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.
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.
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.
When navigating using the GPS, how does the GPS display indicate when the accuracy of the displayed position is reduced?
A large HDOP value is displayed on the screen.
A large “Correction Factor” number is displayed on the screen.
The GPS display flashes and sounds an alarm.
The GPS display is always very accurate and does not give any indication of lack of accuracy.
Who is ultimately responsible for the voyage plan?
The Officer of the Watch (OOW) on duty.
The Second Officer as the official Navigation officer.
The ship owner will provide overall parameters within which the ship must follow.
Which method is used to make a physical connection between a rescue vessel and a wreck?
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Which part of the magnetic compass error changes with a change in the course steered?
All of the suggested answers.
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.
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.
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.
Persistent rain and very humid weather.
Strong winds but with very little rain.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
How can the effects of Squat be minimized, when a ship is proceeding in shallow water?
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.
Maintain a slow speed just sufficient to maintain steerage.
You are approaching the port entrance. What do these lights mean?
Vessels may proceed – one-way traffic.
Vessels may proceed – two-way traffic.
A vessel may proceed only when she has received specific orders to do so.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
Where can a ship expect an act of piracy to take place?
At the south end of the Red Sea.
Who is responsible for the number and the position of any tugs to be used during a mooring operation?
The Master, with consideration of the advice of the pilot.
The Pilot is fully responsible for the number and use of tugs within the port area.
It will be only the wind speed that will determine the required number of tugs and how they are used.
The Port Authority will dictate the tug requirements and their use within the port limits.
What radar device assists in the detection and location of a survival craft?
A personal locator beacon.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What actions should be taken by the Officer of the Watch if the ship’s steering system totally fails?
Request the engine room to check the steering system.
All of the suggested answers.
Display the NUC signal and stop the engine(s).
Call the Master and advise them of the situation.
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 correct understanding of the term “a ship with good Directional Stability”?
A ship which when the rudder is left amidships, it will continue on approximately a straight course.
A ship which when a rudder angle is applied and the ship starts to swing, will continue to swing even after the rudder is returned to amidships.
A ship which will maintain its course unless large rudder angles are applied.
A ship where the amount of positive transverse stability (GM) will vary with the direction of the ship’s head.
When fastening synthetic fibre ropes such as polypropylene on bitts, for safety and better rope control it is recommended to:
Make two round turns fast on the leading bitt and then figure of eight on both bitts, fig. 4.
Make it fast with round turns on the leading bitt alone, fig. 1.
Make it fast on the second bitt alone, fig. 2.
Make it fast in a figure of eight fashion, fig. 3.
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.
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.
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.
The ship is involved in a collision, what is the immediate action by the Officer of the Watch after the incident has taken place?
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.
Call the Master and check the position for any immediate dangers.
Sound the General Alarm and stop engines.
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.
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.
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.
A ship is being overtaken by another ship while proceeding along a river. What should be the required procedure?
The overtaking vessel should request permission to overtake from the Port Control VTS.
The overtaking vessel can overtake but must allow sufficient space to reduce the interaction between the two vessels.
The overtaking vessel should request permission from the other ship by sounding two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts on the whistle or by direct VHF contact.
There should be no overtaking in these confined waters.
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.
Which type of vessel suffers from the greatest squat effects?
Vessel with a low Block Coefficient.
Vessel with a small length to beam ratio.
Vessel with a high Block Coefficient.
Vessel with a large length to beam ratio.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Five prolonged blasts (flashes).
Five short and rapid blasts (flashes).
One prolonged blast (flash), followed by five or more short and rapid blasts (flashes).
Three short and rapid blasts (flashes).
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.
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 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.
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.
What is the situation of this vessel?
This vessel is not under command, but is making way through the water.
This vessel is not under command and stopped in the water.
This is a vessel constrained by her draft.
The ship 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.
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.
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.
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 more than 100 metres in length. She is sounding an additional warning signal to approaching vessels, directing them to “keep clear”.
There is a vessel aground in the vicinity. She is less than 100 metres in length. She is sounding an additional warning to approaching vessels to “navigate with extreme caution”.
There is a vessel at anchor in the vicinity. She is less than 100 metres in length. She is sounding an additional warning to approaching vessels that they are “running into danger”.
There is a vessel 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”.
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?
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?
I am about to depart the berth.
Caution! I have an anchor down.
You should proceed at slow speed when passing me.
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.
When splicing an eye on a mooring wire (using the recommended 5 full tucks and 2 half tucks) the effective breaking strength of the wire may be affected by the splice. What would be the anticipated change in the breaking strength of the wire?
A reduction in strength of 1 % to 5 %.
A reduction in strength of 10 % to 15 %.
A reduction in strength of 30 % to 40 %.
No reduction in strength.
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.
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 attract each other as they approach, then they will repel each other alongside and as they pass clear, the sterns will be attracted.
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.
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.
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.
Transverse Thrust will reduce the swing and therefore a kick ahead is necessary with full starboard helm applied.
The only effective method is by using the bow thruster to push the bow to starboard.
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.
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.
The ship is to berth alongside a quay in calm conditions of no wind or current. The ship has a signle fixed pitch right handed propeller. Which angle of approach would be considered the most favourable?
The decision should be left to the pilot who is in charge of the manoeuvre.
What is the two letter signal, to be used by flags, radiotelephony or radiotelegraphy, meaning “Calling All Ships”?