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 draught of an iceberg is normally about 3/4 of its total depth.
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.
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 vessel’s bow is pushed away from the bank.
The vessel’s bow is attracted by the bank.
The whole vessel would continue straight towards the bank and would require a large helm order to avoid going aground.
The vessel’s stern is pushed away from the bank.
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 starting his engine and resuming his passage.
That the vessel is altering his course to starboard.
That the vessel is picking up his pilot.
When navigating along a coastline what should be considered the most accurate method of navigating?
Passing close to navigational buoys.
Bearings of navigational shore marks such as lighthouses.
Use of radar ranges and bearings.
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.
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 half astern on the engines as this will increase the rate of turn.
Give full astern on the engines until ship has stopped and then full ahead on the engines with rudder hard over.
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.
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 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?
An uncorrected course and speed error.
Fluctuations in the electrical supply to the compass.
How can the effects of Squat be minimized, when a ship is proceeding in shallow water?
Maintain a slow speed just sufficient to maintain steerage.
Maintain a speed of about 6 knots and use minimal rudder when manoeuvring.
Enter the shallow water with a stern trim and proceed at a moderate speed.
Decrease the speed and keep this ship to the centre of the channel where the water is probably deepest.
Which part of the magnetic compass error changes with a change in the course steered?
All of the suggested answers.
If a distress signal is received on board your ship, what should be the first action that should be taken?
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.
Determine if anyone else has heard the distress signal and if your vessel is near the distress.
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 not to exist and I will maintain my course and speed. I will continue to monitor the situation.
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 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.
What is the two letter signal, to be used by flags, radiotelephony or radiotelegraphy, meaning “Calling All Ships”?
What would be the effects of a ship passing into shallow water?
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.
The vessel has a tendency to swing to port with a single fixed-pitch right-hand turning propeller.
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 eye of the lines should be put on the bitts, fig. 2.
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.
The IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases are recommended to be used when the ship’s Officer is verbally talking to whom?
In circumstances described in all of the answers provided.
When talking on the VHF between ships.
When giving orders on board with other seafarers.
When talking between ship and shore personnel.
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 = a, 2 = b, 3 = c and 4 = d.
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.
Which of the answers best summarises the information which should be provided for the bridge Officer of the Watch within an effective Voyage plan?
All of the suggested answers.
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.
What is “AIR DRAUGHT”, in the figure?
Air draught is indicated by C, in the figure.
Air draught is indicated by A, in the figure.
Air draught is indicated by D, in the figure.
Air draught is indicated by B, in the figure.
What are the two parts of the magnetic compass error?
The latitude and longitude.
Permanent and induced magnetism.
You are in an area of restricted visibility. You hear this sound signal. What does it mean?
That there is a vessel in distress nearby.
That there is a vessel at anchor in the vicinity.
That there is a vessel aground in the vicinity.
That there is a vessel engaged in underwater operations in the vicinity. She has divers down.
What do the shapes that this vessel is displaying tell us about her?
That she is not under command.
That she is constrained by her draught.
That she is engaged in towing.
That she is restricted in her ability to manoeuvre.
When should gangway nets be rigged?
Whenever the gangway is rigged.
Between sunset and sunrise.
Whenever the gangway is regarded as unsafe.
When it is deemed necessary by the Master of the Chief Officer.
This vessel is sighted ahead and slightly to port. What is her situation? What will you do?
This vessel is aground. I will navigate with extreme caution given the nature of the hazard.
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 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 is a vessel not under command at anchor.
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 operating astern propulsion.
I am faster than you. Get out of the way.
I intend to overtake you on your starboard side.
How can an ARPA assist the ship to steer a suitable course to make good the entrance to a channel?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Astern on the engines will allow Transverse Thrust to continue the swing.
By applying the rudder hard over to starboard and going ahead on the engines.
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.
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?
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 starting his engine and resuming his passage.
That the vessel is altering his course to starboard.
That the vessel is picking up his pilot.
What does this signal hoist mean?
I require immediate assistance.
Do you require assistance?
I require medical assistance.
What is important to check when transferring a position from the GPS output to a paper chart?
Any necessary corrections are applied to convert between the GPS datum and the chart datum.
Ensure that the chart has been corrected up to date.
Ensure that the GPS is setup on the same datum as the chart.
It is important to ensure that the GPS is setup on 2 dimensional and not 3 dimensional position fixes.
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 4 is correct.
Calculation 2 is correct.
Calculation 1 is correct.
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 one whistle only.
They shall 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.
Manoeuvring signals will be given only on the forward whistle; warning signals will be given on both whistles simultaneously.
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 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.
The stern will fall off to starboard, making the heading swing to port.
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 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”.
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 more than 100 metres in length. She is sounding an additional warning signal to approaching vessels, directing them to “keep clear”.
The tug has been released and is all clear. As officer in charge of that operation, should this be reported and to whom?
Reported all clear to the Bridge.
Report all clear to the tug.
No need for reporting as the order was given from the bridge.
Report all clear to the Engine Room.
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. She is sounding the additional signal to give warning of her position.
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 aground, more than 100 metres in length. The additional signal indicates which side the clear water lies on.
What are the required data inputs into most gyro compasses to reduce any possible compass error?
Maximum helm angle and rolling period.
All of the data in the suggested answers.
What is the direction of wind associated with an anticyclone (area of high pressure) in the Northern Hemisphere?
Clockwise around the high pressure.
Straight towards the centre of the anticyclone.
Anticlockwise around the high pressure.
Directly away from the centre of the anticyclone towards the nearest Low pressure.
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.
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.
What is the correct understanding of the term “Isobar”?
An “Isobar” is a line joining places of equal pressure.
An “Isobar” is the line of the cold front in a frontal depression.
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.
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 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 at anchor, less than 100 metres in length.
It comes from a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre.
What action should the Officer of the Watch (OOW) take if he is forced to make a major deviation from the voyage plan?
Make an appropriate entry in the Log Book.
There is no special action necessary.
Check that the deviation will not lead into danger.
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.
What is the weather associated with being in the centre of an Anticyclone (a region of High Pressure)?
Light winds and fair weather, sometimes fog.
Persistent rain and very humid weather.
Strong winds but with very little rain.
Strong winds and heavy rain.
What is understood by the term “Dew point” of the air?
The temperature at which condensation 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.
What special equipment can often provide assistance in locating a survival craft or man overboard and in the water?
A sectored search pattern.
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.
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.
Which of the answers best summarises the information which should be provided for the bridge Officer of the Watch within an effective Voyage plan?
All of the suggested answers.
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.
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.
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.
There will be very little effect between the two ships as they pass.
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.
Which of the following precautions should be taken when work is to be carried out on the radar scanner unit on the mast?
A “Not to be used” sign on all radars and fuses for the complete radar systems to be removed.
Only the electrical fuses forthe radar undergoing repairs needs to be removed, allowing the ship to retain a workable radar.
Only the electrical fuses for the scanner motor needs to be removed.
A sign needs to be attached to all the radars warning the bridge officers of repairs and the fact the radars are “Not to be used”.
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.
Can the OOW be the sole lookout?
During daylight when visibility and traffic allows.
Never should the Officer of the Watch be the only lookout.
When the visibility is good and the ship is in the middle of the ocean where there is very little shipping.
Only if the ARPA radar is set onto Auto Acquisition with an audio alarm sounding when a ship is detected.
Which approved publication should be used by a seafarer to help overcome any misunderstanding in communications?
The (IMO) Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) booklet.
The Oxford Concise Dictionary.
The (ISC) Bridge Procedures Guide.
Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary.
What sound signal shall be used on ship’s whistle when there is a man overboard?
3 long blasts repeatedly.
6 long blasts repeatedly.
5 long blasts repeatedly.
4 long blasts repeatedly.
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.
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 continue on course and the speed will slowly reduce.
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.
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 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 stopped and making no way through the water.
The target is on a collision course with own ship.
What is the correct understanding of the term “Block Coefficient” as applied to a ship?
The comparisons of the underwater shape of the ship, to a rectangular block of the same extreme dimensions.
The ratio of the waterplane shape of the ship to a rectangle of the same extreme dimensions.
The restriction of a valve in a pipe to the flow of fluid through that pipe.
The coefficient of a Block and Tackle.
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.
You are proceeding along a narrow channel and approaching a bend, on the inside shore of which is a large hill, which obsures your view further up channel. What sound signal will you make to indicate your presence to any vessel that is behind the obstructing hill?
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 nearest the course line drawn on the chart.
At the point furthest away from any danger.
At the centre of the triangle.
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.
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?
How will the ship behave if it experiences a complete loss of power (black out) 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 wind will push the vessel sideways, but the heading will not change.
The vessel will continue on course and the speed will slowly reduce.
Visual signals are used by aircraft in search and rescue operations to direct ships towards a casualty. The signals shown here are part of a sequence. What does it indicate?
The assistance of your vessel is no longer required.
The aircraft is directing a vessel towards the casualty.
The aircraft is short on fuel and is returning to base.
The casualty is sighted and will require medical assistance.
What is the purpose of a sea anchor?
To keep the lifeboat steady against the sea/wind.
To keep the lifeboat in a position close to the vessel.
To adjust the drifting speed of the lifeboat.
To give a better signals to any aircraft searching for survivors.
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.
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 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.
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 a ship requires 2 nautical miles to stop in the water from a “crash stop” when proceeding at full ahead in deep water. What will the stopping distance be in shallow water?
About 1,5 nautical miles.
Similar distance to deep water.
The maximum rudder angle on your ship is 35°. Do you think this is the angle that the rudder is most effective?
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.
No, the rudder is most effective at angles between 10 and 20°.
No, the rudder is most effective at small rudder angles.
What is the colour and characteristic of a “towing light”, as defined in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea?
Yellow, fixed, seen over an arc of 135° and so arranged as to display 67,5° from right aft on each side of the vessel.
Amber, all-round, flashing, where it can best be seen.
One of two all-round amber, alternate flashing lights, displayed where they can best be seen.
White, fixed, displayed as an additional light on the foremast over an arc of 225°, from right ahead to 22,5° abaft the beam on each side of the vessel.
The ship is involved in a collision, what is the immediate action by the Officer of the Watch after the incident has taken place?
Sound the General Alarm and stop engines.
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.
Stop engines and check over the side for any signs of pollution.
What is the weather associated with being in the centre of an Anticyclone (a region of High Pressure)?
Light winds and fair weather, sometimes fog.
Strong winds but with very little rain.
Persistent rain and very humid weather.
Strong winds and heavy rain.
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:
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.
Strain on the fairleads and rollers in use in excess of their Safe Working Load.
Damage to the winch by distorting the shaft.
What, by definition in the International Collision Regulations, is a “vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre”?
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 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 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 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.