by all available means.
If the OOW is busy with the safe navigation of the ship he should have exhibited the “Not under Command” signals and made other ships keep clear.
If risk of Collision existed, the fishing boat should have contacted the larger ship over the VHF before the collision took place.
Under the Rules the fishing vessel should have kept clear of larger vessels and the OOW would not be responsible.
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).
What is the purpose of a sea anchor deployed from a lifeboat?
To hold the lifeboat in position with other survival craft.
To keep the lifeboat’s heading against the wind and sea and reduce drift.
To keep the lifeboat in a position close to the vessel.
To give a better signal to any aircraft searching for survivors.
The maximum rudder angle on your ship is 35°. Do you think this is the angle that the rudder is most effective?
No, the rudder is most effective at angles between 10 and 20°.
No, the rudder is most effective at small rudder angles.
No, the most effective rudder angle is about 25 to 30°, this is because the rudder is stalling at 35° angle.
Yes, the rudder is most effective at max angle.
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 duties at anchor. 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 operations, deploying or recovering a pilot. I am looking at her port side.
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 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 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.
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 starting his engine and resuming his passage.
That the vessel is altering his course to starboard.
That the vessel is picking up his pilot.
That the vessel is operating astern propulsion.
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.
In a canal without water flow, if a vessel was approaching a bank at an angle, what would be the probable effect on it?
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 attracted by the bank.
The vessel’s bow is pushed away from the bank.
The vessel’s stern is pushed away from the bank.
The ship is drifting in the open sea with a temporary engine breakdown. The ship is equipped with GPS navigation equipment. What should the bridge Officer of the Watch do in this situation?
All of the possible answers.
Keep a good lookout for other ships.
Plot the direction and rate of drift and predict the ships position for the period while the ship is “Not Under Command”.
Display the “Not under Command” signal and switch off the normal steaming lights.
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 is the direction of wind associated with an anticyclone (area of high pressure) in the Northern Hemisphere?
Clockwise around the high pressure.
Directly away from the centre of the anticyclone towards the nearest Low pressure.
Straight towards the centre of the anticyclone.
Anticlockwise around the high pressure.
Is the location of the Compass Binnacle critical?
Yes, for the reasons stated in all of the suggested answers.
Yes, it should be on the fore and aft centreline of the ship.
Yes, it should be away from all electrical power cables.
Yes, it should be sited on a non-metallic base if possible.
What do the shapes that this vessel is displaying tell us about her?
That she is engaged in towing.
That she is not under command.
That she is restricted in her ability to manoeuvre.
That she is constrained by her draught.
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.
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.
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.
What signal may be given by sound and by light to indicate that a vessel fails to understand the intentions or actions of another vessel, or is in doubt that sufficient action is being taken by the other to avoid collision?
One prolonged blast (flash), followed by five or more short and rapid blasts (flashes).
Five short and rapid blasts (flashes).
Five prolonged blasts (flashes).
Three short and rapid blasts (flashes).
What is the advantages of a GPS satellite system compared to other navigational aids?
The GPS system has a built-in group of six radio-beacons called a Decca chain.
The GPS system gives information about weather and wave conditions in the area.
The GPS system is based on hyperbola navigation.
The GPS system gives information about position, speed and time continuously world wide.
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.
What is “AIR DRAUGHT”, in the figure?
Air draught is indicated by C, in the figure.
Air draught is indicated by D, in the figure.
Air draught is indicated by A, in the figure.
Air draught is indicated by B, in the figure.
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 actions should the Officer of the Watch take when the ship’s steering gear fails?
Display the NUC signal and consider stopping the engines.
Request the engine room to check the steering gear.
All of the suggested answers.
Call the Master and advise him of the situation.
What radar device assists in the detection and location of a survival craft?
A personal locator beacon.
Which method is used to make a physical connection between a rescue vessel and a wreck?
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.
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.