[Type text]

Questions for the Rank

of Officer of the Watch

INTRODUCTION

The sequence of questions and answers in this chapter are directed towards
Junior Officers of the Mercantile Marine who are studying or who intend to
study for the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping
(STCW) Seamanship Oral Examination, conducted by the Marine
Authorities around the world. The Junior Officer should familiarise himself
or herself with the topics of the respective syllabus prior to entering for the
examination. It should be realised from the onset that General Seamanship
is a vast subject and covers many topics often with numerous variants. In
order to be successful in the exami-nation candidates need to portray a
confident attitude as being first and foremost, a competent seaman.

The Marine Examiners do not expect candidates for the qualification of

Officer of the Watch (OFFICER ON WATCH ) to be superhuman.
However, they do expect candidates to present themselves in a smart
manner and show an in-depth knowledge of the art of good seamanship.
This does not mean individuals will be expected to know everything about
everything, this is clearly an impossible task. Certain areas of questioning
must be consid-ered as essential to the conduct of the examination, like
‘rules of the road’ questions. If these were answered incorrectly, the
examiner would be unlikely to issue the candidate with a licence to be in
charge of a navi-gation bridge. For further information, extracts from
Marine Guidance Notice (MGN) 69 (Conduct of Candidates) is given in
Appendix A.
It should be remembered that this is the first of several rungs of the
ladder towards the successful attainment of becoming a Master Mariner and
it is not a qualification to be taken lightly. It will allow the candidate to take
charge of a navigational watch at sea and on deck,

[Type text]
when the vessel is in port. Once the licence is issued, the candidate will be
called upon to act as the Master’s representative in many and varied
situations. This responsibility is known by the examiner and the candi-date
should ensure that when presenting himself for examination he should be
well prepared with regard to all the related subjects for that rank.

BRIDGE PROCEDURES (OFFICER ON WATCH )

Question 1. After completing the 8–12 night watch at sea and hand-ing
over to the 2nd Officer, what would be your actions?
Answer: Having handed over the watch, I would complete writing up the
Deck Log Book, and sign the book as a true record of events. I would
proceed below decks and carry out ‘ships rounds’ and security checks,
inspecting all accommodation alleyways, storage and domestic spaces.

Question 2. What specific items/topics would you include, when handing

over the navigation watch to another relief Officer?
Answer: I would expect to follow any company policy and include the
following:
(a) Appraise the relieving Officer of the ship’s course, gyro and
magnetic headings, highlighting any compass or gyro errors.
(b) Provide the relieving Officer with the current updated position of the
vessel and indicate the position respective to the chart.
(c) Draw attention to any visible shipping traffic and provide details as to
the current actions and intentions effecting relevant targets.
(d) Appraise the watch Officer of the current weather patterns and
advise on the past and present state of visibility, passing on the
latest weather report.
(e) The watch Officer would be appraised of any night orders left by the
Master.
(f ) If it is relevant, I would draw attention to the next ‘way point’ and any
expected alteration of course.
(g) If making a landfall or in coastal regions the under keel
clearance would be noted and attention drawn to the least
oncoming areas of depth.
(h) Any potential navigational hazards or possible security incursions
would be discussed in conjunction with the ‘passage plan’.
 (i) Should any defects have occurred these would be brought to the
attention of the officer on watch (as well as the Master, as they
occur).
(j) The officer on watch would be appraised of all the operational
instruments as to their performance. Radar specifics such as range and
presentation would also be positively discussed.
(k) It would also be normal practice to discuss events and activities
over the previous watch period that may or may not affect the
overall performance of the vessel.

Note: As the outgoing officer on watch it would be my duty to ascertain the

state and con-dition of the relieving Officer. Having let the incoming Officer
adjust his eyes to the light and visibility conditions I would note any adverse
feelings, that may be affecting the relieving Officer which may have been
caused by sickness, over-tiredness, drugs or alcohol. (In such an event where
an officer felt that the reliev-ing Officer was not in a fit state to carry out normal
watchkeeping duties he would be expected to inform the Master of his doubts.)

Question 3. While acting as officer on watch , you encounter

deterioration in the condition of visibility. What action would you take?
Answer: As officer on watch I would take the following actions:
(a) Place the ship’s main engines on ‘stand-by’ and reduce the vessels
speed.
(b) Advise the Master of the change in visibility conditions.
(c) Commence sounding fog signals.
(d) Switch on the navigation lights.
(e) Close all watertight doors in the vessel.
(f ) Commence systematic plotting of any targets on the radar.
(g) Place a current position on the chart.
(h) Post additional lookouts.
(i) Stop all noisy work on deck.
(j) Enter a statement of my actions into the ship’s Deck Log Book.

Question 4. When would you consider it necessary, as officer on watch ,

to call the Master?
Answer: The officer on watch should call the Master in any of the
following circumstances:
(a) In the event of visibility dropping below 4 miles (company policy
may be more or less than this figure).
(b) If traffic was causing concern effecting the safe passage of the vessel.
(c) In the event of failure of any of the ship’s navigational
equipment.
(d) If failing to sight a landfall when expecting to.
(e) If sighting a landfall when it is unexpected.
(f ) If soundings are shelving when unexpected.
(g) In the event that difficulty is experienced in maintaining the
course.
(h) If a scheduled position is unattainable or suspect.
(i) In the event that the man management of watch keepers
becomes untenable.
(j) In the event of heavy weather or on receipt of a bad weather
forecast.
(k) On sighting ice, or receiving an ice warning of ice being
reported on or near the vessels track.
(l) If sighting oil on the surface.
(m) On any issue of security or shipboard alert.
(n) In any other emergency, such as fire or flooding, imminent
contact or contact with a submerged object.

Question 5. When on watch at night, the alarm for the non-function of

navigation lights is activated, what action would you take as officer on
watch ?
Answer:
• I would immediately inspect the navigation light sentinel to ascer-tain
which navigation light had malfunctioned and caused the alarm to be
triggered.
• I would make a note of the defective light and switch the backup light
on in its place and cancel the alarm.
• In the event the light circuit had failed I would activate the second-ary
circuit and cancel the alarm.
• During the hours of darkness it may not be prudent, following a risk
assessment, to repair the light or circuit, before daylight hours. Provided
navigation lights remain operational on one or other cir-cuits. In any
event the Master would be informed and repairs insti-gated during
daylight hours.

Question 6. When approaching a pilot station, to take the Marine Pilot,

you are sent down below to meet the pilot on deck at the ladder position.
What actions would you take when at the ladder position?
Answer:
• As a responsible Officer, I would inspect the rigging of the ladder,
especially the deck securing hitches of the ladders rope tails.
• I would further ensure that the stanchions and manropes were
correctly rigged.
• The pilot station would expect to have a heaving line and a lifebuoy
readily available and I would check that these are on hand.
• It must be anticipated that the stand-by man would also be on sta-tion
and the immediate deck area was safe and clear of obstruc-tions.

• If all was in order I would report to the bridge (by two-way radio) my
presence at the ladder station and that all was ready to receive the pilot
on board.
• I would report again to the bridge that the pilot was on the ladder and
when he had attained the deck position.

Note: Pilot entry may be obtained via a shell door in some cases and access
procedures may be changed to suit the opening and closing of the door.

Question 7. As the officer on watch , how often would you be expected to

take an azimuth/amplitude in order to obtain a compass error?
Answer: Most certainly every watch, and on every alteration of course,
within the watch period (exception under pilotage where transits maybe a
possible alternative). Also in the event that I was concerned about the
reliability of the ‘gyro’ or ‘magnetic compass’ (i.e. concern may be caused
by magnetic anomalies).

Note: Some shipping companies policies may differ from this procedure.

Question 8. When the vessel is at anchor, what would you consider as the
main functions of the officer on watch ?
Answer: When conducting an ‘anchor watch’ the ship is still consid-ered
as being at sea. As such the prime duty of the officer on watch is to
maintain an effective lookout, by all available means, including visual,
audible and radar.
Neither would I allow the vessel to stand into danger and would check
the position at regular intervals to ensure that the ship was not ‘dragging her
anchor’.
Position monitoring while at anchor would entail checking by primary
and secondary position fixing methods, i.e. checking Visual Anchor
Bearings, Radar Range and Bearings, Global Positioning System (GPS) and

While at anchor the officer on watch would monitor the state of

visibility, the state of the weather, especially wind and tide changes, and
traffic move-ment in and out of the anchorage. Navigation signals should
be checked continuously that they are visible and lights are correctly
functioning. Access to the ship would also be of concern and The
International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code controls would be
implemented.
 The very high frequency (VHF) radio would be monitored through-out
for communication traffic. Log Books would be maintained, and the Master
kept informed of anything untoward.

Question 9. When approaching a pilotage station, when you require a

pilot, describe the actions and duties of the officer on watch .
Answer: As officer on watch , and when approximately 1 hour from the
pilot sta-tion, I would comply with the International Safety Management
(ISM) checklist and anticipate the following actions:
(a) Advise the Master of the expected estimated time of arrival (ETA) to
the pilot boat rendezvous.
(b) Establish communications with the pilot station and advise the pilot of
the ship’s name and ETA. It would be normal practice to ascertain the
pilot ladder details (e.g. side for ladder and height above water). Also
the local weather conditions at the rendezvous position would be
established to enable the Master to provide a ‘lee’ for the launch.

(c) Continuous position monitoring should be ongoing throughout the

approach.
(d) Under keel clearance would be monitored through out, on
approach, by use of the echo sounder.
(e) An effective lookout would be maintained throughout the
approach period.
(f ) The bridge team would be established to include changing from auto
to manual steering and the positioning of extra lookouts.
(g) Log Book entries would be made throughout.
(h) All correct signals would be indicated, prior to approach.
(i) Engines would be placed on ‘stand-by’ in ample time and astern
propulsion tested.
(j) The ETA would be updated with the pilotage authority and the
speed of engagement with the launch, clarified.
(k) Radar reduced to 6 mile range on approach, and a sharp lookout
maintained for small traffic and through traffic, affecting the area.

Question 10. When instructed to inspect, check and test the bridge
navigation equipment, prior to sailing, what actions would you take?
Answer: I would follow the company ‘checklist’ with regard to check-ing
the bridge equipment. This would necessitate the duty engineer monitoring
the rudder and steering gear inside the ‘steering flat’, as the steering gear
systems are tested from amidships to hard over to each side.

Rudder movement would be monitored by the movement of the ‘rudder

indicator’ on the bridge.
Radars would be switched on and performance tested, and left in the
‘stand-by’ mode, not switched off. All navigation lights and domestic lights
would be tested, together with all instrument lights.
 Checks would be made on the echo sounder, communication equip-ment,
signalling apparatus, inclusive of ship’s whistles and the engine room
telegraph synchronisation.
An entry would be made into the Deck Log Book, that all equipment was
found satisfactory and in good order.
The Master would be informed that the bridge equipment had been
checked and no defects found.

Question 11. How would you maintain and correct the ship’s naviga-
tional charts?
Answer: The navigation charts would be maintained under a Chart
Management System and corrected in accord with the ‘Weekly Notices to
Mariners’. All chart corrections being noted in the ‘Chart Correction Log’.

Question 12. What is ITP and what would you do with it?
Answer: The ITP stands for the Intercept Terminal Point and is in celestial
navigation practice. It is that point through which to draw the obtained
position line (P/L) (see figure on next page).

Question 13. Having obtained a morning sight of the sun, the weather
changes and becomes partially cloudy around the time of noon, prior to
obtaining the latitude by meridian altitude. What would you do?
Answer: I would anticipate the cloudy weather and calculate the limits of

ITP Position line

drawn 90
to bearing

Bearing of celestial body

Dead reckoning
position
Intercept plot
layed ‘away’ or ‘toward’
 and an ex-meridian was not obtained I would try to obtain a double altitude
as soon as the sun became visible, later in the day.

Question 14. While at sea, during your bridge watch, a man is lost
overboard from an amidships position. What would be your immediate
actions as OFFICER ON WATCH ?
Answer: I would immediately raise the alarm, place the engines on stand-
by, release the MoB bridge wing lifebuoy, and alter the helm towards the
side that the man has been seen to fall.
The above four actions should be carried out as near simultaneously as
possible. The helm movement would be an attempt to clear the pro-pellers
away from the man in the water and move the vessel towards a Williamson
Turn operation.

Question 15. Following a man overboard incident the OFFICER ON

WATCH has carried out the immediate required actions of raising the
alarm, SBE, MoB lifebuoy release and altered course. What subsequent
actions should be carried out by the Officer?
Answer: Additional actions by the OFFICER ON WATCH , should include
the following:
(a) Post lookouts high up and on the foc’stle head.
(b) Activate the GPS immediate position indicator.

(c) Inform the Master, as soon as practical.

(d) Reduce ship’s speed.
(e) Adjust the vessels helm to complete the Williamson Turn
manoeuvre.
(f ) Sound ‘O’ on the ship’s whistle.
(g) Hoist ‘O’ Flag during the hours of daylight.
(h) Change to manual steering.
(i) Order the rescue boat to be turned out and crew to stand-by.
(j) Order the hospital and medical team to a state of readiness.
(k) Obtain up-to-date weather forecast.
(l) Enter a statement into the Log Book of sequential events when
practical.

In the event that the Williamson Turn is complete and that the man in the
water is no longer visible, the Master is legally obliged to carry out a
surface search. This would mean that a ‘sector search’ would in all
probability be conducted and the OFFICER ON WATCH would be
expected to plot this pattern onto the chart.
Note: With any incident of this nature, a ‘bridge team’ would be immediately
placed in situation to handle support activities, inclusive of communications.
Alternative manoeuvres to the Williamson Turn are available for use.

Question 16. When engaged in coastal navigation, would you use the
Admiralty List of Lights and Fog Signals? And if so, how would you use it?
Answer: Yes, I would use the light list in conjunction with the naviga-tion
chart. The lights are listed ‘geographically’ and it would act as an additional
checking operation to match the coastal light order as pre-sented by the
chart.
The light list also contains more information about individual lights, than
is normally contained on the chart, and this fact would further enhance the
safe navigation practice of the vessel.

Question 17. While holding the watch at anchor, you see another ves-sel
at anchor display the ‘Y’ Flag. What would you assume from this?
Answer: That the vessel displaying the ‘Y’ Flag is dragging her anchor.

Question 18. What three types of notices, promulgate marine infor-mation

to ships and seafarers?
Answer:
• The Merchant Shipping Notices (MSNs)
• The Marine Guidance Notices (MGNs)
• The Marine Information Notices (MINs).

Question 19. What are the duties of the OFFICER ON WATCH when in
pilotage waters, with a pilot on board?
Answer: The OFFICER ON WATCH remains the Master’s
representative in the absence of the Master, despite the presence of a pilot
(exception Panama Canal). During any pilotage period he would be
expected to maintain an effective lookout at all times. In addition, he would
continually monitor the ship’s position by primary and secondary means
and ensure that the under keel clearance is adequate throughout.
His duties will also include the management of the bridge personnel and
he would ensure that the pilot’s instructions are executed in a cor-rect
manner by the members of the ‘bridge team’. He would further ensure that
the pilot is made familiar with the bridge instrumentation and advised of
compass errors and any defects which may affect the safe navigation of the
vessel.
 OFFICER ON WATCH and pilot, maintaining lookout duties aboard a vessel
with integrated bridge features. Radar and Electronic Chart Display and
Information System (ECDIS) positioned either side of the control consul.
Question 20. While on watch during a coastal passage, you sight a ves-sel aground, on
a bearing of approximately one (1) point off the port bow. What action would you take?
Answer: As the OFFICER ON WATCH , I would place the engines on
‘stand-by’ and the situation may make it necessary to take all way off my
own ship.
My subsequent actions would include:
(a) Advising the Master of the situation of the vessel aground.
(b) Carrying out a ‘chart assessment’ to include my own ship’s
position and the position of the vessel aground.
(c) Switch on the echo sounder and note the Under keel Clearance.
(d) Position lookouts and turn from auto pilot to manual steering.
(e) Communicate with the vessel aground, with station identification,
obtaining the draught of the aground vessel and the time of
grounding.
(f ) Carry out an assessment of the extent of the shoal that the vessel has
run aground on.

Note: Once the Master was present on the bridge it would be normal
practice for him to take the ‘conn’ but he would equally expect a detailed
report from the OFFICER ON WATCH .

Question 21. When involved in making up a ‘passage plan’, what prin-

ciples would you employ in its construction?
Answer: I would base any passage plan on the four fundamental
principles:
• Appraisal
• Planning
• Execution
• Monitoring.
I would construct the plan to operate from ‘berth to berth’ bearing in mind
that any plan is meant to be flexible and carry with it relevant contingency
plans to cater for exceptional circumstances.

Question 22. When on watch at sea, specific signs indicate the possi-ble
presence of a tropical revolving storm in the area. What positive evi-dence
would you take into account to show this is so in the absence of radio
information?
Answer: Assuming that the vessels position was between 5° and 35°
latitudes N/S of the equator and that it was the seasonal period
for tropical revolving storm (TRS), I would look for the following
indications:
(a) A swell may be experienced at a distance of up to 1000 miles from the
storm.
 (b) A decrease in the diurnal range, showing on the barograph.
(c) A change of direction in the ‘trade wind’.
(d) An ugly threatening sky with black Cumulonimbus or Nimbostratus
cloud formation.

Question 23. What is contained in the ‘Weekly Notices to Mariners’ and

what would you use the information for?

Answer: The Weekly Notice contains six (6) sections, which include the
corrections to Admiralty List of Radio Signals and the Admiralty List of
Lights/Fog Signals. It also contains an index and chart correc-tion index in
the front of the notice, followed by the respective, indi-vidual chart
corrections. Additional notices for the correction of sailing directions and
publications is also included.

Question 24. How would you ascertain the reliability of the naviga-tion
chart?

Answer: The navigation chart is probably the best aid to navigation

available to the OFFICER ON WATCH . However, it is not infallible and
should be used with caution at all times. Its reliability can be judged from
the date of the charts printing, found in the border at the bottom of the
chart. It can further be assessed by inspection of the ‘source data block’
which provides the date/year of survey and the authority which carried out
the survey.

If the chart is corrected up to date this should be indicated by the last

‘small correction’ being inserted in the left-hand corner of the chart by the
ship’s navigator. The correction should also be noted in the chart correction
log.

Question 25. How often would you expect to carry out an ‘emer-gency
steering drill’?
Answer: Emergency steering gear drills are conducted at least once every
three (3) months.

Question 26. When on watch at night, how would you know that the
visibility was deteriorating?

Answer: By observing the back scattering light of the navigation lights.

This misting effect could be visibly seen. The visible range being
established from radar observation of a target as and when it becomes
visible to the naked eye.
Question 27. What is a ship reporting system and what is its function?

Answer: Ship reporting systems are organisations like Automated Mutual

Vessel Reporting (AMVER), Australian Ship Reporting system (AUSREP),
INSPIRES, JASREP, etc.
They can be voluntary position reporting schemes like AMVER or
compulsory reporting schemes like AUSREP, for vessels entering
Australian waters.
It allows the organisation to monitor ship’s positions during the ocean
voyages and provides mutual assistance in the event of a marine
emergency.

Question 28. While on watch at sea in the North Atlantic you receive an
iceberg warning from the International Ice Patrol providing iceberg
positions. What would you do?

Answer: The positions of the icebergs would be plotted onto the nav-
igation chart along with the ship’s current position. The ship’s Master
would be informed of the report and made aware of the proximity of the
danger to the ship’s position.

Question 29. When involved in a coastal passage, in clear weather, how

would you ascertain the vessels position to ensure that the ship is
maintaining her course?

Answer: It would be normal practice to obtain the vessels position at

regular intervals by both a primary and secondary position fixing methods
to ensure that the ship is proceeding on its intended track by using a
primary and secondary system (each method becomes a self-checking
procedure).

Question 30. What is expected of you as the designated prime look-out

Answer: Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper lookout by sight
and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate to the prevailing
circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation
and of the risk of collision.

MARINE INSTRUMENTS

Question 1. What is a ‘Mason’s hygrometer’ and what is it used for?

Answer: It is the name given to dry and wet bulb thermometers, usu-ally
contained in the Stevenson’s screen often found on the ship’s bridge wing.
It is used for measuring the ‘humidity’.

Question 2. For what would you use a hydrometer when aboard ship?
 Answer: A hydrometer is used to obtain the density of dock water. The
obtained value is then used in conjunction with the Fresh Water Allowance
(FWA) to obtain the Dock Water Allowance, i.e. the amount that the vessel
may submerge her load line mark, in any water other than sea water.

Question 3. When reading the precision aneroid barometer, what

corrections would you make to the reading?

Answer: The barometer is supplied with a calibration correction card

which allows for a correction to be added to the reading to adjust to mean
sea level (table of height in metres air temperature in °C).

Question 4. How would you check that the azimuth bearing circle, of the
compass was correct?

Answer: By taking a bearing of a terrestrial object, e.g. a lighthouse, with

the arrow indication uppermost. Take a second bearing of the same object,
with the arrow in the downward position.
Both readings should be the same and the bearing circle can be used with
confidence.

Question 5. What is the liquid found inside a magnetic compass bowl?

Answer: The older design of liquid magnetic compass contained a mixture
of one part alcohol to two parts distilled water. The more

modern magnetic compass would be filled with a clear oily fluid, derived
from ‘Bayol’.

Question 6. The purpose of the alcohol in the liquid compass was to

prevent the fluid from freezing in cold, high latitudes. What was the
purpose of the distilled water in the mixture?
Answer: Distilled water was included in the fluid mixture to prevent the
alcohol evaporating in warm latitudes.

Question 7. How would you check the performance of the radar on the
navigation bridge?
Answer: I would operate the ‘performance monitor’ (if fitted) on the
instrumentation panel. Once activated the range of the ‘plume’ could be
compared with the Radar Specification Manual details.

Note: New radars are usually fitted with a self-test control to meet
instrument specifications.
Question 8. When taking a visual three-point position fix, you find the
charted plot produces a ‘cocked hat’. What would you do?
Answer: I would consider the position as unreliable and take another set of
bearings. It would be prudent to also obtain a secondary fix by an
alternative method, e.g. radar or GPS.

Question 9. How would you test the steering gear prior to the vessel
departing from a port?
Answer: Having ascertained that the rudder and propeller area is clear of
obstructions, I would turn the ship’s wheel, hard over each way to port and
starboard. When in the hard over positions I would note the ‘Helm
Indicator’ and the ‘rudder indicator’ are both shown in the hard over
positions.
The auto-pilot would also be tested to port and starboard, together with
the tiller control. The rudder indicator should be noted to reach the hard
over position on each occasion.

Question 10. What information can you obtain from a barograph?

Answer: The barometric tendency measured over the last three (3) hours.
 Question 11. When joining a ship for the first time, how would you
ascertain if the vessel had any ‘Blind Sectors’ affecting the radar(s)?
Answer: It is common practice to display a diagram on a bulkhead, in
close proximity to the radar, if its operation is hampered by Blind Sectors.
Alternatively, the Radar Specification Manual could be consulted and any
Blind Sectors would be indicated in the manual.

Question 12. When ascertaining risk of collision with another vessel, it is

normal practice to take a series of ‘compass bearings’ as per the COLREGS
(Reference Rule 7(d)(i), see Appendix B). Why would you use ‘compass
bearings’?
Answer: The compass card is a fixed reference and eliminates the ‘Yaw’
of the ship’s head when taking the bearings.

Question 13. What are the three correctable errors that exist on a marine
sextant?
Answer: The first adjustment is for any error of perpendicularity, the
second adjustment is for any side error, and the third adjustment is for any
Index Error.
Example of a marine micrometer sextant seen with the index arm set in the
middle of the arc.
Question 14. Where would you find the instrument error for a marine
sextant?
Answer: The instrument error of the sextant is found on the certifi-cate,
inside the lid of the sextant’s box.

Question 15. What is Collimation, with reference to the marine sextant?

Answer: Collimation is an error on the sextant caused by the axis of the
telescope not being parallel to the plane of the instrument. With modern
sextants the collar holding the telescope is permanently fixed and no
adjustment is possible.

Question 16. What are the non-correctable errors that are found with the
marine sextant?
Answer: Non-adjustable (or non-correctable) errors of the sextant, include:

(i) shade error,

(ii) prismatic error,
(iii) graduation error.

Question 17. Where would you find the ‘lubber line’?

Answer: The lubber line is found on the inside of the magnetic com-pass
bowl, in line with the fore and aft line of the vessel. It is used to ref-erence
the ship’s head on to a compass heading.

Question 18. While on watch you notice that the magnetic compass card
is shuddering, what do you think might be wrong with the instrument?
Answer: Unusual movement of the compass card in this manner could be a
reflection of dirty bearings or a lack of lubrication on the gimbals.

Question 19. When obtaining the density of the dock water using a sample
bucket of water obtained from the dock, how would you ensure accuracy of
your hydrometer reading?
Answer: When obtaining the water sample I would ensure that the bucket
is allowed to sink below the surface and draw a sample that would be
When using the hydrometer, I would spin the instrument to break any
surface tension against the scale bar and so obtain an accurate reading.

Question 20. How would you find the Index Error, of the marine sex-tant,
by use of the sun?
Answer: When checking the errors of the sextant, the third adjust-ment for
Index Error, using the sun is found by:
• setting the arm of the sextant at approximately 32 on the arc and
bringing the true sun above the reflected sun. Adjust the two images
until they are ‘limb upon limb’, then note the reading (say 28 on the
arc);
• re-set the arm at approximately 32 off the arc and bring the images
again Limb upon Limb, and read the sextant again (say 37 off the
arc).

TS RS

RS TS

Reading 28 on the arc Reading 37 off the arc

Take the difference of the two readings and divide by ‘2’ to give the Index
Error, and call it the higher of the two.

Example
37 28 9
9
4 .5 off the arc (Index Error)
2

Question 21. How would you check that the Index Error so obtained, is
correct?
Answer: Add the two readings together and divide by 4. The result should
equal the sun’s semi-diameter of the day in question. This can subsequently
be compared with the Nautical Almanac to see if correct.

Example
37 28 65
65
16.1 (16.1 should equal the sun’s semi-diameter of the day).
4
Question 22. When engaged in manual radar plotting operations, an OAW
triangular plotting format is established. What do OA, WA and OW
represent?
Answer: Manual radar plotting techniques employ a minimum of three
timed plots on any one target.

Radar: head up display

OA represents the apparent motion of the target

WA represents the true course and speed of the target
OW represents own ship’s motion (course and speed)

Question 23. When taking a position fix by use of the azimuth bear-ing
circle, the charted position shows an enlarged ‘cocked hat’. What would
you do?
Answer: Any ‘cocked hat’ of size would probably indicate that one or
more of the bearings and respective position line(s) was incorrect.
I would therefore consider that the position was unreliable and would
look to take another position. It is expected that primary and secondary
position fixing methods are employed wherever and when-ever possible.
Having confirmed the position by an alternative system, I would inspect the
azimuth mirror for defect and check its use by car-rying out another
sequence of bearings. Any fault detected would be reported to the Master.

Question 24. How often do you test and check the ship’s steering gear?

Answer: The regulations state that the steering gear must be tested by the
ship’s crew, twelve (12) hours before departure. In reality the steering gear
equipment 1 to 2 hours before leaving any port. An entry is made into the
Deck Log Book and the Master would be advised that the opera-tional
features were effective and free of defects (ships will have an ISM checklist
for such procedures).

Question 25. How are the ship’s chronometers maintained?

Answer: Most vessels are now equipped with ‘quartz chronometers’ and as
such they do not have to be wound at regular intervals like the 2- and 8-day
mechanical chronometers.
Most ships will keep the chronometer(s) in a robust wood box with the
instrument slung on a gimbal arrangement. This box will in turn be
mounted in an insulated cabinet with a glass, see through, dust protect-ive
cover.
It is normal practice to rate the chronometer daily by comparison with a
radio ‘time check signal’.

Question 26. Is the Automatic Identification System (AIS) being fitted to

all ships?
Answer: No. Vessels less than 500 grt are not required to have AIS.

Question 27. What is the compass error and when do you apply it?
Answer: The compass error is obtained by taking an azimuth or amplitude
or by making a comparison on the chart with a known bear-ing. The error is
made up of the algebraic sum of Variation and Deviation and is used to
convert ‘compass’ bearings and courses to ‘true’ directions, and vice versa,
true to compass.

Question 28. While on watch the ‘off course alarm’ is activated. What
actions would you take as the Officer of the Watch?
Answer: The off course alarm is an audible signal and I would cancel this
and investigate the cause of activation.
As the OFFICER ON WATCH I would ensure that the steering
motor(s) is on and func-tioning correctly and immediately check the
comparison course on the magnetic compass with the gyro heading and the
auto pilot heading.
The weather and/or sea state could have affected the course temporar-ily.
If the cause cannot be ascertained and rectified, I would engage man-ual
steering by the magnetic compass and inform the ship’s master of the
defect. A statement would be entered into the deck log book to this effect.
Question 29. On a Roll On–Roll Off (Ro-Ro) vessel you are on sta-tions
on the bridge prior to sailing. The cargo load has just completed. How
would you know that the stern ramp, and bow door/visor are locked down
and secured ready for sea?
Answer: It is a requirement that Ro-Ro vessels have closed-circuit tel-
evision (CCTV) monitoring all access points into the vessel. It would be
necessary to check the visual display monitor to see the watertight integrity
of the ship is intact. This would additionally be checked by a red/green light
tell tale, sensor-activated display showing all green lights. Each station
operator or Deck Officer would also verbally con-firm by radio that the
respective aperture is closed and locked.

Question 30. Men are assigned to clean and paint the radar scanner tower.
What precautions would you take as OFFICER ON WATCH ? (Assume
that the vessel is in open water and clear visibility.)
Answer: It would be expected to draw the fuses from the circuit box and
place a notice on the Plan Position Indicator (PPI) screen to th

Example radar mast. Typical mast arrangement accommodating two

radar scanners, signal and navigation lights, flag halyards and

effect that maintenance was ongoing on the scanner to prevent acci-dental

switch on. The Master would also be informed.

LIFE SAVING APPLIANCES AND REGULATIONS

Question 1. How many immersion suits must be provided to each

lifeboat?
Answer: Three per boat (assuming totally enclosed boats) if the boat is a
designated rescue boat.

Note: New legislation (2006) will require immersion suits for all the
ship’s complement.

Question 2. How many lifejackets must be carried aboard a passen-ger

carrying vessels over 500 grt?
 Answer: One for every person on board plus an additional 5% and enough
child lifejackets equal to 10% of the total number of persons on board to
ensure one lifejacket for every child on board.

Question 3. What pyrotechnics are carried in survival craft?

Answer: Six hand flares, four rocket parachute flares and two orange
smoke floats.

Question 4. How many lifebuoys must be carried aboard your ship?

Answer: The number of lifebuoys carried will be dependent on the ship’s
length:

Length of ship in metres Minimum number of lifebuoys

Less than 100 8

100 or more but less than 150 10
150 but less than 200 12
200 or more 14

Question 5. What additional equipment, over and above standard lifeboat

equipment, would you expect to be carried by a designated ‘rescue boat’?

Answer:
• A buoyant towing line of 50 m length.
• Two rescue lines and quoits each of 30 m in length.
• A waterproof first aid kit.
• A search light.
• An effective radar reflector.
• Thermal Protective Aids (TPAs) sufficient for 10% of the number of
persons that the boat is certified to carry, or two, whichever is the
greater.
• Walkie-talkie communications if from a non-passenger vessel.
• A painter system with a quick release operational method.

A typical example ‘rescue boat’ employed with offshore ‘stand-by’ vessels,

passenger ferries, and vessels fitted with ‘free-fall lifeboats’.
 • A whistle or sound signalling apparatus.
• A waterproof electric torch.

Question 6. What is the length of the painter fitted to a manually

launched, inflatable liferaft?
Answer: The Safety of Life at Sea (Convention) (SOLAS) Regulations
require the liferaft painter to be 15 m in length. However, it should be noted
that manufacturers supply liferafts with a standard painter length of 25 m.

Question 7. Why are ‘davit launched liferafts’ supplied with two (2)
painters?

Answer: Davit launched liferafts have a short painter for causing inflation
in the davit launched mode. The liferafts employed with a davit launching
system must be capable of being launched by the throw over inflatable
method, in the event that the davit system becomes inoperable. If such
conditions arise there must be a long painter to allow launching in the
manual, throw over, inflatable manner, hence a second painter.

Question 8. What markings do you expect to see on the outside of the

liferaft canister?
Answer: The canister will be marked by the following:
(a) The manufacture’s name and/or logo.
(b) The instructions for launching in diagram and text format.
(c) The capacity (manning) that the raft is designed for.
(d) Whether it is equipped with a survival pack and type of pack (A
or B).
(e) The length of painter fitted to the survival craft.
(f ) The date of last service.
(g) The next date of service due.
(h) The symbol ‘do not roll’ sign.

Question 9. What is the period of validity of the HAMMAR dispos-able

Hydrostatic Release Unit?A typical liferaft securing arrangement.

Question 10. What are the two functions of the ‘rescue boat’?
Answer: A rescue boat should be capable of recovery of person or persons
from the water. It must also be capable of marshalling survival craft
together.
Question 11. At what depth would you expect a liferaft’s Hydrostatic
Release Unit, to activate?
Answer: Between 2 and 6 m.

Question 12. Are all ships liferafts fitted with Hydrostatic Release Units
(HRUs)?
Answer: No. Some large vessels over 100 m in length with accommo-
dation either all forward, or all aft, will be required to be fitted with a 6-
man liferaft. This 6-man liferaft is not required to be fitted with an HRU.

Question 13. What is the breaking strength of the ‘weak link’ fitted with
the HRU?
Answer: 2.1 kN 45 kg.Inflatable liferaft canister, situated on exposed deck in a
secured frame. It is fitted with securing retaining straps, manual release ‘senhouse’ slip
arrangement and a Hydrostatic Release Unit.

Question 14. How often is the Liferaft and Hydrostatic Release Unit
serviced, and can this period be extended?
Answer: The raft and the HRU are both serviced at 12 monthly intervals.

Note: Exception is a disposable HRU 2 years period and then replaced.

The service period can be extended by 5 months for both HRU and liferaft.

Question 15. What type of distress signals could you make from a sur-
vival craft?
Answer: Use of pyrotechnics:
• Rocket parachute flare throwing red star.
• Volume of orange-coloured smoke (smoke float).

Also:
• Raising and lowering of the arms.
• Burning bucket of oily rags.
• Whistle – continuous sounding (any fog signal apparatus).
• Square flag having above or below it a ball (improvised shapes).
• Explosive signal (improvised axe bang on metal bucket).
• Activation of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) if
carried in survival craft.
• SART operation.
• SOS transmitted by any means, use of flashing torch.
• Spoken word ‘MAYDAY’ by means of walkie-talkie radios (carried
under Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
Regulations).

Question 16. Describe how you would take a ship’s boat away from the
vessels side when the parent vessel is underway and making way through
the water at four (4) knots.
Answer: Ensure that the boats painter is secured well forward on the
parent vessel. Lower the boat to the surface with the crew wearing suit-able
clothing and lifejackets. Have the boats engine operational, but in neutral
gear and have bowman and crew standing by to slip and clear the falls.
Once at the surface and the falls are clear, the coxswain should use the tiller
(wheel/rudder angle) to sheer the boat away from

Painter fast well

forward

Ship’s side

Position of maximum
‘sheer’

4
3
2
1 Opposing tiller action
slacks painter to slip
the ship’s side. Once at the point of maximum sheer, slack painter to permit
slipping by movement of rudder/bow angle.

Question 17. Totally enclosed lifeboats are equipped with a com-pressed

‘breathing air’ bottle. What is the purpose of this and how long will the air
last for?
Answer: The air in the bottle of the TEMSC is to allow the boat to clear
the immediate area in a battened down condition so as to be free from
toxics or harmful gases. Provided the boat is correctly battened down and
sealed the air will last for a period of 10 minutes and will tend to pressurise
the inside of the craft. This is expected to provide enough time for the boat
to head upwind into a clean atmosphere.

Question 18. How many self-contained rocket line throwing appara-tus

are carried aboard a Class VII vessel, and what are the specifications of this
equipment?
Answer: Class VII vessels carry at least four (4) rocket line throwing
apparatus.
Specification of self-contained line throwing apparatus: the rocket line
must have the capability to stretch the line 235 m, in order to achieve this
most manufactures include approximately 275 m of line. Size of line is 4
mm diameter.
When operated it is expected that 10% of the flight distance is an
expected deflection allowance.

Question 19. When firing a self-contained rocket line in an area of a

strong cross wind, would you aim the rocket: (a) upwind, (b) down-wind or
(c) directly at the target?
Answer: The answer is (b) downwind – because the wind acts on the
stretched line, not on the small rocket. This causes the line to ‘bow out-
ward’ and allows the rocket to turn in towards the target area.

Question 20. What is the period of validity of ship’s pyrotechnics?

Answer: Three (3) years.
Note: Out-of-date pyrotechnics should be handed over for disposal to the
police or coastguard authorities.

Question 21. What is the construction of the wire falls lowering the ship’s
lifeboats?
Answer: Lifeboat falls are constructed in Extra Flexible Steel Wire Rope
(EFSWR) of 6 36 w.p.s. Alternatives, include stainless steel
manufactured falls, or a ‘wirex’ lay which has a multi-plat construction
which has anti-rotational properties.

Question 22. Are the bowsing tackles for use with open boats rigged to
advantage or disadvantage?
Answer: Disadvantage.

Question 23. What is the purpose of ‘tricing pendants’ fitted to lifeboats?

Answer: To bring the lifeboat alongside the ship during launching, when
the parent vessel has an adverse list.

Question 24. Assuming you are in charge, how would you attempt to
beach a liferaft?
Answer:
• I would order all persons to secure their lifejackets, and cause the floor
of the liferaft to be inflated.
• I would prefer to carry out the operation in daylight onto a beach area
which is rock free and without surf.
• I would deploy the sea anchor and man the two paddles on
approaching the shore line, attempting to fend off any rock
obstructions.

Question 25. What is the emergency muster signal aboard your last ship?
Answer: Seven or more short blasts, followed by one long blast on the
ship’s whistle.

Question 26. In an emergency situation if time is available prior to

launching survival craft, what additional items would you place into the
survival craft?
Answer: Several items would be useful if they are readily available and
time permits. Any of the following are suggested:
(a) Extra blankets.
(b) Torch and extra batteries.
(c) Additional food and water.
(d) Hand held radios, EPIRBs or similar communication equipment.
(e) Cigarettes (lifeboats only, not liferafts).
(f ) Notebook and pencil.
 Question 27. What three methods are employed to allow a free-fall
lifeboat to become water borne?

A ‘free-fall lifeboat’ seen in the stowed position at the aft end of the vessel
‘Scandia Spirit’. The recovery crane is seen prominently in the upright position.
The davit launched liferaft station is also seen in the quarter deck position on the
starboard quarter.

Answer: The boat can be launched in the free-fall manner, or launched by

lift off methods using the derrick or davit recovery system or alternatively
allowed to float free.

Question 28. How are lifeboat painters secured when the vessel is at sea?

Answer: Inside the lifeboat fall and outside all other projections and made
fast as far forward as is practical.

Question 29. What symptoms would you look for when suspecting
hypothermia is affecting a person?
Answer: The casualty would experience discolouration of the skin, to a
whiter pale shade. The lips could also turn bluish. When questioned the
person may be incoherent. In acute hypothermia, loss of memory could be
expected, pupil dilation and loss of consciousness could all follow.

Note: Shivering would probably have ceased.

Question 30. What treatment would you provide to a hypothermic victim

if inside a liferaft?
Answer: Remove any wet clothing from the person and replace by dry
clothing if available.

Note: Damp clothing is better than no clothing at all.

• Place the person in a Thermal Protective Aid (TPA) if available.

• Huddle other people around the chilled person to generate body
warmth.
• Ensure that the entrances to the survival craft are battened down in order
to raise the internal temperature of the raft.

FIRE-FIGHTING APPLIANCES AND REGULATIONS

Question 1. What is contained in the ship’s fireman’s outfits?
Answer: A fireman’s suit with boots and gloves; a Self-Contained
Breathing Apparatus (SCBA); harness and safety line; a protective hel-met;

Question 2. What is the construction of the fireman’s ‘safety line’ and

why is so constructed?
Answer: The safety line is a woven flax line constructed about a steel core.
The purpose of this construction is that the steel core would not be burned
through, even if the flax caught alight.

Question 3. When kitting a man up with the SCBA, what safety checks
would you make?
Answer: I would check the condition of all the web straps that they are not
worn and that they are secure about the body. Inspect the air content gauge
and ensure that the bottle is full. When turning on the air valve I would
listen for the ‘whistle’ alarm signal.
When placing the mask over the face an even tension must be applied to
the mask straps in order to create an airtight/smoke seal. This would be
subsequently checked by shutting the air valve so that the wearer would
experience the mask ‘crushing’ onto the face, so creating a partial vacuum.
This denotes that the wearer is not drawing air from around the sealed
mask, and is therefore providing an effective smoke seal. I would then open
up the valve to allow the wearer to breath on demand.
Finally, communication with the wearer and the control position would
be checked to ensure a safe entry.
Note: Breathing apparatus use is covered by a checklist and permit to work
system. Whenever donning B/A, these would be adhered to and completed.

Question 4. What is the capacity of the ‘emergency fire pump’?

Answer: The emergency fire pump must be capable of delivering the
required two jets of water to any part of the vessel and also be able to
produce a pressure of 2.1 bar on a third additional hydrant.

Question 5. What length are the fire hoses on your ship?

Answer: Minimum of 18 m and a maximum of 27 m, as per the
regulations.
 Question 6. How many hoses would you expect a Class VII vessel to
carry?

Answer: A Class VII vessel could expect to carry a minimum of five (5)
hoses, plus one (1) spare. When they are joined together the overall length
must equal 60% of the ship’s length.

Question 7. Where would you expect to find the International Shore

Connection?
Answer: It is usually kept readily available and found often at the top of
the gangway, or on the bridge or alternatively in the Chief Officer’s office.

Question 8. What maintenance would you regularly carry out on ‘dry

powder’ fire extinguishers?
Answer: It is customary to shake dry powder extinguishers in order to
prevent the powder from congealing in the event it may become, damp.
They are also serviced at regular intervals under the Chief Officer’s
‘planned maintenance schedule’. Where any extin-guisher is test fired, it
would be recharged under supervision and date labelled.

Note: Some company policies send extinguishers ashore for regular checks
and maintenance inspections.

Question 9. In the event of fire on board, what signal would you expect to
hear?
Answer: Continuous ringing of the ship’s fire alarm bells.

Question 10. How much air time is contained in the ‘Self-Contained

Breathing Apparatus’ bottles, assuming that the wearer is working at a
steady rate?
Answer: Normal working conditions for a person wearing breath-ing
apparatus, would expect to provide approximately, twenty-five
(25) minutes of air. After this the low air alarm whistle should sound.

Note: In order to conserve air and make it last longer the wearer should sit
down and rest. Heavy work demands more oxygen, and the air bottles would
be consumed faster.
 Question 11. It is now a requirement that Ro-Ro passenger vessels are
equipped with an ‘emergency equipment locker’. Where would you expect
this locker to be located?
Answer: This type of locker should be clearly marked and stowed on an
upper deck, near the ship’s side.

Example of an emergency equipment locker established on Ro-Ro

passenger vessels.

Question 12. What equipment is contained in the emergency equip-ment

locker, as required for RoPax vessels, as stated above?
Answer:
(a) A long-handled fire axe.
(b) A short-handled fire axe.

(c) A 7 lb pin maul.

(d) A crowbar.
(e) Four torches or lamps.
(f ) A lightweight collapsible ladder (of at least 3 m).
(g) A lightweight rope ladder (10 m length).
(h) A first aid kit.
(i) Six sealed thermal blankets or alternatively six TPAs.
(j) Four sets of waterproof clothing.
(k) Five-padded lifting strops for adults.
(l) Two-padded lifting strops for children.
(m) Three hand powered lifting devices.

Question 13. Where are the extinguishers in the main engine room?
Answer: Extinguishers must be strategically positioned so that a per-son
walking in any direction of ten (10) metres will come upon a fire
extinguisher.
Note: Appropriate types of extinguishers are placed to reflect the type of fire
that maybe anticipated, i.e. electric board … CO2 extinguisher close by.

Question 14. When acting as OFFICER ON WATCH , the duty engineer

telephones the navigation bridge and states that there is a small fire in the
engine room store. What immediate action would you take?
Answer: Not having already heard any fire alarm, I would immedi-ately
sound the bridge fire alarm and carry out the following actions:
(a) Advise the Master as soon as possible.
(b) Place the ship’s position on the Chart.
(c) Engage ‘manual steering’ with a quarter master.
(d) Close all watertight and fire doors.
(e) Place engines on ‘stand-by’ as soon as appropriate and reduce
speed.
(f) Alter the ship’s course to position the wind direction, directly astern
1
(to reduce the draught and oxygen content within the vessel).
(g) Proceed to my muster station, once relieved on the bridge.

Note: Depending on manning, the engineers could be initially fighting the fire
and consequently the engines may not be brought to ‘stand-by’ as quickly

1 Draught may be required to clear smoke. Course alteration navigation permitting.

 as the bridge personnel might require. As manpower increased in the
engine room both to fight the fire and hold the watch, machinery response
could expect to become more effective.

Question 15. Following your watch at sea, you are carrying out ‘rounds’
of the vessel and you discover smoke is issuing from under a cabin door.
What action would you take?
Answer: Following the discovery of smoke in the accommodation block I
would immediately assume a fire has occurred and I would take the
following actions:
2
(a) Raise the alarm and inform the navigation bridge.
(b) Isolate live electrical circuits effecting the location of the fire.
(c) Close off all ventilation to the fire-affected area.
(d) Prepare to attack the fire on as many sides as possible.
(e) Rig a hose to the cabin entrance ready for the fire party.
(f ) Once the alarm has been sounded, it must be anticipated that a fire
party is being mustered and fitted out with breathing apparatus.

(g) I would order the fire party, when ready to tackle the fire
immediately, by kicking in the ‘crash panel’ at the base of the
cabin door. This would allow a ‘jet hose’ to be pushed into the
cabin and directed towards the deck head. This action would
deflect the jet of water, off the deck head and cool the interior of
the cabin.
(h) The hose could then be extracted and turned to a spray to pro-tect
fire fighters as they make an entry into the cabin.
(i) The entry being made with two hoses one in spray for protection, the
second in jet to kill the fire. It should be realised that
hoses should not be employed until the electrical circuits have been
isolated.

Note: The cabin door should not be opened until back-up fire fighters are
in position, as this action would only allow an ingress of oxygen and
probably cause a flash fire scenario.

2 Once the navigation bridge has been informed it would be anticipated that the Master would take
the ‘conn’ of the vessel alter course to put the wind astern and reduce speed. This action would
reduce the oxygen content throughout the ship and tend to starve the fire of oxygen. It must also be
assumed that the Chief Officer would manage the fire fighting operation and carry out a role call of
all personnel (especially the cabin occu-pant). His duties would also include establishing boundary
cooling and first aid parties being placed on stand-by.

Question 16. How is the ‘paint room’ fire protected, on your last ship?
Answer: Depending on the age of the vessel, regulations make it nec-
essary for paint rooms to be protected by a fixed ‘sprinkler system’.
Question 17. What colour is a CO2 fire extinguisher, and what type of fire
would you expect to use it on?
Answer: CO2 extinguishers are black in colour and would generally be
expected to be used on electrical fires.

Question 18. Is CO2 a smothering agent or an extinguishing agent?

Answer: CO2 is a smothering agent.

Question 19. What extinguisher requirements are expected on the vehicle

decks of Ro-Ro vessels?
Answer: Ro-Ro vehicle decks are expected to have at least two (2)
portable extinguishers suitable for oil fires, for every forty (40) metre
length of deck space.

Question 20. Means of stopping the main engines from a remote position
outside of the engine room is a requirement of the regula-tions. What types
of ‘stops’ are provided and what do they cut off?
Answer: The more modern vessel will be equipped with ‘solenoid
switches’ which operate ‘gate valves’. These close down the fuel supply,
shut down fans, and boilers inside the machinery space.

Question 21. If your vessel is fitted with a heli-landing deck, what fire-
fighting and emergency equipment would you expect to find available?
Answer: Helicopter landing areas are expected to have a crash-box of
emergency equipment adjacent to the landing area and additionally the
following fire-fighting appliances:
(a) Dry powder extinguisher of 45 kg capacity.
(b) A foam application system.
(c) CO2 extinguisher of 16 kg capacity.

Question 22. How would passengers aboard a passenger vessel, be

informed of a fire on the ship and be advised to move to muster stations?
Answer: Passenger vessels must have a Public Address (P/A) system as
part of the statutory fire-fighting appliances. If deemed necessary to muster
passengers this P/A system would be operated to give instruc-tions and
warnings.
Question 23. How is the pump room of a tanker, fire protected?
Answer: Pump rooms on tankers are protected spaces and covered by a
fixed fire extinguishing system, which is operated from outside of the
compartment. (Usually a CO2 operation. Note: Pump rooms are treated as
enclosed spaces.) After July 2002, under SOLAS II-2 Regulations 4,
5.10.3/4, cargo pump rooms were required to be fitted with gas
detection/bilge alarm systems.

Question 24. A modern vessel is fitted with an emergency control room.

What items of equipment and operational features would you expect to find
inside such a room?
Answer: Emergency control rooms are usually fitted with the activa-tion
equipment for the operation of: the emergency main engine stops, the CO 2
total flooding system, water fog application unit, fireman’s out-fits,
emergency pumping/valve systems together with bulkhead mounted plans
for emergency operations. Communications are also fea-tured, usually
linked to the navigation bridge from such a compartment.

Question 25. What is a ‘water fog application unit’?

Answer: SOLAS requirements (1995) require that passenger vessels and
Ro-Ro Ferries, over 500 grt, carrying over 36 passengers are required to
carry two (2) water fog application units.
These are pressure units which deliver a water-mist extinguishing agent
to designated spaces of high risk. These units are carried in addi-tion to the
total flood systems required by the regulations.

Question 26. A fire is discovered around the oil stoves in the galley. What
type of extinguishers would you expect to employ?
Answer: Oil stoves would usually generate oil fires and as such attack by
‘foam’ extinguishers would normally be expected.

Question 27. What are the three elements of the so-called ‘fire triangle’?
Answer: Fuel, oxygen and heat.

Question 28. A man fitted with Breathing Apparatus would be expected to

wear a harness and have a lifeline fitted. What is the con-struction of the
lifeline and why is it so constructed?
Answer: The lifeline is constructed with a steel wire core and an outer
covering of flax. The purpose of the wire core is to prevent the wire from
being burnt through.

Question 29. What type of nozzles are fitted to the hoses aboard ships?
Answer: Ships must be fitted with dual-operation spray and jet nozzles.

Question 30. Where would you anticipate hydrants would be found in a

ship’s engine room?
Answer: At least one would be positioned on either side of the engine
room and one would be inside any shaft tunnel. In any event sufficient
hydrants must be placed to bring two jets of water to bear to any point.

ANCHORWORK

Question 1. What type of anchors are generally fitted to Class VII vessels?
Answer: Stockless anchors.

Question 2. What are the parts of a ‘stockless anchor’?

Answer: Anchor Crown ‘D’ shackle, shank, arms, fluke, pea or bill,
crown, tripping palms. The lower part of the anchor attached to the shank is
termed the ‘head’ of the anchor.
 Anchor Crown
‘D’ shackle

Shank

Pea or bill

Fluke

Arm

Head
Tripping palm

Crown

Example of a stockless anchor.

Question 3. What is the length of a shackle of anchor cable?

Answer: A shackle length is 15 fathoms, or 27.5 m (90 ft).

Question 4. How are shackle lengths joined together?

Answer: The most popular method of joining anchor cable shackles is by

the use of ‘Kenter Lugless joining shackles’ alternatively ‘D’ lugged
joining shackles may be used.

Question 5. How would you secure the Stockless Anchor, when the vessel
is about to proceed outward bound to sea?

Answer: Once the anchor is ‘home’ and stowed correctly into the ‘hawse
pipe’ the windlass brake would be firmly applied. The hawse pipe cover

A devils claw would be set and tensioned with the bottle screw and
additional chain lashings may be passed through the Anchor Crown ‘D’
shackle and shackled on deck. Finally, the ‘spurling pipes’ would be sealed
with either designated covers or by means of a stuffing pudding and
cement.

Question 6. What is considered ‘Good Holding Ground’ for the anchor?

Answer: Mud or clay.

Question 7. What is considered ‘Bad Holding’ ground for the anchor?

Answer: Ooze, marsh, soft sand, rock, pebble.

Question 8. How does the anchor arrangement hold the ship teth-ered in
one position?
Answer: It is the amount of chain cable that effectively keeps the vessel in
the anchored position, not just the weight or size of the anchor itself.
When anchoring the vessel, the objective is to lay the chain cable in a
line on the seabed and avoid the cable piling up.
This action is meant to provide a horizontal pull on the anchor to drive
the ‘flukes’ into the holding ground.

Note: A short length of cable would have tendency to pull upwards and
cause the anchor to ‘break out’.

Question 9. What type of braking system, do you find on the ship’s

windlass?

Answer: There are several types of braking systems commercially

available but probably the most widely used is the ‘band brake’. Alternative
system would be a ‘disc brake’.

Question 10. How is the ‘bitter end’ of the anchor cable secured inside the
chain locker?
Answer: The last link of the last shackle is usually an open link which is
held in check by a through, draw bolt, in a bracket or clench, quick release
arrangement.

Draw bolt

Common link (inside locker)

Open link
 Forelock

Securing the Bitter End. Current regulations require that the chain cable can be
slipped from a position external to the cable locker. The bitter end attachment
being achieved by an easily removed draw bolt system or similar arrangement.

Question 11. How would you break a Kenter, Lugless joining shackle?

Answer: To break a Kenter joining shackle, ‘punch and drift’ the ‘spile
pin’. Movement of the spile pin will push out the ‘lead pellet’. Once the
spile pin is removed, knock out the centre stud then separate the two
shackle halves by hammer blows to the side of the link.

Question 12. What prevents the spile pin from accidentally falling out of
the joining shackle with the vibration caused in the cable when operating
anchors and cables?
Answer: Once the tapered spile pin has been inserted into the shackle, a
lead mould pellet is forced into the ‘dove tail chamber’, a space above the
top of the pin. This shaped cavity prevents the lead from dropping out,
while at the same time retaining the spile pin.

Question 13. Where would you find the ‘ganger length’ on an anchor

Lead pellet
Dove tail chamber

Spile pin

Stud

Kenter Lugless joining shackle.

Answer: The ganger length is the term given to the few additional links
found between the Anchor Crown ‘D’ Shackle and the first (1st) joining
shackle. The ganger length may or may not have a swivel piece within it.
Question 14. What and where is the ‘snug’ on a windlass?
Answer: The snug is the recess found on the gypsy of the windlass or
cable holder – that holding position where the individual links drop into
onto the gypsy.

Question 15. How do you know, after letting go the anchor, when the
vessel is brought up?
Answer: By watching the cable after applying the brake once the required
scope has been played out. If the cable rises up, to long stay and then bows,
to form a ‘catenary’, then rises again.
This cable movement is an indication that the vessel is riding to her
anchor not dragging her anchor. If the cable stays taught all the time it may
be assumed that the anchor is dragging under the tension.

Question 16. How would you normally pump out the chain locker, aboard
a general cargo vessel?
Answer: Normal practice would be to use a manual ‘hand pump’
operation. The reason for this is that the construction Regulations only
allow the ‘collision bulkhead’ to be pieced once and this is usually
 Line of cable
as vessel is brought up
Water line

Catenary of cable

Cable brought up.

assigned to the fore peak tank because of its regular use, the chain locker
being traditionally positioned forward of this bulkhead.

Note: Deep draughted vessels would usually employ an educator process.

Question 17. What is the advantage of mooring using two anchors as

opposed to a single anchor?
Answer: Use of two anchors is used where weather is causing prob-lems
and a second anchor is employed usually to prevent the vessel from
dragging her single anchor.
Where a designated moor is used, like a ‘running moor’ operation, two
anchors are employed to reduce the ‘circle of swing’.

Question 18. How would you measure the size of anchor cable?

Answer: Measure the size of the bar that the link is manufactured from, by
use of ‘external callipers’.

Question 19. How would you prepare an anchor for ‘letting go’ when
coming in from sea?

Answer: Having received orders to prepare the anchor, I would obtain

power on deck from the engineers and proceed to the foc’stle head with the
stand-by man:
(a) Ensure that the windlass is out of gear, and turn the machinery over.
The gears and moving parts would be oiled as the machinery is
stopped.
(b) Place the anchor in gear.
(c) Remove the hawse pipe cover of the specified anchor.
(d) Remove the ‘devils claw’ and any additional chain lashings.
(e) Remove the bow stopper (guillotine or compressor type). (f )
Remove the brake on the windlass.
(g) If spurling pipe covers are employed these would be removed. (If
cement and pudding has been used – walk back the anchor a small
amount, approximately 0.2 m. This will be enough for the cement to
crack and clear the mouth of the spurling pipe. Waste cement can
then be cleared with ease.)
(h) Continue to walk back the anchor, until the anchor is clear of the
hawse pipe and above the water surface.
(i) Place the brake on hard, and check that the brake is holding.
(j) Once the brake is seen to be effective, take the anchor out of
gear.
(k) Report to the bridge that the anchor is ready for letting go.

Note: Not all ships ‘let go’ the anchor and it is common practice with the
large and heavy anchor arrangements to walk the anchor back all the way to
the seabed. This would also apply to ‘deep water anchorages’.

Question 20. How would you test the brake on the windlass?
Answer: Once the brake has been turned on, it can be tested by the
following methods:
(a) Having walked the anchor clear, reverse the movement of the windlass
and turn the gear plates back to provide a small space between them.
Turn off the power and watch to see if the gear plates close up on
themselves. If the gear plates remain stationary and the ‘gap’ does not
close the brake is effective.
(b) Alternative method would be to put the brake on and provide a
burst of power to the chain movement. Provided the anchor chain
does not move forward, it will be observed that the windless bed
shudders under the stationary weight. The brake can be considered
as being effective. (This is not
the best method as over time it could strain the securing of the
windlass bed.)

Question 21. When in Dry Dock, it is decided to ‘end for end’ the anchor
cables. Once this operation is completed, what action must now be carried

Answer: Following end for ending, the cables would need to be re-marked.
 Question 22. When weighing the anchor, when would you inform the
bridge that the anchor is ‘aweigh’?
Answer: The ship is still considered to be anchored all the while the
anchor is in contact with the seabed. Once the anchor clears the bottom, the
up and down chain will be seen to fall away, back to the ship and it can be
assumed that this moment in time is when the anchor is termed ‘aweigh’.

Note: The experienced Officer is generally not in any hurry to signal to the
bridge, ‘anchor aweigh’. He would much prefer to see the anchor hove up, to
a position of being ‘sighted and clear’. This avoids embarrassment later, in
the event that the anchor has been fouled.

Question 23. What is the difference between ‘short stay’ and ‘long stay’?
Answer: Short stay is a term used to express a short amount of visible
cable at a steep angle from the hawse pipe to the water surface. Whereas
long stay is a term which describes where the cable is in a more horizontal
direction towards being parallel to the surface of the water. The cable is
said to ‘grow’ from a shorter stay to a long stay aspect.

Question 24. What ‘day signal’ must a vessel display when lying to her
anchor?

Answer: A vessel at anchor must display a ‘black ball’, in the fore part of
the vessel, where it can best be seen. The ball shall be not less than 0.6 m in
diameter.

Question 25. What is the fog signal for a vessel at anchor?

Answer: A vessel at anchor, in fog, will sound a rapid ringing of the ship’s
bell, in the forepart of the vessel for a period of about 5 seconds, at intervals
of not more than 1 minute. If the vessel is more than 100 m in length, the
bell signal would also be followed by the gong signal, in the aft part of the
vessel.

Question 26. Where would you expect to find a swivel link in the anchor
cable?

Answer: If the cable contains a swivel piece this would normally be found
next to the Anchor Crown ‘D’ shackle set into the ganger length before the
first joining shackle of the cable.
Question 27. What type of bow stoppers do you know?

Answer: There are two popular types of bow stopper employed in the
Mercantile Marine. These are the ‘Guillotine Bar’ type and the
‘Compressor’ type.
The tanker and offshore vessels often employ an auto-kick down (AKD)
type stopper, which is counter weighted to wedge against the links of the
chain.

Two AKD stoppers engaged on the forward chain moorings of a shuttle

tanker engaged in offloading oil from a Floating Storage Unit (FSU).

Question 28. What is the range of the anchor lights of a vessel over 50 m
in length?

Question 29. What is the difference between a ‘fouled anchor’ and a

‘fouled hawse’?
Answer: The fouled anchor is the description given to when the anchor
itself is fouled by some object like a cast off fishing wire, or even by its
own cable turned around the fluke.
A fouled hawse occurs when the vessel has moored with two anchors and
ship’s anchor cables have become entwined, usually caused by a change in
the wind direction, causing the vessel to swing in opposition to the lay of
cables.

Question 30. While acting as OFFICER ON WATCH aboard a vessel

riding to a single anchor, you observe that the vessel is yawing excessively
from side to side. What are the dangers of this and what action would be
expected?

Answer: If excessive yawing is taking place there is a danger that the

anchor will be broken out of the ground allowing the vessel to subse-
quently drag her anchor. The OFFICER ON WATCH would be expected
to inform the master of the vessels movement and he would probably order
more cable to be laid. The position and the weather conditions should be
tightly monitored and the state of any tidal stream should be checked.

DUTIES OF OFFICERS OF THE DECK (TANKERS

AND DRY CARGO) CARGO WORK

Question 1. What do you understand by the term ‘stowage factor’?

 Answer: Stowage factor is the volume occupied by unit weight and
3 3
expressed in either ft /ton, or m /ton. (No account is taken of broken
stowage).

Question 2. What is ‘broken stowage’?

Answer: Unfilled spaces between cargo packages is termed ‘broken
stowage’. It tends to be the greatest amongst assorted sizes of large cases
where the stow is at the turn of the bilge or where the vessel fines off, in the
fore and aft regions.

Question 3. What is ‘Grain Space’?

Answer: This is the total internal volume of the cargo compartment
measured from the internal side of the shell plating to the shell plating on
the opposite side. Also measured from the ‘tank tops’ to the under deck.
This measurement is used for any form of bulk cargo which could
completely fill the space. An allowance being made for space occupied by
beams and frames, etc.

Question 4. What is ‘bale space’?

Answer: Bale space is the internal volume measured from the under-side
of beams to the tank tops and from the inside edges of the spar ceiling and
bulkhead stiffeners.

Question 5. How could you separate similar cargoes but destined for
different Ports of discharge?
Answer: Depending on the nature of the cargo parcels would depend on
the type of separation that could be employed. Clearly the best form of
separation is to stow cargoes in alternative compartments. In the event that
the loading plan does not permit this, paint, paper, dye mark, dunnage,
burlap or nets can be used on a variety of general cargoes.

Question 6. If loading a cargo parcel of hazardous material, where would

you obtain the details of such a cargo?

Answer: Dangerous and hazardous goods are detailed in the Inter-national

Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code (the International Maritime
Organisation (IMO) publication: International Maritime Dangerous Goods
Code).
Question 7. How would you prepare a cargo hold for the carriage of
‘Grain’?

Answer: I would ensure that the hold was thoroughly clean and dry. It
should be seen to be free of rust and infestation. The hold should be free of
any ‘taint’ from previous cargoes. I would test the hold bilge suc-tions and
’tween deck scuppers and ensure that the bilge bays are clean

and dry. The bilges would then be covered with ‘burlap’ (sack cloth-ing) to
allow passage of water but not solid matter.
The vessel would be expected to comply with the ‘Grain Regulations’
and may need feeder construction or the rigging of shifting boards.
Prior to commencement of loading it would be anticipated that the hold
may be inspected by a cargo surveyor to provide National Authority
Approval, for the carriage of grain.

Note: Bulk carrier type vessels require a ‘Document of Authorisation’ and do

not require the National Authority Approval.

Question 8. How many classes of dangerous cargoes are covered by the

IMDG Code?
Answer: There are nine (9) classes of dangerous cargoes pollutants.

Question 9. What is the purpose of ‘dunnage’?

Answer: Dunnage is wood plank boards laid under cargoes to pro-vide
ventilation and in some cases assist drainage of moisture from car-goes.
Some cargoes require ‘double dunnage’. All dunnage must be clean and
free of oil or grease contamination as this could spoil cargo quality.

Dunnage can be used as a separation mode between cargo parcels but its
prime function is to separate cargo from the steel decks and avoid cargo
sweat.

Question 10. While engaged in loading a tanker, a malfunction occurs in

the inert gas system (IGS). What should the Cargo Officer of the Deck do?

Answer: Any failure in operation of the IGS would immediately cause all
loading operations to cease.

Question 11. What are the main concerns for the Chief Officer if the
vessel is scheduled to carry timber as deck cargo?
 Answer: When carrying timber as deck cargo there are two main concerns:

(1) the securing of the timber cargo,

Question 12. How would you load bags of ‘Mail’ and what precau-tions
would you take aboard a general cargo vessel?
Answer: Mail bags are treated as a ‘special cargo’ and would be loaded by
3
nets or in a container under the supervision of a Security Officer. They
would normally be tallied aboard, if loose and given ‘lock up’ stow.

Question 13. If your vessel is fitted with 5 ton safe working load (SWL)
derricks could you load a 4.5 ton weight?
Answer: Yes, the load could be lifted but not on the single whip, cargo
runner. Normal practice would dictate that the derrick is fitted with a 24
mm FSWR cargo runner and the SWL of the wire would be exceeded.

In order to lift this weight the derrick would need to be doubled up, so
providing a ‘gun tackle’ (two parts of wire in the purchase). This would
effectively place 2.25 ton on each part of wire, each under the SWL.

Question 14. Tanker vessels employ an IGS when engaged in loading.

What prevents inert gas flowing backwards, towards the accommodation?
Answer: Inert gas is prevented from going into a reverse flow, because
each system is fitted with a ‘deck water seal’ effectively a non-return valve.

Question 15. What alarms would you expect to find on an IGS?

Answer: All IGSs must carry the following alarms:

(a) Low water rate/pressure in the scrubber.

(b) High water level rate inside the scrubber.
(c) High gas temperature.
(d) Failure of inert gas blower.
(e) High oxygen.
(f ) Power supply failure on automatic control.
(g) Low water level in the deck water seal.
(h) Low gas pressure.
(i) High gas pressure.
Question 16. What precautions would you take when opening up a ‘single
pull’, chain McGregor steel hatch cover?
Answer: Steel hatch covers of the single pull type are opened by:
(a) Rigging a ‘bull wire’ to the leading hatch section.
(b) Rigging a ‘check wire’ to oppose the direction of pull.
(c) Ensuring all the cleating side ‘dogs’ are released.
(d) Releasing any hatch top wedges and completing any work on the
hatch top.
(e) Turning down the eccentric wheels by use of the jacks.
(f ) Checking that the stowage bay and trackways are clear.
(g) Taking the weight on the bull wire.
(h) Manning the check wire.
(i) Removing the safety end locking bolts.
(j) Warning personnel to stand clear and sighting the safe position of
personnel.
(k) If all is in order, heaving the sections to roll open.

Question 17. How would you stow 500 drums of corrosive liquid as deck
cargo?
Answer: It would be normal practice to check the product with the IMDG
Code, to ensure that it was not incompatible with any other deck cargo
being carried. This publication would also advise on any special stowage
conditions.
Unless otherwise advised these drums would be stowed in small batches
so as to allow access to any leaking drums whilst in transit. In the event of a
leaking drum developing while at sea, it may become necessary to ‘jettison’
the effected drum(s).
Each batch of drums would be lashed and netted against movement,
alongside protected bulwarks and/or ship’s rails. Securings would be
inspected daily and re-tensioned if found to be slack during the passage.

Question 18. What ventilation would you expect to provide to a full bulk
cargo of coal?
Answer: Coal gives off gas which rises through the cargo to the top
surface and therefore must be given, ‘surface ventilation’ in order to clear
gases. It is customary to lift hatch edges on old ships, when in good weather
to clear coal gases. However, hatches should not be opened in adverse
conditions that could in any way have a detrimental effect on the watertight
integrity of the ship.
 New ships must comply with the BC Code and be provided with per-
manent venting systems.

Question 19. What is the ‘ullage’ in a cargo oil tank?

Answer: Ullage is defined as the amount of liquid that a tank requires in
order to be full. The ullage measurement is often measured by means of a
gauge or a calibrated ullage stick.

Question 20. Can any vessel carry all classes of dangerous goods?
Answer: No, passenger vessels are not allowed to carry Class I (explo-
sives) dangerous goods.

Question 21. What type of slinging arrangement would be employed to

lift steel ‘H’ girders on board?
Answer: Most steelwork, including ‘H’ girders would use chain slings. A
spreader may also be employed depending on the overall length of the
girders.

Question 22. Cargo ‘pump rooms’ must be fitted with certain alarm
systems. What are these alarms?
Answer: Since July 2002, cargo pump rooms must have a gas detec-tion
alarm and a bilge alarm system.

Question 23. What do you understand by the term ‘flashpoint’?

Answer: Flashpoint is described as the lowest temperature at which a
liquid gives off sufficient vapour to form a flammable mixture with air,
near the surface of the liquid.

Question 24. What goods require a magazine stowage?

Answer: Class I and II, explosive goods require a specially constructed
magazine stowage.

Question 25. What is cargo sweat?

Answer: Cargo sweat occurs when the vessel is going from a cold cli-mate
to a hot climate and ventilating hatches at the wrong time. When
the temperature of the hold and cargo is below the dew point of the
incoming outside air cargo sweat can occur.
Contrast is made to ‘ships sweat’ which is caused by not ventilating the
cargo spaces.

Question 26. What is the function of a cargo plan?

Answer: The purpose of the cargo plan is to show the disposition of
cargoes, showing the amount and type of cargo together with its port of
discharge. It is a pictorial display which is meant to prevent cargo being
over carried. It also allows the Chief Officer to order the necessary
labour/equipment to facilitate the discharge at respective ports.

Question 27. How would you stow 40 ft drop trailers in the vehicle deck
of a Roll On–Roll Off Vessel?
Answer: Vehicle decks on Ro-Ro vessels are fitted with star/dome lashing
points. Drop trailers would be stowed and lashed in accord with the Cargo
Securing Manual which would provide examples of securing methods.

This size of trailer would normally be secured by a minimum of six (6)

chain lashings each fitted with a tension load binding bar, the trailer being
landed on a trestle at the front end while the rear is balanced by back
wheels. A manual brake system would also be applied.

Question 28. How is the maximum load on a vehicle ramp determined?

Answer: Permitted ramp loads are determined by axle weight, namely the
weight of the load divided by the number of wheel axles.

Question 29. What precautions would you take prior to loading

chemicals?
Answer: I would be expected to check the IMDG Code with the cor-rect
name of the commodity and note any stowage recommendations. It would
also be prudent to note the procedures to take in the event of spillage of the
product, making any reference to the Medical First Aid Guide.
Documentation of hazardous goods would be supported by emergency
contact names and numbers for relevant shore side assist-ance. These would
normally be held on the bridge for immediate use.

Question 30. While working cargo in port the fire alarm is activated. What
would you do as the Duty Cargo officer at the time?
Answer: It would be prudent to stop all cargo work operations and remove
all unnecessary Personnel from the ship, e.g. stevedores. I would instruct
the ship’s foreman to check his men are clear of the ves-sel by head count
and report back to the Chief Officer that his men are clear and in safety. It
would then be expected that the Cargo Officer would report to his
designated fire muster station.

RIGGING AND LIFTING GEAR

Question 1. What is the construction of the topping lift of a 5 or 10 ton

derrick?
Answer: Topping lifts are usually a 24 mm EFSWR of 6 36 w.p.s.

Question 2. What is the safe working angle, between the two runners
when derricks are rigged in union purchase rig?
Answer: Runner wires have a safe working angle of 90° but may carry out
occasional lifts up to 120°.

Question 3. A 5 ton SWL derrick is marked at the heel with a ‘U’ 1.6.
What does this signify?
Answer: ‘U’ represents the union purchase, safe working load, in this case
U 1.6 ton.

Question 4. What is the difference between a ‘hounds band’ and a ‘spider

band’?
Answer: A hounds band is the lugged band found around a mast to sup-
port the shrouds and the supporting stays. A spider band is found around
the head of a derrick, to secure the guys, topping lift and lifting purchase.

Question 5. What marking would you expect to find on the binding of a

metal block?
Answer: The safe working load and the certificate number.

Question 6. What is the difference between a ‘head block’ and a ‘heel

block’?
Answer: Very little difference other than the head fitting on the head block
is an oval becket, while the ‘heel block’ will be fitted with a ‘duck bill’
fitting to accommodate the gooseneck arrangement.

Question 7. As Officer of the Deck, when would you inspect the rig-ging
of the derricks or cranes?
Answer: Every time they are used.

Question 8. What is the SWL of a 24 mm FSWR?

Answer: The breaking strength (BS) of the wire is found by the formula:

2
BS 20 D
500

where D represents the diameter of the wire, and

BS
SWL

BS 20 24 24
500
23.04 ton
SWL 23.04 6 3 . 84 ton.

Question 9. When doubling up a derrick, what lifting tackle is made?

Answer: A gun tackle.

Question 10. What is the purpose of the heart inside a flexible steel wire
rope?

Answer: The purpose of the heart to the wire, is to provide ‘flexibil-ity’

and ‘lubrication’.

Question 11. What is the construction of a crane wire?

Answer: Crane wires have a multi-plat construction known as ‘Wirex’ this

type of lay having non-rotational properties.
Question 12. Where would you expect to find a ‘Union Plate’ on a derrick
rig?

Answer: Union Plates are employed on derricks which operate with a

single span ‘topping lift’ as opposed to a ‘span tackle’, topping lift.
The downhaul of the single span topping lift is shackled to the apex of
the Union Plate, while the bull wire, and chain preventer are secured to the
base of the plate. They are also employed to secure the runners and hook
arrangement in a union purchase rig, where a triple swivel hook is not used.

Question 13. What is a ‘schooner guy’?

Answer: A schooner guy is set to replace the crossed inboard guys of two
derricks when rigged in union purchase rig.

Two derricks rigged in union purchase rig, with a ‘schooner guy’ stretched

The schooner is shackled between the spider bands of each derrick and
acts to brace the two derricks within the rig.

Question 14. What is the difference between ‘standing rigging’ and

‘running rigging’?
Answer: Running rigging is any wire or cordage which passes through a
‘block’. In the case of steel wire ropes, running rigging would be of flexible
construction.
Standing rigging, is generally steel wire rope, which does not pass over
the sheave of a block. Its construction is 6 6, or 6 7 and is employed for
such items as stays or shrouds.

Question 15. How would you normally secure a pilot ladder?

Answer: Modern day tonnage is usually constructed with a pilot board-ing
station and a designated gateway either side of the vessel. This station is
generally fitted with twin deck ‘pad-eyes’. The rope tails of the pilot ladder
are secured to the pad-eyes, by means of round turns and two half hitches.

If the ship is fitted with bulwarks, the ladder is passed over the gun-wale
capping and the rope tails are passed through the ‘freeing port’ and turned
and secured about the ladders side ropes.

Question 16. What maintenance operations would you expect to carry out
on the lifeboat falls?
 Answer: Lifeboat falls are either Extra Flexible Steel Wire Rope (EFSWR)
or wirex or manufactured in stainless steel. Under IMO Regulations they
must be end for ended every 2 1⁄2 years and renewed every 5 years or
whenever considered necessary (some Marine Authorities do these checks
at 2 and 4 years). Lifeboat falls are also inspected at each Boat Drill.

In between these periods regular lubrication coatings would be applied as

required and/or as designated by the ship’s planned maintenance schedule.
The davit and fall system would undergo a 5-yearly test where the load test
would be to a 110% of the loaded boat capacity.

Answer: In the event that 10% of the wires are broken in any 8 diam-eter
lengths of the wire, it should be condemned.

Question 18. How do you know a rope has been approved and des-ignated
for use with Life Saving Appliances?
Answer: The rope will carry a specified ‘colour yarn’ rove through the lay
of the rope. The yarn was originally referred to as a ‘Rogues Yarn’, and
was designated to a specific port of origin to prevent one Royal Navy ship
from stealing the ropes of another Royal Navy ship, from a different port.

The term ‘Rogues Yarn’ still survives but for identification purpose.

Question 19. How would you supervise the breaking out of a new coil of
mooring rope?
Answer: I would instruct the Boatswain to use a suspended turntable, and
flake the new rope the full length of the deck (approximately 120 fathoms
in a new coil). It would then be coiled and stowed in the rope locker ready
for future use.

Question 20. Describe the operation and use of a ‘pilot hoist’?

Answer: Pilot hoists are common to high sided vessels and the oper-ation
of the hoist must be carried out by a responsible Officer. Once rigged
overside, the hoist must be tested prior to use. The two-way intercom from
the platform to the deck would also be tested.
 The pilot will have an emergency stop control on the platform in the
event of incident.

Note: It should be noted that many pilots have a preference for using a
pilot ladder as opposed to the hoist and it is a requirement that an option of
a pilot ladder is kept readily available.

Question 21. How would you supervise the painting of the ship’s bow by
use of stages?
Answer: With any operation overside, I would carry out a ‘risk

(CSWP) for relevant precautions when rigging stages. These would include
the following.
Load test and inspect the stages for possible defect prior to use, ensure
adequate lengths of new ‘gantlines’ are cut to secure stages by ‘stage hitch
and lowering hitch’. Order personnel to wear harness and secured lifelines.
Have a stand-by man in attendance to the stage operation, and rig
appropriate side ladders to accommodate stage positions.

A lifebuoy and heaving lines would be readily available for this

operation.
Many ships have a steep flare under the bow region, and this oper-ation
would necessitate the rigging of a bowsing in line around the bow. Paint
rollers would require man-helpers attached in order to paint extended areas.

Question 22. When taking a docking tug, how would you secure the tugs
wire towline?

Answer: Instructions from the pilot or the ship’s Master may dictate the
method of securing the tugs wire. However, in the absence of posi-tive
instruction it would be anticipated that the towline would be obtained
initially by heaving line, followed by a rope tail messenger. The wire would
then be heaved on board and turned about the bitts in figure of ‘8’ fashion,
leaving the eye clear. The turns on the bollards would then be secured by a
light lashing.

Question 23. When acting as the Mooring Officer, at the ship’s aft station,
what would be your main concerns and priorities?

Answer: My prime concern in any mooring operation would be the safety

of personnel engaged on the mooring deck. To this end I would pay
particular attention to ensure effective communications to and from the
 mooring station. The ropes and associated resources would be inspected to
make sure that heaving lines were in place, winches fully operational, and
that all personnel had been briefed on the moor-ing procedures.

Ropes and wires would be cleared and ‘flaked’ ready for running in a
manner as to avoid kinking. Stoppers would be rigged and seen to be in a
good condition and the whole area would be adequately illumin-ated during

The aft mooring deck station aboard a passenger/vehicle ferry.

Question 24. How would you apply a chain stopper to a mooring wire
when transferring the mooring from the winch drum to the ‘bitts’?
Answer: The chain stopper is employed on a mooring wire by means of a
‘cow hitch’ and then turned up against the lay of the wire (if the chain is
turned with the lay the links could cause the wire to distort).

Question 25. When employing ‘bulldog wire rope grips’, how would you
secure them?
Answer: When securing wire rope grips the positioning of each grip must
be considered essential to the security of the hold.
When securing grips the bolted brace part of the grip must be placed on
the standing part, as illustrated below.

Securing bolts
Standing part

Question 26. What would you use ‘seizing wire’ for?

Answer: Seizing wire is employed for various uses including: mark-ing of
anchor cables at the shackle length ends, also for mousing the bolts/pins of
shackles to prevent them from coming loose. The wire can also be secured
to prevent bottle screws (US Turnbuckles) from accidentally unwinding.

Question 27. When splicing an eye into a mooring rope, what tools and
implements would you need to use?
Answer: Mooring ropes are heavy and of a large diameter. In order to
affect an eye splice a large ‘setting fid’ would be needed with a heavy mal-
let to open up the strands of the rope in order to complete the splice.

Question 28. How would you join two wire hawsers together (without eye
splicing) to take exceptional weight as in a towline?
Answer: Turn the ends of the hawsers into a ‘diamond carrick bend’. Take
the weight on the hawsers and then secure the tails with lashings. The use
of the carrick bend is preferred to the ‘double sheet bend’ because it will
not jam when under tension and will release easily.

Note: The weight needs to be taken before the lashings secure the tails or
the lashings will be pulled adrift.

Question 29. When would you employ a Spanish eye? (Sometimes

referred to as a reduced eye or a Flemish eye.)
Answer: This eye is found in a runner wire bolted onto the barrel of a
cargo winch by means of a ‘U’ bolt.

Question 30. What hitch would you use when securing a boatswains chair
to a gantline?
Answer: A double sheet bend only.