In the diagram, the amount of water under the keel is indicated by the letter “C”. Which bridge instrument would measure this value?
Can the OOW be the sole lookout?
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.
Only if the ARPA radar is set onto Auto Acquisition with an audio alarm sounding when a ship is detected.
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.
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.
What is the purpose of a sea anchor?
To adjust the drifting speed of the lifeboat.
To keep the lifeboat steady against the sea/wind.
To keep the lifeboat in a position close to the vessel.
To give a better signals to any aircraft searching for survivors.
What sound signal can be made when nearing a bend in a river, with the view around the bend obscured by an intervening obstruction?
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.
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.
Courses to steer; distance off dangers; parallel index lines; expected currents; prevailing winds; distance between alteration points.
Expected prevailing wind and weather.
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.
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.
What is the two letter signal, to be used by flags, radiotelephony or radiotelegraphy, meaning “Calling All Ships”?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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 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.
When navigating using the GPS, how does the GPS display indicate when the accuracy of the displayed position is reduced?
A large “Correction Factor” number is displayed on the screen.
The GPS display is always very accurate and does not give any indication of lack of accuracy.
A large HDOP value is displayed on the screen.
The GPS display flashes and sounds an alarm.
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.
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.
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.
When should voyage planning be done?
During the pilotage when leaving the berth.
Prior to leaving the berth.
Before the vessel completes the previous passage.
Before the pilot is leaves the vessel at the departure port.
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 can be put from side to side in a “Rudder Cycling” movement.
The rudder should be put Hard to Port to reduce the water flow to the left side of the propeller.
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 kept amidships when going astern and there is little that can be done to reduce the swing to starboard.
When should a ship’s officer use some of the English language found in the IMO’s publication “Standard Marine Communication Phrases”?
When talking on the VHF between ships of differing flag states.
When giving orders to a multi-national bridge team.
In circumstances described in all of the answers provided.
When talking between ship and shore in a foreign land.
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?
Subtract 5° to the bearings.
The same error applies to all bearings and therefore it can be ignored.
The error should be “High” or “Low” and therefore more information is required.
Add the 5° to the bearings.
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 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 full astern on the engines until ship has stopped and then full ahead on the engines with rudder hard over.
Give half astern on the engines as this will increase the rate of turn.
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).
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 = 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.
1 = a, 2 = b, 3 = c and 4 = d.
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.
When fastening synthetic fibre ropes such as polypropylene on bitts, for safety and better rope control it is recommended to:
Make it fast in a figure of eight fashion, fig. 3.
Make it fast with round turns on the leading bitt alone, fig. 1.
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 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.
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.
How will the ship behave if it experiences a complete loss of power (black out) in the situation illustrated?
The wind will push the vessel sideways, but the heading will not change.
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 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.
What are the immediate duties of the bridge Officer of the Watch when the ship suddenly runs into a fog bank?
Commence sounding the fog signal and reduce speed to Slow Ahead.
Commence sounding the fog signal and if the radar indicates no echoes in the vicinity, proceed at the normal speed until ships are detected on the radar or until the fog lifts.
Commence sounding the fog signal and call the Master and wait for him to arrive before taking any further actions.
Commence sounding the fog signal, engines on standby, call the Master and lookout, if not already on duty.
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?
No reduction in strength.
A reduction in strength of 1 % to 5 %.
A reduction in strength of 30 % to 40 %.
A reduction in strength of 10 % to 15 %.
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.
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?
Depends on the crash stop used.
Similar distance to deep water.
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 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.
The vessel’s bow is attracted by the bank.
What can be a cause of error observed on a gyro compass reading?
Large values of variation caused by the gyro pole.
Incorrectly set heading and speed values.
Fluctuations in the magnetism around the compass.
Incorrectly set latitude and speed values.
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 are the main components causing the magnetic compass to require a regular evaluation and compass correction?
The change in the position of the magnetic pole causing annual changes in the variation.
The continual changes of courses steered by the ship.
Permanent and induced magnetism in the ships structure.
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.
What are the main advantages to the Navstar, Glonas and Galileo satellite navigation systems?
If a vessel uses any one of them, there is no need to practice other forms of navigation.
These satellite systems give world-wide coverage 24 hours a day.
They are all made specifically for ships and marine operations.
Satellite navigation systems also give information about weather and wave conditions.
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 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.
If a DSC distress alert is received on board your ship, what is the first action that should be taken?
Immediately answer the distress message on the correct radio frequency.
Determine how close your vessel is to the distressed vessel.
Contact SAR Authorities via nearest coast Radio station.
Listen for a distress message on the appropriate radio frequency for five minutes.
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.
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.
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, by definition in the International Collision Regulations, is a “vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre”?
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.
A vessel which because of her draught in relation to the available depth of navigable water is restricted in her ability to deviate from her course and keep out of the way of another vessel.
A vessel engaged in underwater work, such as the laying, picking up or servicing of a pipeline, or which is in support of diving operations, performing dredging and mine-clearance or is deploying or recovering a pilot.
A vessel which from the nature of her work is restricted in her ability to manoeuvre as required by the Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel.
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.
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?
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.
By applying the rudder hard over to starboard and going ahead on the engines.
Astern on the engines will allow Transverse Thrust to continue the swing.
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 position of the ship provided by the GPS should always be confirmed by other means, when possible. Which of the following suggested methods would be the most accurate?
Compass bearings of three shore objects.
Bearing using the Radio Direction Finding of three radio beacons.
The ranges of three distinctive shore objects on the radar.
Bearing and distance from a navigational Buoy.
What action should the Officer of the Watch (OOW) take if he is forced to make a major deviation from the voyage plan?
There is no special action necessary.
Make an appropriate entry in the Log Book.
Check that the deviation will not lead into danger.
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.
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 aircraft is directing a vessel towards the casualty.
The aircraft is short on fuel and is returning to base.
The assistance of your vessel is no longer required.
The casualty is sighted and will require medical assistance.
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 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 is normally about 3/4 of its total depth.
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”?
Which method is used to make a physical connection between a rescue vessel and a wreck?
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.
When navigating along a coastline what should be considered the most accurate method of navigating?
Passing close to navigational buoys.
Use of radar ranges and bearings.
Bearings of navigational shore marks such as lighthouses.
What is “AIR DRAUGHT”, in the figure?
Air draught is indicated by B, in the figure.
Air draught is indicated by A, in the figure.
Air draught is indicated by C, in the figure.
Air draught is indicated by D, in the figure.
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?
Yes, the rudder can be put to port.
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 can be cycled from side to side.
The rudder should be put hard to starboard to reduce the water flow to the left side of the propeller.
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?
Similar distance to deep water.
About 1,5 nautical miles.
You are on a tug and are towing an unmanned barge. You are restricted in your ability to manoeuvre. The total length of the tow is 219 metres. What daylight signals are required by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea?
A diamond shape, where it can best be seen, on the tug only. Three shapes shall also be displayed, being three balls in a vertical line.
Three shapes shall be displayed on the tug, where they can best be seen, in a vertical line, the upper and lower being balls and the middle one a cylinder. The signal flag “T” shall also be flown on the tug. A diamond shall be displayed aft on the tow.
A diamond shape, where it can best be seen shall be displayed on the tug and the tow. Three shapes shall also be displayed in a vertical line, the upper and lower being balls and the middle one a diamond. Diamond shape.
Three shapes shall be displayed forward on the tug, in a vertical line, the upper and lower being balls and the middle one a diamond.
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 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 does this flag mean?
I wish to communicate with you.
My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.
I have a diver down; keep well clear at slow speed.
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.
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.
What special equipment can often provide assistance in locating a survival craft or man overboard and in the water?
A sectored search pattern.
Who is ultimately responsible for approving 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.
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?
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.
They shall be given on both whistles simultaneously.
The positions of the ship provided by the GPS receiver should always be verified by other means. Which of the following suggested methods would be the most accurate?
Bearing and distance from a navigational buoy.
Radar bearings of three distinctive shore objects.
A DR updated position from the last reliable one.
Radar ranges of three distinctive shore objects.
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.