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 radar will be show abnormal sea clutter as the pulse is trapped by the inversion.
The GPS may give errors of position because of interference of incoming signals from the satellites.
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.
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, check the ships position and keep a good lookout.
Display anchor signal and keep a good lookout of other ships in the area.
Display the anchor signal, patrol the ship frequency and check the anchor chain for dragging.
Display the anchor signal and ensure the ship swings the same way at each change of tide.
The ship’s rudder is full over when the ship’s engines are full ahead. Will the turning effect (lift force) of the rudder be changed when the engine is stopped?
Yes, the lift or turning force will be reduced to about 50 % of the original lift force when the engines are stopped.
Yes, the lift force will be dramatically reduced when the engines are stopped.
No, the lift 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 lift force when going full ahead.
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 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.
Where can the size of the Magnetic Compass Error be found?
By taking the error from the Deviation Table on the bridge.
By taking a transit bearing of two fixed geographical positions and comparing it with the bearing of the same points on the chart.
On the chart in the centre of the compass rose or by reference to the Variation chart, taking into account the annual changes.
By reference to the last entry in the Compass Error Log Book.
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 A must out of the way of sailing vessel B.
Both sailing vessels are required to take avoiding action.
Sailing vessel B must out of the way of sailing vessel A.
The upwind sailing vessel must keep out of the way of the downwind sailing vessel.
A ship normally turns (swings) around a point which is not the centre of gravity. What is this point normally called?
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 picking up his pilot.
That the vessel is altering his course to starboard.
That the vessel is starting his engine and resuming his passage.
That the vessel is operating astern propulsion.
What does this signal hoist mean?
I require medical assistance.
Do you require assistance?
I require immediate assistance.
What is understood by the term “Dew point” of the air?
All of the suggested answers.
The “Dew Point” is the point at the centre of an Anticyclone.
The temperature of the water vapour in a cloud.
The temperature at which water vapour in the air forms into water droplets.
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.
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.
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.
In the diagram, the amount of water under the keel is indicated by the letter “C”. Which bridge instrument would measure this value?
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.
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 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.
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 vessel’s stern is pushed away from the bank.
The vessel’s bow is attracted by the bank.
The vessel’s bow is pushed away from the bank.
The whole vessel would continue straight towards the bank and would require a large helm order to avoid going aground.
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.
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.
What is happening here?
These are two vessels engaged in fishing (pair trawling), showing the additional voluntary signals for shooting nets.
These are two vessels engaged in fishing (pair trawling), showing the additional volutary signals for hauling nets.
This is a vessel engaged in towing a disabled tow, restricted in its ability to manoeuvre, with a searchlight used to highlight the location of the tow.
These are two vessels engaged in fishing, using purse-seine gear. The searchlights are simply working lights.
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.
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?
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.
When should a ship’s officer use some of the English language found in the IMO’s publication “Standard Marine Communication Phrases”?
When talking between ship and shore in a foreign land.
In circumstances described in all of the answers provided.
When talking on the VHF between ships of differing flag states.
When giving orders to a multi-national bridge team.
According to rule 13 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, what is the definition of “an overtaking vessel”?
When coming up with another vessel from a direction more than 22,5° abaft her beam.
When the vessel is detected as a radar target or sighted visually in a position directly astern.
When coming up with another vessel from any direction abaft her beam.
When coming up with another vessel from a direction more than 45° abaft her beam.
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.
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.
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.
The vessel is steaming off the coast when the engine room informs the bridge it must stop engines immediately. Shortly afterwards they informed the bridge they would need a least three hours to fix it. Which of the following actions would be the most suitable taken by the bridge?
Display the NUC signal and keep a good lookout.
Display the NUC signal, maintain the watch and ask the Engine room to be a quick as possible.
Display the NUC signal, maintain the watch and wait for further developments.
Display the NUC signal, maintain the watch and determine how the ship is drifting and the probable position after 3 hours.
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.
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 B, in the figure.
The Fore and aft Centreline is indicated by C, in the figure.
The Fore and aft Centreline is indicated by A, in the figure.
Which statement best describes how land moves, if at all, on an ECDIS set in North-up, relative motion mode?
This is a feature only seen on radar displays.
The land is always in the middle of the screen.
Land on the chart screen moves relative to the ship symbol.
Land is stopped with the vessel symbol moving across the sea floor.
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 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 put from side to side in a “Rudder Cycling” movement.
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 put Hard to Port to reduce the water flow to the left side of the propeller.
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 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 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.
What can be used to reduce the effect of the state of sea-water?
In the figure, which letter gives the correct understanding of the term “LENGTH OVERALL”?
Length Overall is indicated by D, in the figure.
Length Overall is indicated by C, in the figure.
Length Overall is indicated by B, in the figure.
Length Overall is indicated by A, in the figure.
After passage planning with ECDIS, how should the route be checked for safety?
Using the ECDIS route and geometry checker only.
Using the ECDIS route checker and by visually sighting all along it.
Transfer the ECDIS plan onto paper charts.
Investigate the displayed waypoint list after it is printed out.
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.
Why should Ground Stabilised True Motion display mode be avoided when using the ARPA for anti-collision purposes?
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.
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.
You are on a sailing vessel, underway in open water. This vessel is sighted on the starboard bow, on a steady bearing and the distance is closing. By the International Regulations for the Preventing Collisions at Sea, what action will you follow?
Risk of collision is deemed to exist and, as the other vessel is on a steady bearing on my starboard side, I am required to keep out of the way. I will make a broad alteration of course to starboard.
By Rule 18, a power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of a sailing vessel. I will maintain my course and speed, but will continue to monitor situation to ensure the other vessel takes avoiding action.
Risk of collision is deemed to exist and, as the other vessel is on a steady bearing on my starboard side, I will maintain my course and speed.
This vessel is clearly a power-driven vessel and I anticipate that the bearing will therefore close and she will pass ahead at a safe distance.
What is the correct understanding of the term “Block Coefficient” as applied to a ship?
The coefficient of a Block and Tackle.
The ratio of the waterplane shape of the ship to a rectangle of the same extreme dimensions.
The comparisons of the underwater shape of the ship, to a rectangular block of the same extreme dimensions.
The restriction of a valve in a pipe to the flow of fluid through that pipe.
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.
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).
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.
Incorrect height of the antenna.
All of the suggested answers.
Abnormal sun spot activity causing unusual radiation effects.
Can the OOW be the sole lookout?
Only if the ARPA radar is set onto Auto Acquisition with an audio alarm sounding when a ship is detected.
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.
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?
The error should be “High” or “Low” and therefore more information is required.
Add the 5° to the bearings.
Subtract 5° to the bearings.
The same error applies to all bearings and therefore it can be ignored.
What is the depth of an iceberg below the surface of the sea?
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 varies with the type of berg and its age.
The draught of an iceberg is normally about 3/4 of its total depth.
What is correct UTC in this example? Approx. Pos: N49° 51′ W35° 23′, zone +2, Local Time 0900.
What is understood by the term “Dew point” of the air?
The temperature of the water vapour in a cloud.
The temperature at which condensation in the air forms into water droplets.
All of the suggested answers.
The “Dew point” is the point at the centre of an Anticyclone.
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.
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”?
When fastening synthetic fibre ropes such as polypropylene on bitts, for safety and better rope control it is recommended to:
Make it fast with round turns on the leading bitt alone, fig. 1.
Make it fast in a figure of eight fashion, fig. 3.
Make two round turns fast on the leading bitt and then figure of eight on both bitts, fig. 4.
Make it fast on the second bitt alone, fig. 2.
The ship is navigating in dense fog where the visibility is less than one mile. The Arpa radar is set on a range 12 miles on a course of 314° and own ship has a vector as shown. What is the vector mode selected on the Arpa?
Relative vectors, ground stabilised.
Relative vectors, sea stabilised.
What radar device assists in the detection and location of a survival craft?
A personal locator beacon.
What is the correct understanding of the term “a ship with good Directional Stability”?
A ship moving forwards with the rudder amidships, will continue in a straight line.
The ship will shear away from its heading if not controlled.
A ship when swinging, will continue to swing even after the rudder is returned to amidships.
A ship will always follow in the direction that the rudder is put.
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?
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 tension on both cables should be similar, to avoid one dragging and all the weight of the ship remaining on the other anchor only.
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.
The two anchors will restrict the ships swing with the tide and the ship may not lie to the prevailing current and wind.
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.
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.
What is the description for a sidelight, as shown in rule 21 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea?
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.
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 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.
Why should a Ground Stabilised True Motion radar display not be used for anti-collision purposes?
Because this display is only ever used for navigation.
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.
True motion does not provide the collision risk of targets as only true vectors are available.
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.
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.
What does this flag mean?
My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.
I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed.
I wish to communicate with you.
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 “Block Coefficient” as applied to a ship?
The restriction of a valve in a pipe to the flow of fluid through that pipe.
The coefficient of a Block and Tackle.
The comparison of the underwater shape of the ship, to a rectangular block of the same extreme dimensions.
The ratio of the water plane shape of the ship to a rectangle of the same extreme dimensions.
What is the advantages of a GPS satellite system compared to other navigational aids?
The GPS system gives information about position, speed and time continuously world wide.
The GPS system gives information about weather and wave conditions in the area.
The GPS system has a built-in group of six radio-beacons called a Decca chain.
The GPS system is based on hyperbola navigation.
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.
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.
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?
Put the engine full astern and keep the rudder amidships.
The use of the rudder hard over both sides combined with reducing engine power, a method known as “high frequency rudder cycling”.
Make a complete turn while reducing the engine power.
Make a zig zag manoeuvre while reducing the engine power.
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?
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”.
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 dead slow ahead on the engines and leave the rudder in the hard over position.
Give the engines a short kick ahead.
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.
What are the three possible types of messages seen when there is an ECDIS alert?
Either an Alarm, an Indication or a Caution.
Either an Alarm, an Indication or a Caution.
Either an Alarm, a Warning or a Caution.
Either an Alarm, a Warning or an Information.
What is “AIR DRAUGHT”, 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 C, in the figure.
Air draught is indicated by B, in the figure.
Why should Ground Stabilised True Motion display mode be avoided when using the ARPA for anti-collision purposes?
The collision regulations are based on ship courses through the water.
The true vector can never give an indication of collision risk with another ship.
True motion does not provide the collision risk of other ships.
The Relative Motion display and relative vectors is the only display to use for anti-collision purposes.
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.
Expected prevailing wind and weather.
Contingency arrangements in case of problems.
Courses to steer; distance off dangers; parallel index lines; expected currents; prevailing winds; distance between alteration points.