Deck Officers

Oral Exam Guide

Prepared By : Eng. Fayeq Masalmeh

Life Saving Appliances
Life Rafts
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The liferaft is the most important piece of apparatus aboard a vessel, it is
you're last hope of survival if your vessel goes down.
Once you've launched the liferaft and boarded it, then do the following;
(1) Use the paddles to paddle away from the sinking vessel, you could also take
the sea-anchor and roll it into a ball and throw it in the direction you want to go
and then pull it towards you
(2) Look for survivors in the water
(3) If 2 or more liferafts are launched from the vessel, paddle over to them and
make your liferaft fast to it (double rations and you're now a bigger target too)
(3) Stream the both drogues, this will improve the liferafts stability
(4) inflate the floor to prevent hypothermia
(5) If you took it with you, place the E.P.I.R.B. into the water and attach the
lanyard to the liferaft
(6) issue sea-sickness tablets
(7) Set the watch, save your flares until you see a vessel/plane (never fire a
distress rocket with any aircraft in the area)
(8) Check the sponsons for air, there is a bellows to pump them up with
(9) in poor weather close the doors
(10) DO NOT ISSUE WATER for the first 24 hours, unless the person has been
sick
(11) Tend to injured personnel, there is a first aid kit in your liferaft, also a
thermal insulation blanket
(12) Dry the floor with the bailer and sponges

If the liferaft capsizes, do the following;

Have a man stand on the gas cylinder and pull on the straps (make sure he is
downwind)

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Care of liferaft on the vessel
The liferaft is serviced every year (take note of when its due to be serviced)
When taking the liferaft onboard NEVER roll it into place
Never use a power-hose on a lifraft, it has breather holes in the bottom of it, you
might force water into the holes and perish the liferaft
Wash it down with fresh water and a hand scrubbing brush

How To launch a liferaft manually

This is important and could save your life and also your crews lives
(1) Have two men undo the SENHOUSE Slip
(2) Lift the liferaft to the ships rail (Do not undo the painter line from the
hydrostatic release)
(3) Drop the liferaft into the water
(4) Pull the painter line till it can come no more and then give it a sharp pull
(5) The liferaft should now inflate
(6) Pull the liferaft close to the pilot ladder
(7) Put the strongest man into the liferaft first
(8) Pass him the tail of the painter line leading back to the hydrostatic release,
he will be pulling the liferaft closer too
(9) Every person that enters the liferaft helps him to keep the liferaft close to the
ship
(10) The second last person will get the safety knife attached to the sponsons
inside the liferaft
(11) Once the last person boards the liferaft, the painter line gets cut at the
hydrostatic release side
(12) It is important to try and not loose your liferaft's, this has been done before,
the reason for launching liferaft's is there is no hope for the vessel, loose these
liferaft's and there is no hope for you, take care!

Contents of a liferaft (SOLAS pack "A")

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SOLAS pack "A" first aid kit
Sea anchor and spare sea anchor
1.5 litres of water per person
Tin opener
Food
Fishing line and hook
Thermal Protection Sheet
Anti-Seasickness Tablets
Paddles
6 Hand held distress flares
4 red distress parachute flares
2 smoke/dye markers (Optional)
Sponges (to dry floor)
Pump (to pump up the floor)
Bailer
Puncture repair kit
Core Plugs
2 safety knifes (stored in the sponsons)
Whistle
Heliograph
Torch with spare batteries and bulbs
Plastic bags

Life jackets
(1) Every life jacket must be foolproof so it cannot be put on back to front
(2) It has to turn an unconscious person face up and keep their mouth 6 inches
(150mm) above the water
(3) It must have high coloured reflective tape

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(4) It must have a strap at the top so the person can be pulled from the water
(5) it must be made of a low inflammable material
(6) It must have rot proof straps
(7) It must have a whistle
(8) New life jackets have a light that flashes every second
(9) Every life jacket used for a person over 32 kilograms must have at least 15.8
kilograms of buoyancy in fresh water for at least 24 hours
(10) It must be stamped "For persons over 32 kilograms"
(11) Every life jacket must have two seperate compartments
(12) At least 1 kilogram of kapok must be inside each life jacket to provide the
buoyancy of each life jacket

Speedlines
Speedlines in two sizes (230 & 250)
The 230 can fire a line a minimum distance of 230 metres
The 250 can fire a line a minimum distance of 250 metres
They have to be in a water-tight casing
Serviced every 3 years
Check to see how many of these you have in your vessel.
To operate the speedline use the following instructions;
(1) Take of the top lid
(2) Take the Manilla (Brown Hairy Rope) and make it fast to a strong point on
the vessel, (You can attach it to another rope if required and attach the other
end of this rope to a strong point on the vessel)
(3) Rest the Speedline on the sea side of the ships rail and aim the Speedline in
the direction that you intend to fire it
(4) There is a red Arrow on the handle of the speedline, this arrow should point
to the horizon, the speedline will be at the correct angle to get the maximum
distance for the line inside the speedline
(5) Pull out the safety pin

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(6) Pull the trigger
(Caution, before pulling the trigger, make sure there is no personnel in the direct
line of where the rocket is going to go)

E.P.I.R.B
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
E.P.I.R.B. stands for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, it's purpose
is alert other vessels that a vessel is in distress, before E.P.I.R.B. came on the
go, lots of vessel where disappearing without trace, no-one knew where the
vessel had sank at, the E.P.I.R.B. has also a second function, if you have time
when launching a liferaft and taking it with you, you and your crew will be picked
up quicker as the resource services can home on your position quicker.
False alerts have been caused because of an E.P.I.R.B. breaking free from it's
cradle and activating a distress on 406Mhz.
The E.P.I.R.B. has a test and a activation switch on it, the test should be carried
out every muster drill and this should also be logged.
Every vessel over 300Grt and every registered fishing vessel must carry an
E.P.I.R.B.
E.P.I.R.B. should be serviced every year and the Lithium battery replaced every
5 years.

S.A.R.T.
Search And Rescue Transponder
S.A.R.T. stands for Search And rescue Transponder, when activated, and
vessel with a radar that is operating in the 9Ghz bandwidth will be able to home
on your vessel (or liferaft).

over 5 miles between 1 - 5 miles under 1 mile

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Over 5 miles will give the above effect on radar once the SART has been
activatedBetween 1-5 miles will give the above effect on radar once the SART
has been activatedUnder 1 mile will give the above effect on radar once the
SART has been activated

To activate a S.A.R.T;
(1) Remove the S.A.R.T. from it's container
(2) Pull the safety pin from the S.A.R.T.
(3) Check the RED light is on
(4) In onboard the vessel, try and get it as high as possible
(5) If in a Liferaft, mount it on top of the liferaft

Technical Information;
Battery Renewal - 4 years
Type of battery - Lithium
Operating life span - 100 hours in stand-by mode and 8 hours when
continuously sending a signal
Serviced every 2 years
Monthly tests - turn the switch on the S.A.R.T. to test mode, hold for a few
seconds, an audible alarm will sound and the light will flash
(As soon as you see the light and hear the sound you should switch it off,
leaving it on will activate the S.A.R.T

How to Prevent Flooding in your vessel

(1) Fit C.C.T.V. (Close Circuit Television) to all compartments so you can see if
any water or fire in that area
(2) Maintain Bilge pumps
(3) Fit Bilge sensors as low as possible in the bilges
(4) Clean Bilge strainers and filters often

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(5) Have portable pumps on the vessel (if a diesel or petrol pump; only use
these in a well ventilated area)
(6) Inspect the hull of your vessel for any damage before proceeding to sea
(7) Inspect the hull of your vessel for any damage while in Dry-dock
(8) Withdraw Non-Return valves and check them out (only possible in dry-dock)
(9) Make sure bilge alarms can be heard throughout the vessel
(10) Check the bilges several times a day (visually)
(11) Remove any debris from the bilges (this will eventually get to the pumps
and choke it
(12) Sea-cocks should be placed as high as possible in the engine-room
(13) NEVER EVER remove a Non-return valve while the vessel is in water
(14) If the bilge pumps are not coping with the amount of water in the bilges,
close all bilge pumps down as it could be the bilge pumping system that is to
blame for the ingress of water
(15) Make sure all water-tight doors and hatches are closed when not in use
(place a placard on every door saying so) E.G.(DOORS MUST BE KEPT
CLOSED AT ALL TIMES)
(16) Fit Grids over slush wells (Strainers in the hold)
(17) While at anchor or before leaving the vessel, close all sea-cocks that are
not being used
(18) Have extra bilge pumps fitted, (electric and belt driven)
(19) Have whale pumps fitted
(20) As part of a muster drill, have the whole crew accustomed to the bilge
pumping system

How to pump the bilges on a Vessel

(1) Open up the overboard valve (discharge valve) (Full Open)
(2) Open up the main sea-cock for the pump (Full open) This will prime the bilge
pump
(3) Start the bilge pump

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(4) Open the valve (Full open) that is used for the compartment you want to
pump
(5) Slowly close the main sea-cock (closing it slowly will help prevent air-locking
the system)
(6) Check the overboard to make sure you are pumping bilge water over the
side
(7) If you're not pumping bilge water, check the following;
(a) You've air locked the bilge pumping system
(b) You have a hole in a pipe drawing air into the system
(c) The bilge pump impeller is worn or broken
(d) The bilge pump is broken
(e) The main intake is choked with some debris

(Q) What are you going to do with any oil in your bilges?
(a) Pump it into a sludge tank

(Q) What if you had no sludge tank, what will you do with the oil in the bilges
now?
(a) Pump the bilges until there is a trace of oil being pumped overboard, as
soon as this happens stop your bilge pump, then manually pump the oil in the
bilges into 5 gallon oil drums, then when you get ashore inform the port
authorities and they will dispose of it for you

(Q) What is an oil/water separator?

(a) A system that separates water from oil, so that no more that 15 P.P.M.
(Parts Per Million) of oil is being discharged overboard

(Q) How does an oil/water separator work?

(a) By using thousands of ball bearings spinning centrifugal pushing the water
out and letting the oil sink into a holding tank

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(Q) How often would you empty your sludge tank?
(a) You should empty your sludge tank at the first chance you get

You have put your vessel aground, what are you going to do?
(1) Stop your vessel.
(2) Sound the general alarm of 7 short blasts and one prolonged blast to
alert the crew.
(3) Get everyone to their muster stations.
(4) At the same time the skipper should be putting out a Mayday. The
reason for this is you don't know how much damage you have to your
vessel.
(5) Get the liferaft's ready to launch, don't launch them until the last
possible moment, your vessel is your best liferaft just now.
(6) Get the mate and engineer to check each compartment for ingress of
water.
(7) They make a report to the skipper once they have finished to alert the
Coastguard to the state of your vessel.
(8) If a leak is found, I have no faith in shoring up a vessel until I know for
sure that there is no danger to life, your insurance will pay for loosing
your vessel, don't take chances!!!! your crew comes before the vessel.
(9) Get a collision mat ready incase you get a chance to use it.
(10) Get a rope ready incase there is a vessel coming to your assistance
for towing you off.
(11) Make sure all crew have survival suits on if they have them and life
jackets.
(12) NEVER take chances with you crews lives, if in doubt about your
vessel and you think she is going to capsize launch the liferaft's now and
get all the crew into it.

Reasons for a vessel going aground

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 (1) Watch-keeper falling asleep
(2) Watch-keeper taken ill
(3) Leaving the wheelhouse unattended
(4) Main Engine Failure
(5) Over reliance on Navigation Equipment (Especially the video plotter)
(6) Echo Sounder not switched on
(7) Restricted visibility with radar switched off or no radar on vessel
(8) Extreme Rip Tides forcing the vessel ashore
(9) Debris caught in the propeller
(10) Watch high on drugs or drunk
(11) Intentional placing the vessel onto the shore
(12) In restricted visibility with the radar on too large a scale (This is a
very common mistake - keep lowering the scale and tune it again)

Questions on Pollution
(Q)What can you dispose of into the North Sea or English Channel?
(a)Only foodstuffs (North Sea and English Channel are classed as a special
area

(Q)What distance do you dispose of foodstuffs?

(a)More than 12 miles from any coast
(Q)So it would be alright to dispose of old loaves and their bags?
(a)No, the bags are made from plastic and plastic is totally banned from being
disposed of into any sea (Tip, recycle the bags)

(Q)What is totally banned from being disposed of into the sea?

(a)Plastics or any substances that is dangerous to the marine environment

(Q)What do you do with your oily bilge water?

(a)Pump it into a sludge tank then once ashore pump it into a holding tank on
the pier
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(Q)What would you do if there was no holding tank on the pier?
(a)Contact the port authorities

(Q)They say they have no holding tanks to give you to put your sludge into,
what are you going to do now?
(a)Make a report and send it to the M.C.A. in Southampton and they will contact
the Port Authorities to make sure they have facilities for this situation

(Q)If your bilges are full of oily bilge water, what danger's do you have with
going to sea in this vessel?
(a)Main danger is capsize with this amount of F.S.E. (Free Surface Effect) (Your
vessel will be really unstable) another is fire, if the oil on top of the water gets
near any electrical source you will start a major fire and you'll have a hard time
to put this one out

(Q)What are you going to do with your old ropes/wires/old oil/filters or any
garbage?
(a)Ropes/wires/garbage (As long as the garbage is safe) into a skip on the pier,
inform the port authorities for the oil and filters

(Q)What are you going to do with an old starter battery?

(a)Contact the port authorities and they will dispose of it safely (don't you dare
leave this on the pier unguarded, some child might put their hand into the acid)

(Q)What would you do with any other chemicals you had to dispose of?
(a)Contact the Port Authorities and they will dispose of it safely (They will need
to know what kind of chemicals it is so it does not re-act against other chemicals

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(Q)What is the procedure if you've had an oil spill at sea?
(a)Get in contact with the Coastguard who have an oil spill emergency vessels
(They patrol the seas around Britain test for oil spills and they have the
technology to clean it up)

(Q)What do you have to display in your vessel for your crew regarding
pollution?
(a)Placards displaying what can and cannot be disposed of into the sea, it also
shows what distance off the coast (M.C.A. calls them SEA - SENSE Placards)

(Q)What is the name of the documents to fill out for oil-spills/for the amount of
sludge you have in your sludge tank/last time you emptied your sludge
tank/when you clean out any fuel tanks/the cleaning water you disposed of from
your fuel tank/every time you pump your bilges?
(a)Oil Record book for vessels over 400grt, vessels below this weight can use a
notepad

(Q)Every vessel over 400grt must carry a GARBAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN,

and a GARBAGE RECORD BOOK, but when would you use these?
(a)The GARBAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN is so that the crew know what
garbage is to be placed into which container (Sugar Bags) Certain garbages
have to be able to breathe such as food waste, it can build up a methane gas
(Highly Explosive), it is also used for uplifting the containers to be placed ashore
so personnel ashore knows what is in which container

The GARBAGE RECORD BOOK is a record of making sure everyone

complies with the rules for the garbage that is being disposed of
Garbage falls into the following categories
(1) Plastic
(2) Dunnage (wood)

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(3) Paper-products/rags/glass/metal/bottles/crockery
(4) Food wastes
(5) Incinerator ash

How can you send a distress?

(1) 2182 Khz
(2) V.H.F. Channel 16
(3) 2187.5 Khz
(4) V.H.F. Channel 70
(5) E.P.I.R.B. on 243, 121.5, and 406 megahertz
(6) Distress parachute Rocket (Red Flare)
(7) Distress hand held flare (Red flare)
(8) S.O.S. in Morse (not recognized now)
(9) N.C. in International Code of Signals
(10) Black ball over a square flag (or vice versa)
(11) Continuous sounding of a whistle
(12) A gun fired
(13) Waving arms up and down
(14) Imarsat "C"
(15) Fire in a barrel
(16) S.A.R.T. works on 9gigaherz
How do you send a distress over a radio?

Mayday, Mayday, Mayday

This is Nonsuch, Nonsuch, Nonsuch
My position is LATITUDE ............. LONGTITUDE...........................
Nature of distress (manoverboard - on fire - sinking - aground - collision etc)
Assistance Required
Number of Crew
Information about weather, tides, swell etc (ONLY IF TIME ALLOWS)

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 What frequencies can you put a distress out on?

D.S.C. 2187.5Khz VHF 70

R. T. 2182 Khz VHF channel 16 (156.8Mhz)

E.P.I.R.B. 406 Mhz 121.5Mhz 243 Mhz

S.A.R.T. 9 GHz

If you remember a saying (M.I.P.D.A.N.I.O.) this is the order of distress

M = Mayday
I = Identification of vessel (Name of boat)
P = Your vessels Position
D = Nature of Distress
A = Assistance Required
N = Number of Crew
I = Information (extra info)
O = Over

(Q) What is a Mayday?

(a) A distress signal

(Q) What is a Pan or Pan-Pan?

(a) An Urgency Signal

(Q) What is a Pan-Pan Medico?

(a) A person seeking medical information or aid

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(Q) What is a security message?
(a) A Navigation Warning (alerting other ships about some danger to navigation)
(including Ice-accretion that has not been forecasted)

(Q) What does S.O.L.A.S. mean?

(a) Safety of Life at Sea

(Q) What does G.M.D.S.S. stand for?

(a) Global Maritime Distress Safety Systems

(Q) What does D.S.C. stand for?

(a) Digital Selective Calling

(Q) A vessel is sounding a continious sounding of the ships whistle, what's

wrong with this vessel?
(a) This vessel is in Distress

Health and Risk Assessment

Health and risk assessment, it's main priority is maintain the well being of crew
on your vessel
Food hygiene - to stop food poisoning
Clean ship - to stop germs and also to stop you slipping
Safe ship - to minimize accidents happening onboard your vessel
To check the risk factors you have to know the following:-
(1) What harm can come to your crew?
(2) What is the chance of your crew being injured?
Now you have to work out the harms your crew can get in the following
list:-
(1) No Harm
(2) Slight Harm
(3) Major Harm - includes death and major disabilities
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Now you have to work out what chance you crew can be harmed in the
following list:-
(1) No chance of getting hurt
(2) Some chance of getting hurt
(3) Big chance of being hurt

Dangers on vessel
Flooding
(1) Flooding in vessels, this is the main cause of vessels being lost, what risk
factor is it?(a) The Risk factor will vary from ship to ship, depending on how
well maintained your vessel is, lets take a vessel that has an engineer who
does not do maintenance work on his vessel.
This engineer is looking for serious trouble, bilge pumping systems must be
maintained to the highest degree to make sure the vessel does not sink with
the loss of life, they must also know how to operate bilge pumping systems
and have back up systems for emergencies, portable pumping systems are
a must too
Overhead Dangers
(2) Anything overhead, what risk factor is it?(a) At least a Substantial risk, even
if the object that is overhead is well maintained, it can still come crashing down
and kill who is below it, overhead objects including hanging blocks and lifting
derricks are to handled with extreme caution, any metal that has a fracture in it
could easily be hidden below paint, never over-rely on machinery.
Manoverboard
(3) A person falling overboard, what risk factor is this?(a) At least a Substantial
risk if not an intolerable risk, if a man falls overboard there is three main factors
that could kill him
Hypothermia
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(4) Hypothermia - Most cases of hypothermia occur because of shipwrecks.
Most survivors that are taken aboard are paralyzed and are numb.
Immersing a body into very cold water usually below 12 degrees Celsius will
cause hypothermia where the body looses heat rapidly if the skin falls below 33
degrees Celsius then the person will suffer hypothermia.
(If its you who is in the sea then try and conserved your energy and don't swim
as this will cause heat loss)
(If you have to abandon your vessel wear as much clothes as possible; also put
rubber gloves onto your hands as well as your life jacket)
(If there are survival suits aboard put them on and fasten up the cuffs at the
ankles wrists and neck, if there are divers suits then they're the best, put them
on)
Shock
(5) Shock - If you have every entered the sea to have a swim and then ran
back onto the sand because the water is freezing then this is a mild form of
shock. However, what would happen if it is your vessel that is sinking, and you
did not have time to launch your liferaft.
You have to jump into the sea the shock you will get when first entering the sea
will make you hyperventilate and if you've a weak heart or are prone to heart
problems then you could and probably will take a heart-attack.
Shock can kill people because of a lot of different reasons as stated below, with
an amputated limb and the loss of massive amounts of blood the patient is
going to haemorrhage and probably have a heart attack.
Secondary Drowning
(6) Secondary Drowning - Secondary drowning is another name for Salt-water
aspiration syndrome; this is where water enters the lungs, which creates
irritation, which causes air passages to swell up.
Even when a person had drowned for a lengthy period, (up to 40minutes has
been recorded) and has drowned, it has been known to bring these persons
around to a full recovery so never give up.

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A big factor whether the casualty lives or dies, is because the temperature of
the water and whether it fresh or saltwater.
The chance's of recovery from a person who has been immersed in salt water
has a better chance of recovery.
Factors that usually lead to secondary drowning are: -
(a) Panic, especially when the cold water first strikes you.
(b) Hyperventilation.
(c) Body function seizures.
(d) Cardiac arrest.
(e) The inability to swim.
(f) Trauma, if the person has been knocked unconscious, and lying face down in
the water.
(g) Exhaustion.
(h) Hypothermia.
Food Poisoning
(8) Food poisoning can be a major factor in a risk assessment
Imagine you all ate the same meal and the whole crew is down with food
poisoning and your the last one standing, your in the wheelhouse making way
for shore, what risk factor are you in?The risk factor has to be Intolerable
You should take food poisoning too
Stop your vessel, put out a Mayday and put up your Not Under Command
lights, this is exceptional circumstances and await for help.

Safe watch keeping

(1) Always have 2 men on watch at all times, one of them should be a certified
deck officer.
(2) The Wheelhouse should never be left unattended.
(3) The watch keeper has no other duties apart from watch keeping.
(4) If ever in doubt call the skipper out.
(5) Keep all watertight doors and hatches closed while at sea, they're only used
when you required access through them.
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(6) Switch on all navigation aids and use them but never over rely on them.
(7) Never miss a weather forecast, you could miss a gale or storm warning.
(8) If you ever take ill while on watch, call the next watch or/and the skipper.
(9) Plot your position on a chart ever 10 minutes.
(10) When changing over the watch, let the relieving watch keeper get
accustomed to the dark and never change watch if your in a risk of
collision/close quarter situation exists.
(11) Maintain a good visual watch.
(12) Use the radar's and go up and down the scales to check for hidden targets
especially with rain clutter (Cumulonimbus cloud will block most of your radar
screen).
(13) Have CCTV fitted throughout your vessel especially in the engine room
aimed at the bilge's in case the bilge sensors fail to operate.
(14) In restricted visibility leave the autopilot switched on as long as you can
switch it off in an instant (this leaves you more time to assess any situation and
maintain a higher degree of safe watch keeping).
(15) Switch off the autopilot for 5 minutes ever watch and if making way for
more than 24 hours then it must be switched off for a 2 hour period.
(16) While dogging in poor weather, a great idea to minimise damage aboard
your vessel is to stream a sea-anchor through the fairlead at the stem of the
vessel, DO NOT STOP YOUR MAIN ENGINE.
(17) In restricted visibility the skipper should be on command of the vessel,
have men posted at the side windows listening out for fog signals, the mate
should be on the radar looking for targets.
(18) Make up a passage plan and get the skipper to check it, have a backup
passage plan in case the weather freshens and you need to go into port.
(19) The watch keeper must be fit, sober and not under the influence of drugs
even if they are prescribed for him.
(20) Fatigue at sea counts for the most accidents that happen at sea, if you feel
tired, open the wheelhouse windows, if this does not work call the next watch,

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never gamble, your crewmembers are relying on you to keep a safe watch.
(21) TV's, personnel hi-fi's and cassette/CD players should be in the mess deck
not in the wheelhouse.
(22) Autopilot's should have a 3-minute alarm fitted and a backup system
should be fitted to the crew's accommodation.
(23) When a pilot in onboard the skipper is still on command, he has the last
say.
(24) If you're ever in doubt about a situation, then stop your vessel to give you
more time to access the situation.

Officer of the Watch or Skippers standing orders

(1) If ever in Doubt call the skipper out
(2) Always have a Certified deck officer who holds a Certificate of Competency
(He should know the Rules of the Road) on watch
(3) The radar should be used to it's maximum, even in nice weather to track the
course/speed and C.P.A. of an approaching vessel
(4) The watchkeeper should be plotting his position on a chart every 15 minutes
(Max)
(5) Always have the distress radios switched on listening for distresses
(6) If the watchkeeper feels ill or becomes fatigued the second watchkeeper
should call the skipper who will call the next watch
(7) The watchkeeper must have no other duties than watchkeeping
(8) At night the relief watchkeeper must be allowed to get his/her eyes
accustomed to the dark
(9) Never change over a watch while in a close quarter situation
(10) At sea all water-tight doors and hatches have to remain closed, the second
watchkeeper should check this at the end of his watch
(11) The second watchkeeper should also check ever compartment visually for
any ingress of water or fire
(12) Take the weather forecast
(13) Use all navigation aids
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(14) Make a passage plan up and stick to it unless the weather breaks and you
have to go to plan "B" and make for shelter
(15) In resticted visibility leave your autopilot switched on (as long as you can
switch it off quick) this allows you more time to check for hazards
(16) When a Pilot in onboard the skipper is still in command of his vessel (there
has been cases that a pilot put ships ashore) if in doubt stop your vessel and
check your position and approaches to the harbour
(17) The watchkeeper should not be under the influence or alcohol or drugs
(even prescibed drugs)
(18) If you get into a situation, stop your vessel to give you more thinking time to
access the situation

Entering an Enclosed Space

An enclosed space can kill with the potential gases or lack of oxygen in that
area, what you're about to read actual happened;
Precautions before entering an enclosed space (especially if the space has
been closed for ages)
The enclosed space could be a tank/cargo hold/focsule or any sealed
compartment
(1) Always get the skippers/masters permission before entering an enclosed
space
(2) Get a permit to work
(3) Always know what if any toxic gases are in the enclosed space
(4) Ventilate the enclosed space
(5) Check the air content in the enclosed space (use an oxygen analyser
(OXYMETER))

A safe oxymeter offers a personal Oxymeter range 0-25 % Oxygen which can
be hand-held, is portable and handy. The oxymeter is provided with an
analogue scale 0-25% with 0-19.5% shown red, which range is hazardous to
personal safety due to the insufficiency of O2 for breathing.

22
The O2 sensor can be lowered into the confined space or vessel before man-
entry to check for an oxygen deficiency condition.

(6) If needed wear Self-contained breathing apparatus (S.C.B.A.)

(7) There should be personnel checking your name/rank/time you entered and
time your due out of the enclosed space
(8) Use a lifeline
(9) Have a form of communication between you and the person at the entrance;
1 pull = give me more slack;
2 Pulls = I'm coming out;
3 or more pulls = get me out
(10) Have someone at the entrance trained in First-Aid
(11) Watch your pressure gauge for the amount of oxygen you have in your
S.C.B.A tank.

Fires & Fire fighting

Class of Fire Materials on Fire Best Extinguisher

Class "A" Fire Cloth - Paper - Wood Water

Class "B" Fire Flammable Liquids Foam

Class "C" Fire Electrical Fires CO2

Class "D" Fires Metal on fire Dry Powder

Fire-fighting Situations

(Q) What is the triangle for a fire to start?

(a) Fuel - Oxygen and Heat

23
(Q) What would happen if you took one of the sides of the triangle away?
(a) The fire would stop

(Q) How many fire hoses do you have in your vessel?

(a) Look in the Record of Particulars for this information remember to count
portable fire hoses and any hoses for washing the vessel down with.

(Q) What type of nozzle do you have at the end of your fire hoses?
(a) Either Jet or Jet/Spray Nozzle

(Q) Do you carry spare fire hoses on your ship?

(a) You should have at least one spare

(Q) How many fire Hydrants do you have?

(a) Check this out in your Record of Particulars

(Q) What fire extinguishers do you have in your vessel?

(a) Check this out in your Record of Particulars

(Q) Where are they stowed/placed at?

(a) Check in the Record or Particulars (your best to get a notepad and go
around the ship and write down what extinguishers/hoses is where)

(Q) Why so many extinguishers in the engine room?

(a) Because this is the primary source for a fire to start
(Q) A fire has broken out in Number 1 hold, what are you going to do?
(a)
(i) Sound the General alarm to Muster the crew
(ii) Put out a Mayday
(iii) Get personnel to don fire suits and S.C.B.A. (Self contained breathing

24
apparatus
(iv) Start all hoses up
(v) Spray the hatch with water
(vi) Get the liferaft's ready to launch
(vii) Get the portable emergency radios/spare flares/water/food and blankets
ready to take to the liferaft's
(viii) Keep an eye on the vessels stability (with all this water going into Number
1 hold - you could loose your stability) so be prepared to start all bilge pumps
and have portable pumps ready

(Q) What extinguisher can you refill on the vessel?

(a) Foam - Dry Powder and Water
(Q) How do you refill a foam extinguisher?
(a)
(i) Unscrew the top off
(ii) Empty the contents
(iii) Wash the inside of the extinguisher with fresh water
(iv) Mix up the foam mixture and fill it up to the mark inside the extinguisher
(v) Replace the seals
(vi) Put in a new canister (Co2)
(vii) Screw the lid on (Hand tight only)

Galley Fire
(Q) You see a fire in the galley, its a chip pan on fire, what are you going to do?
(a) Your priority is to make sure you do not get hurt, close the door for the
galley, scream "FIRE" and make sure everyone is alerted.

(Q) Can you manage to put this fire out?

(a) This would depend on what the heat source was, is it gas, electric, or
diesel?

25
(Q) It's an electrical source of heating, can you put the fire out now?
(a) Yes, outside the galley there should be an isolator switch, if I switch off the
electricity to the fire, this would help, now I can go in and put a fire blanket over
the chip pan, as long as I have a fire team alongside me.

(Q) What would you do if it was a gas fueled cooker?

(a) Turn off the gas at the mains (Bottled Gas)

(Q) What would you do if it was a diesel fueled cooker?

(a) Turn off the main fuel source in the engine room.
(Q) What types of fire-extinguishers could you use on a chip pan fire?
(a) Dry-powder, Co2, Foam, try and avoid water, but if done in a certain way
you could put it out with a water fire-extinguisher, but it would have to come out
as a very fine spray

(Q) What are you going to do, if the fire blanket and extinguishers does not put
out this fire?
(a) Go in with fire hoses with a spray nozzle attached.

(Q) What type of call would you give the Coastguard for this type of fire?
(a) A Mayday, this fire can easily get out of control.

Engine Room Fire

(Q) The engine room fire alarm has went off what are you going to do?
(a) Sound the general alarm

(Q) What are you going to do now?

(a) Muster the crew at their muster stations and have a head count

(Q) What are the dangers with tackling this type of fire?
26
(a) In any engine room, there will be canisters of WD40 or oil drums, if pressure
gets to them they will explode, also the fire could easily get around you and trap
you in the engine room

(Q) How can you test you have a good seal around your breathing apparatus
face mask?
(a) By placing a finger under the seal and you will hear the air coming out

(Q) How will you tackle this fire?

(a) Get someone don a fire-suit and breathing apparatus, roll out fire hoses, get
fire-extinguishers to the engine-room, pull the emergency fuel stops, close off all
extractor fans and vents, go in to the engine room and attack the base of the
fire.

(Q) What should you never let happen?

(a) You should never let the fire get between you and the exit

(Q) You have taken your vessel into the dry-dock for a paint and a fire has
broken out in the accommodation, what are you going to do?
(a) If its a small fire then use an extinguisher and put it out

(Q) The fire is out of control, what are you going to do now?
(a) Sound the general alarm and get everyone to their muster stations and also
inform the port authorities as their employees are all trained in fire-fighting as
well as getting the port authorities to call for the fire brigade

(Q) Can you tackle the fire?

(a) As your in dry-dock you won't have access to water to pump the water to
your main fire hoses

27
(Q) The fire-engines are away to a big farm fire 15 miles away and it will be 3
hours before they can attend to your vessel, what are you going to do now?
(a) With the help of the shore party you can connect a universal coupling so you
can charge your main fire hydrants with water and then use your own fire hoses
to fight this fire

(Q) A major fire has started in the engine room and your co2 did not activate,
how can you put this fire out?
(a) By sealing off the area, stopping the fans, close off all vents, and pulling the
fuel stops, then boundary cooling with either the hand emergency pump or the
emergency pump located forward in the vessel powered off the spare engine

(Q) A major fire has started in the engine room and you have no fixed fire
fighting systems on your vessel, how are you going to put this fire out?
(a) By starving it of air/fuel, close all vents/flaps close all doors into the engine
room and pull the emergency fuel stops

(Q) Where are your emergency fuel stops located at?

(a) You need to look in your own vessel and find this answer out, its also in your
record of particulars

(Q) How do you prevent a fire from starting on your vessel?

(a) By keeping it spotless, no oily rags, no oil spills, no bare electrical wires,
batteries boxed in a steel box, extractor fans cleaned often especially the one in
the galley, no smoking, keep bilges dry, never leave chip pans unattended, fit
fire sensors, fit CCTV, fit a save all to prevent fuel oil spillages, have plenty fire
fighting equipment, know how to operate fire fighting equipment, have self
contained breathing apparatus onboard, have an isolator switch just outside the
galley, never leave electric blankets on unattended, don't put clothes over

28
heating appliances to dry, have a fire plan (this should be part of a muster drill),
do more fire drills so your crew know what they have to do

(Q) A deep fat fryer, are they completely safe?

(a) No some of the older models only have one thermostat inside it and if the
thermostat became faulty the chip pan would over heat and catch fire

(Q) What type of extinguisher would you use on a diesel fire?

(a) A foam extinguisher

(Q) You had a major fire in your engine room and you sealed off the engine
room and activated your co2 fixed fire fighting system, but how do you know if
the fire is out?
(a) Feel for any heat

(Q) There is no heat, how long before you can enter the engine room?
(a) You will not enter the engine room, why would you want to go into the
engine room, after a big fire everything will be damaged so get a tow ashore
and get the fire brigade to ventilate the co2 out of there, they are the
professionals

(Q) What precautions would you take before fighting a fire?

(a) Can I tackle this size of fire, is there any pressurized containers near the fire
source, do you know what is causing the fire - can it explode, do you have the
fire fighting equipment to fight this type of fire, is the fire giving off toxic fumes

(Q) What would you do if the fire alarm went off?

(a) Make for the muster station

(Q) Your in the engine room and the fixed fire fighting alarm went off, what are

29
you going to do?
(a) Get out of there and find out why it went off

(Q) Is it possible for the fixed fire fighting system to go off by itself?
(a) Yes

(Q) If Co2 activated itself into an engine room, is it safe?

(a) No its a gas and would kill you if you breathed it in and as its a gas it could
explode

(Q) Where is your fixed fire fighting controls at in your vessel?

(a) Look to see where they are at

(Q) The fixed fire fighting system has an alarm that goes off when the door is
opened, can you hear the alarm throughout your vessel?
(a) You should be able too

(Q) You activate Co2 fixed fire fighting system into the engine room and it put
the fire out, you now ventilated the engine room, what dangers for personnel
going into the engine room?
(a) There will still be Co2 gas in the bilges

(Q) How do you get rid of the Co2 in the bilges?

(a) Pump your bilges

(Q) The vent/extractor fan in the galley, what dangers with these?
(a) A fire starting in the pipe behind the fan

(Q) How often do you clean them?

(a) It should be pretty often

30
(Q) Freon gas that is used for freezing on ships are they safe?
(a) They are the safest form of gas for freezing

(Q) Is freon gas heavier or lighter than air?

(a) Heavier

(Q) Where would the gas sensor be placed for freon in the engine room?
(a) Right below the freon pump

(Q) A major fire has taken control of the vessel and the C02 has not put it out,
the skipper has ordered the crew to abandon ship, you have lost one of two
liferaft's, you cannot access the second liferaft's because the fire is between
you at it, another vessel is close by, what can you do now?
(a) Get the other vessel to come alongside and launch one of his liferaft's and
pass it over to you

Large fire in your vessel in the Drydock

(Q) You're vessel is in the drydock for repairs/paint, a fire starts in the cabin,
what are you going to do?
(a)
Alert the port authorities/coastguard
Sound the General alarm and get everyone to the muster points
Get the fire extinguishers and try and extinguish the fire

(Q) The fire is out of control, what will you do now?

(a) Phone for the fire-brigade as well as contacting the port authorities for help

(Q) The fire brigade is away to a big farm fire and it will be at least 2 hours
before they can get to your vessel, what will you do now?

31
(a) Get the port autorities personnel and your own crew to tackle the fire with
the hoses

(Q) How can you get water to your hoses, your vessel is in the drydock and
there is no water in the drydock?
(a) By using the shore connection and a universal coupling connected into your
own ships connection, so now your vessel is armed with water to fight the fire
with, then go in with caution with the hoses set on spray module, boundary
cooling as your enter the cabin

Anchoring your vessel in an emergency

Lets say that you making for port or just left harbour and you have main engine
failure, what are you going to do?
(1) Your hydraulic engine should always be started before leaving or entering
harbour for this type of emergency
(2) Alert the crew to the situation.
(3) Put out a distress call (Mayday, Mayday, Mayday)
(4) Heave up your anchor.
(5) Take off the devil's claw and push it to one side.
(6) Lower the anchor so it is just in the water. (Walking the Anchor)
(7) Ask the skipper how much anchor he wants put out.
(8) If possible lower the anchor out using the clutch. (Seafarers have lost
anchors while free-running an anchor, while using the anchor winch you have
more control)
(9) After the anchor has been put out, put on the brake. (and clutch if not
already engaged)
(Q) The anchor is not holding, what are you going to do now?
(a) This all depends on what you have onboard your vessel, a second

You've been caught in a storm

The captain will often ask the candidate during an Oral Exam, a storm is
heading your way, what are you going to do?
32
(1) Clear the decks, remove anything that can block the freeing-ports
(2) Put anything that can be placed below decks, below
(3) Switch on Navigation lights
(4) Check everything that cannot be placed below is securely fasten down
(4) Switch on the radar(s) and tune them in, (One on 12 miles and the other on
6 mile scale)
(5) Double up the watches
(6) Have an engine-room watch
(7) Check every compartment regularly
(8) Track the way the storm is moving, if in the Northern Hemisphere, the lows
usually go in a North East direction
(9) Listen to all shippen forecasts including the following;
(i) BBC radio shipping forecast
(ii) Navtex
(iii) TV forecast (most vessels now have satellite TV)
(iv) Oil-rig forecasts
(v) Coastguard forecasts
(vi) The Internet (http://www.met-office.gov.uk/datafiles/offshore.html)
(10) Close up to another vessel and contact him, and try and dodge alongside
him
(11) If there is any large vessels in the area, take shelter on his leeside
(12) If possible, take shelter off any high coastline, as long as the wind is
blowing from the land to the sea, dont sheltler if the wind is blowing from the
sea to the land
(13) Check to see where your spare wheelhouse windows are (incase a wave
breaks the original window)
(14) Be very cautious about Rogue/freak waves, even very large ships have
disappeared without trace because of these, records have shown a wave 30
metres high breaking over an oil-rig in the North Sea

33
 Questions Health and Risk Assessment

(Q) You crew are all down with food poisoning and your the last one standing,
you also ate what the others had, what are you going to do?
(a) Stop the vessel, put up your Not Under Command lights (N.U.C.) and put
out a Mayday, if you have eaten the same food as the rest of the crew then your
going to get food poisoning also, therefore there will be no-one to command the
ship (not under command)

(Q) You got your vessel back into harbour and your vessel was inspected, they
found cockroaches in the food-lockers, what do you have to do next?
(a) Clean out the food lockers and dispose of them safely, then disinfect the
area with bleach to get rid of any bugs the wash the area again with some anti
bacterial cleaning agent

(Q) Do you have any documentation to fill up regarding this incident?

(a) Yes, the M.A.I.B. Incident Report Form (I.R.F.) as well as the Official Log
Book (inspection of food and water)

(Q) How clean is your cook?

(a) Most cooks that I've seen are clean but tell him how your cook is

(Q) How often does he clean the galley/mess deck?

(a) It should be before and after every meal
(Q) What does he clean the dining table down with?
(a) It should be with some anti bacterial disinfectant

(Q) How often does he change his dish clothes?

(a) After he has used them,,,, after every meal

34
(Q) How many knives does your cook have to prepare his meals with?
(a) He should have separate knives for fresh - frozen and cooked foods, never
use the same knife for cook/frozen, frozen/fresh, cooked/fresh

(Q) Your freezer/fridge, what temperatures are they set at?

(a) Your fridge should not be set higher than +5 degrees and your freezer must
be at least -18 degrees

(Q) You have a cooked chicken and a frozen piece of beef, what goes on the
top shelf of the fridge?
(a) The cooked chicken, you cannot put the frozen piece of beef in the fridge or
you will get cross contamination

(Q) So what are you going to do with the frozen piece of beef, you need to
defrost it?
(a) Defrost it at room temperature for 24 hours

(Q) Why should any hold be kept clean?

(a) In case you load any food substances into it (including fishing vessels)

(Q) How do you clean your fish holds/tanks or Cargo holds?

(a) Best way is with a steam hose or a power hose
Footnote from Author:- While at sea we went to the aid of the personnel of the
Piper Alpha Oilrig, this was a major disaster, where 167 men lost their lives,
doing a risk assessment could have prevented this from happening, you have to
keep doing risk assessments on an ongoing basis to prevent accidents like this
from happening again (HUMAN ERROR counts for most accidents)
Remember to report any incident to the M.A.I.B. as well as your insurance
company

35
 You've spotted a red distress Flare
(Q) Whilst on a voyage, you have spotted a red distress flare, what are you
going to do?
(i) Take a Compass Bearing of the flare and not it down (Convert this to a True
Bearing)
(ii) Take the Lat/Long of the ships position
(iii) Sound the General alarm of 7 short blasts followed 1 prolonged blast on the
ships whistle
(iv) Alter course Towards the flare
(v) Inform the Skipper/Captain and relate all the information to him
(vi) Make sure all your radios are on the distress frequencies (they should
always be left on distress frequencies)
(vii) If no Mayday then it's up to you to Relay a Mayday (Mayday Relay -
Mayday Relay - Mayday relay)
(viii) Inform the crew at the muster station to get all lifesaving/fire-fighting and
portable pumps made ready
(ix) Post look-outs around the vessel
(x) The mate should now observe the radar looking for a target

(Q) What information would you expect from the Coastguard?

(a) A S.I.T.R.E.P. (Situation Report) and any information about the E.P.I.R.B. or
any S.A.R.T.'s

(Q) You arrived in the area, what would you expect to see?
(a) A vessel or at least a liferaft(s) / E.P.I.R.B / Life rings / debris and oil

(Q) The vessel has went down but why did the E.P.I.R.B. manage to launch
itself?
(a) Because of the hydrostatic release

36
(Q) How many hydrostatic releases do you have in your vessel?
(a) One on each liferaft and one on the E.P.I.R.B.

(Q) There's no liferaft's there what will you do now?

(a) Inform the Coastguard and then stop the vessel alongside the E.P.I.R.B. and
switch on the video plotter and make an event mark an the screen and start to
plot, after 5 minutes you'll see the way the wind/tide is taking your vessel, this is
the first section of your search

(Q) What types of searches can you do?

(a) There are many searches including
(i) An Expanding Square Search
(ii) A sector Search
(iii) A Parallel search with one or more vessels
(iv) A 90o parallel search with one vessel (Used by oilrig's and is very effective)
You'll be asked to do searches (i) (ii) & (iii)

(Q) What advantage is there with a 90o search pattern?

(a) You cover the expected area of a search quicker

Ships Stability Made Easier

The word "Stability" means if the vessel is heeled by an external force it has the
ability to right herself whether its transverse, statical or longitudinal stability.
Most vessels have a stability book and a common question from the captains is
what are the loading conditions in a stability book, this can vary for different
vessels, best to have a look and see how many loading conditions you have,
this is an example
(1) The bare vessel without any stores or weights before going to sea
(2) The vessel loaded ready to go to sea
(3) Fishing vessels when they arrive at their fishing ground
(4) When they finish their fishing trip with 20% maximum catch onboard before
37
leaving the fishing grounds
(5) Before they arrive in harbour with 20% maximum catch
(6) When they finish their fishing trip with 100% maximum catch onboard before
leaving the fishing grounds
(7) Before they arrive in harbour with 100% maximum catch
Every vessel must check their vessels if taking a heavy load onboard to make
sure the vessel does not become top heavy, making the Centre of Gravity to
rise up maybe above the Metacentre giving the vessel a capsizing lever.
Caution must be maintained regarding a vessels stability when working North in
winter months, Ice accretion can easy catch an experienced seaman out, never
let ice accumulate on your vessel, this will give you an angle of loll.

Cargo vessels have to make sure they can carry any materials by working out
the area they have in their hold and working out the mass of the material they're
going to be taking aboard to make sure they can take that material, every
material has different masses
Fresh water has a mass of 1.000t per metres cubed
Sea water has a mass of 1.025t per metre cubed
These figures are important for summer and winter loadlines on cargo vessels
While coming into port with a fresh water river, if the vessel has been loaded up
to her maximum loadlines in a port that has sea water she will sink in a port with
fresh water.

If your doing modifications to your vessel, get a stability captain down to make
sure your vessel is safe to go to sea, your altering the vessels stability, you
might capsize.

A lot of vessels have been lost because of the effects of F.S.E.(Free surface
effect) F.S.E. makes your vessels GM smaller and is very dangerous
Try this for a demonstration of F.S.E.

38
Place a half full plastic lemonade bottle on the flat of your hand
don't grip the bottle and let the liquid move slowly
It will fall off your hand
Imagine what this does to a vessel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Keep F.S.E. to a minimum.
Keep all water tight doors and hatches closed while at sea.
Keep the bilge's dry.
Never let freeing ports to become blocked.
When at sea, never turn your vessel with any quantity of water on your deck.

You have to now the stability criteria for your vessel,

(1) Area under curve up to 30 degrees not less than 0.055 metres radians
(2) Area under curve up to 40 degrees not less than 0.09 metres radians
(3) Area between 30 and 40 degrees not less that 0.03 metres radians
(4) Maximum Gz to occur at an angle not less than 25 degrees but maximum
Gz should occur at an angle exceeding 30 degrees
(5) Initial GM not less than 0.35 m for fishing vessels and 0.15 metres for
merchant navy vessels
A radian equals 57.3 degree's

Stability Definitions
Centre of Gravity
A point on the vessel through which all forces of gravity act vertical downwards
Forces of Graphic
All forces of gravity acting vertically downwards
Centre of Buoyancy
A point on the vessel through which all forces of buoyancy act vertically
upwards equal to the water displaced
Forces of Buoyancy
A floating body experiences an upward force equal to the water it displaces

39
Metacentre
A point on the centre-line of a vessel through which all the forces of buoyancy
pass when the vessel is heeled
Righting Lever
When the vessel is heeled by an external force, the centre of buoyancy/centre
of gravity are not in the same line, now a horizontal distance exists, the
buoyancy pushing the vessel upright (the righting lever Gz)
Metacentric Height
The distance from the Centre of Gravity to the Metacentre (G.M.)
Height of the Metacentre
The distance from the Keel to the Metacentre (K.M.)
Displacement
Is the total weight of the vessel equal to the water it displaces
(Displacement = Lightship + deadweight
Draught
The vertical distance from the Keel to the waterline
Freeboard
The vertical distance from the waterline to the lowest deck-edge
Under keel allowance
The distance from the keel to the seabed
Trim
This is the difference between the fore and aft draughts
Mean Draft
This is the forward and aft draft added together and divided by the number 2
Stable Equilibrium
This is when a vessel has a positive righting lever (G below M)
Neutral Equilibrium
This is when the vessel has no righting lever (G & M together) (Danger of
Capsize)

40
Unstable Equilibrium
This is when the vessel has a negative righting lever (G above M) (Capsizing
lever)
Stiff Vessel
This is a vessel with a very large righting lever (G near the Keel)
Tender Vessel
This is a vessel with a vessel small righting lever (G very near M)
Angle of Loll
This is a vessel that is initial unstable but when heeled has a vessel small
righting lever (Very dangerous condition, get rid of any weights on deck either
by putting it overboard or down into the hold) (Caution watch an angle of loll
through ice accretion, always take the ice off all rigging first the from the high
side and push it towards the low side giving you a bigger list but your forces of
buoyancy work harder to keep your vessel upright)
List
A list is caused by you moving anything on the vessel to one side
Curve of Statical Stability
this is a curve that shows the following :
(1.) angle of maximum stability
(2.) maximum g.z.
(3.) the righting lever at any angle
(4.) angle of vanishing stability
(5.) the range of stability
(6.) angle where deck-edge immersion begins
(7.) the amount of dynamic stability a vessel has
(8.) the point of contra flexure
(9.) the angle of inclination
(10.) the initial g.m.
(11.) the radians for that vessel

41
Stability
This is an act of keeping the vessel stable
Transverse or Statical Stability
The vessels ability to return to the upright position
Reserve Buoyancy
This is the volume of air trapped in a watertight space above the waterline
Centre of Floatation
This is the centre of the water-plane area of a vessel at any draught
Deadweight
This is the cargo, stores water, fuel that you've taken aboard
Light Displacement
The total weight of the vessel, machinery etc that stays on the vessel and
cannot be moved, (stores, fuel water etc not included)
Lightship
The total weight of the vessel, machinery etc that stays on the vessel and
cannot be moved, (stores, fuel water etc not included)
A righting moment or a moment of statical stability
The total weight X the righting lever (Gz)
A moment
A moment = weight x distance
Loaded weight regarding the centre of gravity
When a weight is loaded onto a vessel the centre of gravity moves towards it
Discharged weight regarding the centre of gravity
When a weight is discharged from a vessel the centre of gravity goes back to
where it was before the weight came on board (Opposite direction from where
the weight was placed at on the vessel)
Shifted weight regarding the centre of gravity
When a weight is shifted on a vessel the centre of gravity moves from where the
weight was to the weights new position

42
Dynamic stability
The amount of work taken to bring a vessel back to its upright position
Range of positive stability
This is on a curve of statical stability , where the curve starts on the angle of
inclination to where the curve stops at the point of vanishing stability
Angle of vanishing stability
This is on the curve of statical stability and where the curve comes down and
has no (g.z.) ( + or - ) then this is where stability vanishes
Initial GM
This is on the curve of statical stability, on the angle of inclination at 57.3
degrees there is a radian line , and a tangent line which starts from 0 degrees
and leaves the first arc of the curve of statical stability and where the tangent
line and the radian line at 57.3 degrees meet then this is the initial g.m.
Angle of Maximum stability
This is on the curve of statical stability, on the curve itself at the top of the curve
down to the angle of inclination and this is the angle of maximum stability
Maximum GZ (on curve of static stability)
This is on the curve of statical stability, at the top of the curve look at the
distance on the scale (metres) and this is the maximum g.z.
Importance of adequate freeboard
With freeboard raised then this will give you
(1.) a greater range of stability
(2.) a greater range of vanishing stability
(3.) a greater maximum g.z.
(4.) the maximum g.z. occurs at a greater angle
(5.) greater dynamic stability
Density
The mass of any object expressed in cubic metres
(i.e.) a dice is length x breadth x width =

43
Volume of displacement
This is where the vessel is equal to the water displaced and expressed in cubic
metres

Flooding in vessels
(Q) Why is it that vessels are sinking?
(a)
(i) Flooding discovered too late for any action to be taken.

(ii) Basic action not taken to stop flooding.

(iii) Bilge alarms not fitted or broken.

(iv) Bilge system soon choked when needed in an emergency.

(v) No portable pumps on the vessel.

(vi) Holes in watertight Bulkhead, holes drilled to let cables into a compartment.

(vii) Wear on the hull of wooden vessels.

(viii) Crew never heard the bilge alarms.

(ix) Bilge alarms sensors fitted too high in the bilges

(x) Bilge alarm strainers (mud boxes) awkward to access or time consuming to
open

(xi) No grid's over the well in the fish hold.

(xii) The valves stems for the bilge's placed too low in the engine room
44
(xiii) Too many bends in the bilge pumping system, this lets air get trapped in
pipes

(xiv) Rubber sections in bilge pumping systems bursting and causing flooding

(xv) Bilge pump, ejectors and system never serviced or cleaned

(xvi) No-one knows how to operate the bilge pumps.

(xvii) Compartments never checked for water.

(xviii) Bilge alarms never tested.

(xix) Mud boxes (Strainers) never cleaned

(xx) Bilge's pipes entrances choke with debris.

(xxi) Valves are seized.

(xxii) Test any bilge, hand or whale pump often.

(xxiii) When in dry-dock check and clean all non-return valves.

(xxiv) Don't try and remove any non-return valves while your vessel is still in the
water.

(xxv) If unsure where the water is coming from close all sea valves.
(xxvi) If at anchor, close all sea cocks and any hatches.

45
 PASSAGE PLAN

(Q) How would you make the actual passage plan going from Aberdeen to the
west side of Shetland?
(a) By putting way points so you can parallel index off the points of lands before
and when joining a new course taking into account the strong tides at the
Pentland Firth and the chances of meeting small inshore traffic

(Q) What distance would you parallel index off the land or any obstacles that's
in your passage plan?
(a) at least 2 miles depending on the depth of water at that obstacle and any
dangers to the ship

(Q) you've made a passage plan up for a voyage from Aberdeen to Egypt, how
will you find out the state of the tide in the area your going too?
(a) by using the tidal diamonds that's on the chart of the area your going too

(Q) Why is it important to keep your charts up to date?

(a) Incase any new obstructions endanger your vessel, sunk vessel with her
masts above the water, well-heads, new approaches to a harbour, oil-rig shifted
position Etc.

(Q) How do you correct your charts up to date?

(a) By using the Cumulative Notices to Mariners and cross referencing them
against the numbers of past corrections on the bottom left hand side of your
chart.

(Q) What would you do if there was a correction missing?

(a) Find out the correction number and what issue of the Weekly Notices to

46
Mariners it was contained in and enter it and put the correction number in at the
bottom left hand side of the chart then sign it and date it.

(Q) What is Position fixing?

(a) By using your GPS and taking the lat/long and placing this onto a chart

(Q) How can you Position fix your position on a chart if you only have a radar,
charts and a magnetic compass 2 miles from a point of land?
(a) By taking a compass bearing of the point of land and changing this to a true
bearing then reversing the true bearing, now draw a line with the true reversed
bearing from the point of land and measure off 2 miles this will give you an
approximate fix

(Q) What publication would you find all the charts of the world?
(a) Admiralty World Charts

IMDG Container Questions

(Q) How can I find if I can lift a container safely?
(a) By looking in the "Cargo Securing Manual" and find out the "Maximum
Allowable Lashing Limits" or by Using the "Rule of Thumb" for Containers

(Q) What is the Rule of thumb for containers?

(a)
Find the total weight of the container (container plus contents)
Find the amount of eyebolts on top of the container
Then divide the total weight by the number of eyebolts
This will give you the S.W.L. for each wire strop (Lashings)

(Q) How do you work out the MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE LASHING LIMIT
(a) You do the same as for the containers and use the "RULE OF THUMB"

47
(Q) What checks would you do on a container?
(a) That there is no damage to the eyebolts on top/bottom of the container That
the doors closed correctly That it had a S.W.L. stamped on it There was no rust
on the container especially on the strengthener and eyebolts It had a padlock

(Q) Would you take a container with some damage to it?

(a) Never be tempted to take a container with any damage

(Q) What precautions before taking a container onboard a vessel including a oil
supply vessel?
(a)
(i) Preferable stow the container in the for and aft direction
(ii) Do not stow the containers so that they exceed over the ships side
(iii) Flat stow on deck
(iv) Safe access for personnel on deck
(v) Securing points at top and bottom of container (Eyebolts at bottom of
container to prevent slipping and eyebolts at the top to prevent tipping)
(vi) Only stow containers one high
(vii) Do not impose excessive strain on the container (no extra strapping)
(viii) Deck or hatches not overstressed (Information from Cargo Securing
Manual)
(ix) The lashings for containers should have some arrangement for tightening
(Bottle screws)
(x) You must have protection for ventilation and breathing pipes on deck
(xi) Make sure the container has a valid container packaging certificate

(Q) Working with containers/pipes and while loading a ship, how can you make
sure the shore party do not get hurt?
(a) By using a platform so they walk clear of the container/pipes before they are
lifted as in the photo above

48
(Q) A container is a sealed unit, could a person get harmed going inside one?
(a) Yes if the container had been carrying some toxic chemicals they could
easily be overcome with fumes

(Q) How do you prevent this?

(a) By making sure the container was well ventilated and well cleaned/washed

(Q) What safety features would you make personnel use while working on top of
containers?
(a)
(i) Hard hat
(ii) Steel-toe cap boots
(iii) Safety harnesses
(iv) Protective clothing
(v) gloves
(vi) and if need be Safety glasses

(Q) Where will you get information about loading and securing goods inside a
container?
(a) The IMO/ILO/UN/ECE Guidelines for packing of cargo transport units(CTU's)

(Q) How could you identify the symbols used for dangerous goods on a
container?
(a) These are listed in the Dangerous Goods and tell you what the substance is

(Q) What information can you get from the shell of a container?
(a)
(i) The S.W.L. of it
(ii) The tare

49
(iii) Gross weight
(iv) If the container has dangerous goods inside it
(v) Safe approval plate

(Q) What is a "Safe approval plate" used for?

(a) To make sure you don't overload the container

(Q) What's the rule of thumb for the S.W.L. for the eyebolts on the deck of a
ship?
(a) Depending on the amount of eyebolts you have for strapping a load down
with you would take port side eyebolts and double the S.W.L. for it, it has to
take the full load with the vessel sheers to and fro
i.e. containers total weight including contents is 10 tonnes, it has 2 eyebolts on
the port side and 2 on the starboard side
10 tonnes divide by 2 equal 5 tonnes, therefore each wire sling/strop and each
eyebolt must have a S.W.L. of 5 tonnes

S.O.P.E.P. + S.M.P.E.P.
(Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan)

(Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plan)

Every oil tanker over 150grt and every ship over 400 grt must carry a
S.O.P.E.P. onboard the vessel
From 1st January 2003 every ship over 150grt carrying noxious liquid
substances must have a S.M.P.E.P.

50
Both these Emergency Plans are for a skipper so he knows what to do in the
case of a collision or a fire on his ship, he should have a plan for this
emergency, there should be a pollution prevention team
The action plan is the same as a muster drill, the pollution team must know
what each person has to do in any situation regarding pollution, every member
of the crew is responsible to prevent pollution
Any Spillage should be treated as an emergency, common spillages occur while
re-fueling, Save-alls should be used to prevent this, all actions should be taken
to prevent any diesel or other marine pollutants from going into the water

Reports about discharge or probably discharge of any pollution

If carrying any Marine Pollutant, the costal port of that state should be informed
so they can monitor you passage and be prepared incase you do have a
spillage
Report if you had a spillage because of any of the following:
(a) Collision
(b) Faulty Equipment
(c) Discharging it to save life (oil or diesel quells waves)
(d) Discharging oil through your bilge discharge pipe (faulty monitoring/oil
separating equipment)
Factors to be taken into account if a discharge or probable discharge has
been made
(a) The nature of damage to the ship
(b) What machinery has broken down (E.g. Bilge Pumps, Monitoring
Equipment, Separating Equipment)
(c) The Ships position
(d) Wind force, current, tide and sea state
(e) Density of Traffic
(f) The condition of the crew onboard

51
(g) Breakdown of engine propulsion, lost propeller, lost steering, lost electrics to
Navigation equipment
Once the initial report has been made follow up reports have to be made
as follows
(a) Name of Ship, Call sign and flag
(b) Date and UTC Time
(c) Ships position
(d) True Course & Speed
(e) Planned Route
(f) Time of next report
(g) Draught
(h) What cargo your carrying
(i) Brief details of any defects or damage you have
(j) Brief detail of the actual pollution you have
(k) Company owners name/addresses and phone numbers
(l) Ships details (Length, Breadth, Draught, tonnage and type of ship
(m) Total amount of personnel on the ship
(n) Details of incident including
(i) The name of any ship involved
(ii) The action taken to prevent any more spillage
(iii) Any assistance you got
(iv) Any injuries to personnel and what if any medical help you got
These reports should be made to the nearest Coastguard Station

Taking Grain aboard in bulk

Grain includes one of the following:-
(1) Wheat
(2) Maize
(3) Oats
(4) Rye
(5) Barley
52
(6) Rice
(7) Pulses
(8) Seeds
(Any of the above can cause self combustion due to the gases given off)

(Q) How can you find out if you can carry 20,000 tonnes of grain on his vessel?
(a) You need to refer to the vessel's stability book to see what the vessel can
carry in each hold
Also check out the following
(1) Check out the grain loading plans

(2) Check out the stowage details for the grain (Stowage factor which you get
from the shipper)
Find out the ships volume for that compartment which is in the ships cargo plan,
then you get the stowage factor from the shipper, the person who own's the
grain
(3) Find out what type of grain your taking onboard and see if it gives off
dangerous gases
(4) Find out the freeboard/draught before loading and after loading
(5) make sure the grain cannot shift by using boards transversely and athwart-
ships to minimize F.S.E.
(6) Check for overheating (Sweating by cargo sweat or ships sweat) Both are
very dangerous (both can self-ignite)

(Q) What is Cargo Sweat and what is ships sweat?

(a) Cargo Sweat is where the air in the hold is hotter that the air outside the hold
Ships sweat is where the air outside the hold is hotter that the air inside the hold

53
(Q) What check's would you take before loading "Grain"?
(a) Make sure that the vessel is totally empty and fumigated (it can be oxygen
deficient or have flammable gases in it)

(Q) What is the main danger when going into a hold that has not been
fumigated?
(a) No oxygen, the fumes inside a hold can kill, it's happened a lot of times in
the past
(Q) What are the Rules for entering an enclosed space?
(1) Get the skippers permission
(2) Ventilate the enclosed space
(3) Test the oxygen count
(4) Put S.C.B.A. (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) on (if needed)
(5) Use a lifeline
(6) Have someone trained in first aid close by
(7) Have fire-extinguishers close by
(8) Use hard-hats, protective clothing, steel-toe cap boots and gloves
(9) Inform the skipper when done

(Q) If you have a hold that has slack tanks with the amount of grain in it, what
should you do with this?
(a) Look up the SOLAS manual this will give you the angle of repose and the
amount of space you need fro expansion for the grain to expand

(Q) What is an Angle of Repose?

(a) This is the maximum angle you can have the grain at

54
Check out the stability book to make sure you can safely take this amount of
grain onboard
Make sure the ship is fumigated before the grain is taken aboard (it can be
oxygen deficient or have flammable gases in it)
When a ship is fumigated, the detailed recommendations contained in the
Recommendations on the Safe Use of Pesticides in Ships" should be followed.
Spaces adjacent to fumigated spaces should be treated as if fumigated.

CONCLUSION
Failure to observe simple procedures can lead to people being unexpectedly
overcome when entering enclosed spaces. Observance of the principals
outlined above will form a reliable basis for assessing risks in such spaces and
for taking necessary precautions
Check out the grain loading plans
Check out the stowage details for the grain
Find out the type of grain carried and see what (if any) gases it gives off
Find the total weight of the grain
Find out what draft and freeboard you have before loading and after loading
Make sure that the grain cannot shift by taking precautions using boards
transversely and athwart ships to minimize F.S.E. (Free Surface Effect)

55
Watch for overheating (sweating though Cargo sweat or Ships sweat) both are
dangerous and can ignite and explode by itself

Cargo Information
The shipper must supply the master with all the relevant information well in
advance prior to taking any cargo onboard, the master needs this information so
he can plan how to stow the cargo so it will be safe, the master will require the
following information;
For general cargoes or cargo units
(1) A description of the cargo
(2) the gross weight of the cargo
(3) The Dimensions of the cargo
(4) Any special properties of the cargo

For Bulk Cargoes

(1) The stowage factor of the cargo
(2) The trimming procedures
(3) For concentrate or other cargo which may liquefy, additional information in
the form of a certificate indicating the moisture content of the cargo and its
transportable moisture limit;

Bulk cargoes which are not classified in accordance with Regulation VII/2 of the
SOLAS Convention, but have chemical properties that may create a potential
hazard
Information on the chemical properties besides the information for bulk cargoes
above

All information must be given to the master prior to loading any cargo on proper
shipping documentation (the master must check that this documentation is

56
correct before taking the cargo onboard – accidents has happened because of
the documentation being wrong)
With containers and cargo units the shipper must check that the gross
tonnage/dimensions are correct (an near accident happened with a document
saying the gross tonnage of a container was 3 tonnes – with it’s contents, the
master was asked to take the container aboard with the ships crane – the crane
had a S.W.L. of 5 tonnes, when the crane took the initial weight of the container,
the initial strain taken made
the ship list badly towards the quay, the master screamed to stop the crane
which the crane operator did, later they found the gross weight of the container
was 7 tonnes – a misprint – but it could have been a nasty accident)
If the shipper or the agent does not supply the documentation to the master the
forwarder shall supply the information well in advance
A master will not take cargo aboard without all the information he requires (this
is an offence if he does)
Cargo Documentation
Every cargo except a ship carrying grain shall have the following documentation
(1) the Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing adopted by the
Organization by Resolution A.714(17), 1992 edition;

(2) the Code of Safe Practice for Ships Carrying Timber Deck Cargoes adopted
by the Organization by Resolution A.715(17), 1992 edition; and

(3) the Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes (BC Code) adopted by the
Organization by Resolution A.434(XI), 1991 edition.

Every vessel carrying grain shall have the following documentation onboard;

International Grain Code

Stowage and securing
57
The operator and master must ensure that the following are undertaken;

(1) cargo and cargo units carried on or under deck are loaded, stowed and
secured so as to prevent as far as is practicable, throughout the voyage,
damage or hazard to the ship and the persons on board, and loss of cargo
overboard

(2) appropriate precautions are taken during loading and transport of heavy
cargoes or cargoes with abnormal physical dimensions to ensure that no
structural damage to the ship occurs and to maintain adequate stability
throughout the voyage;

(3) appropriate precautions are taken during loading and transport of cargo
units on board ro-ro ships, especially with regard to the securing arrangements
on board such ships and on the cargo units and with regard to the strength of
the securing points and lashings.
The shipper must ensure that:

(1) the cargo is packed and secured so as to prevent, throughout any voyage,
damage or hazard to the ship and the persons on board; and

(2) if the cargo unit is a container, it is not loaded to more than the maximum
gross weight indicated on the Safety Approval Plate attached to the container in
accordance with the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC 1972),
published by the Organization.

Checks on deck before proceeding to sea

(1) Check the hull before boarding to see if any external damage (another ship
may have collided into you while you was home)
(2) Check all live-saving appliances and make sure no-one has tampered with
58
them
(3) Check all life-saving appliances are still in date (distress flares - Parachute
and hand, E.P.I.R.B., S.A.R.T's, Speedlines, lifebuoys, life-jackets - normal and
inflatable)
(4) Check the hydrostatic release is tied up correctly (you could loose your life if
tied up wrong)
(5) Check all Navigation lights and the ships whistle works
(6) Check all freeing ports are free to move and have no obstacles near them

(7) Check all hydrants, fire hoses and nozzles

(8) Check all deck machinery is operational and all safety guards are placed
around them
(9) Check the wheelhouse windows are clean
(10) Check no obstructions around the radar
(11) Make sure everything is tied down
(12) Make sure all water-tight doors and hatches are closed before proceeding
to sea
(13) All cranes should be lowered to improve the vessels stability
(14) Check while in dry-dock - the intakes for all sea-cocks - take them out and
clean all intakes - make sure you place a sign saying sea-cocks withdrawn -
regrind them back in after they have been serviced

What Checks would you do in your wheelhouse?

(1) Check the gauges (oil, exhaust, gearbox, pressures/temperatures etc)
(2) Check that the radios are switched on (test them by calling up Coastguard)
(3) Check the radar is switched on and tuned in (maximum boxes,
rain/sea/gain)
(4) Check GPS receiver is on and you cross check it on a Navigation chart
(5) Check the autopilot, test the steering before you set sail
(6) Check the manual steering, (top up the steering column with hydraulic oil)
(7) Test watchkeeper alarm
59
(8) Test bilge/fire and gas alarms, also test them where the sensors are
(9) Check your magnetic compass for errors
(10) Check after warming up your gyro compass for errors
(11) Switch on your video-plotter and plot your voyage using waypoints
(12) Plan your voyage on a navigation chart, check this every 10 minutes,
incase you have complete electrical failure
(13) Switch on your echo sounder, if in shallow water, you will get an error with
the depth you are in
(14) Check your Morse controls/variable pitch is working
(15) Check the whistle and navigation lights work

Deck Machinery Checklist

Winch
(1) Check the winch is greased
(2) Check the anchor pins for the brake and clutch bands
(3) Check that the guide on gear has no play and is greased
(4) Check that the rollers have no play and are in good condition
(5) Check that the hydraulic pipes are in good condition (avoid bends and least
connections) check for any leaks
(6) Check winches oil seals have no leaks
(7) Check the condition of the guide-on gears worm and knife
(8) Make sure that the operator has good knowledge of operating the Winch
Net-drums
(1) Check the net-drum is greased
(2) Check the anchor pins for the brake and clutch bands
(3) Check that the hydraulic pipes are in good condition (avoid bends and least
connections) check for any leaks
(4) Check net drums oil seals have no leaks
(5) Check that the operator has all-round visibility of the net drum
(6) Make sure that the operator has good knowledge of operating the Net-drum
Power-block
60
(1) Check the power-block is greased
(2) Check that there is no play with the power-block
(3) Check to see that the seals are not leaking
(4) Check the condition of the hydraulic hoses and fittings (straight pipes and
least amount of fitting is best)
(5) Check the operator has all-round visibility using the power-block
(6) Make sure that the operator has good knowledge of operating the power-
block (crane operators certificate would be good for this)

How to pump the bilges on a Vessel

(1) Open up the overboard valve (discharge valve) (Full Open)
(2) Open up the main sea-cock for the pump (Full open) This will prime the bilge
pump
(3) Start the bilge pump
(4) Open the valve (Full open) that is used for the compartment you want to
pump
(5) Slowly close the main sea-cock (closing it slowly will help prevent air-locking
the system)
(6) Check the overboard to make sure you are pumping bilge water over the
side
(7) If you're not pumping bilge water, check the following;
(a) You've air locked the bilge pumping system
(b) You have a hole in a pipe drawing air into the system
(c) The bilge pump impeller is worn or broken
(d) The bilge pump is broken
(e) The main intake is choked with some debris

(Q) What are you going to do with any oil in your bilges?
(a) Pump it into a sludge tank

61
(Q) What if you had no sludge tank, what will you do with the oil in the bilges
now?
(a) Pump the bilges until there is a trace of oil being pumped overboard, as
soon as this happens stop your bilge pump, then manually pump the oil in the
bilges into 5 gallon oil drums, then when you get ashore inform the port
authorities and they will dispose of it for you

(Q) What is an oil/water separator?

(a) A system that separates water from oil, so that no more that 15 P.P.M.
(Parts Per Million) of oil is being discharged overboard

(Q) How does an oil/water separator work?

(a) By using thousands of ball bearings spinning centrifugal pushing the water
out and letting the oil sink into a holding tank

(Q) How often would you empty your sludge tank?

(a) You should empty your sludge tank at the first chance you get

Engine-room checks
Engine-room checks is a must for several reasons, the reasons are as follows;
(1) Fire prevention
(2) Accident prevention
(3) Flooding prevention
(4) Pollution prevention
With each of the reasons above, the M.C.A. usually asks this question;

(Q) What checks are carried out in the engine-room to prevent

fire/accidents/Flooding/Pollution?
(a)
(i) Kept spotless
(ii) No cloths lying around
62
(iii) Starter and radio batteries contained in a steel box and the box closed
(iv) Starter and radio batteries serviced often
(v) No bare electrical wires
(vi) No fuel leaks
(vii) No oil leaks
(viii) No oil-drums stowed in the engine-room
(ix) Bilges kept dry as possible
(x) No oil in bilges
(xi) Extractor fans used to minimise fumes and air condition
(xii) Walkways kept clean and dry
(xiii) Bilge pumps serviced (maximum of 6 months)
(xiv) Bilge pipes checked often
(xv) Bilge sensors checked often (Test them)
(xvi) Fire detection sensors checked often
(xvii) If freezing gas motors are in engine-room, check the sensors (below motor
as the gas is heavier than air)
(xviii) While pumping bilges, have a watch looking over the side to make sure
no oily waste is being pumped overboard
(xix) Test Co2 fire sensors
(xx) Have the valve stems for the sea-cocks raised
(xxi) Maintain Sea-cocks and while in drydock withdraw them and get them
serviced, clean any barnacles from the intakes to the sea-cocks
(xxii) Fit CCTV
(xxiii) Check non-return valves when in drydock only
(xxiv) Check 24v 110v and 240v lights
(xxv) Have plenty fire-extinguishers in the engine-room and serviced (Mostly
foam extinguishers

Bunkering (Refueling) your vessel - Precautions

63
The captain will often ask the candidate during an Oral Exam, what precautions
while bunkering your vessel, the following should be the answer the candidate
gives;
(1) Know how much fuel is needed
(2) Have a man at the fuel intake on the vessel - so he can switch the fuel
nozzle off
(3) Close all freeing ports, place cloths around them to prevent fuel going into
the harbour
(4) Fit Save-alls, these are very good to prevent fuel going over your deck and
going into the harbour (if you don't have a save-all, cut the lid off a 5 gallon oil
drum and place this below the breather pipes)
(5) Have oil dispersant ready incase of spillages
(6) Have a foam fire-extinguisher ready in case of a fire
(7) No smoking signs erected
(8) No hot work to be carried out (welding or burning etc)
(9) Hoist code flag "Bravo"
(10) Place a floaty rope from the stem to the stern to catch any spillages
(11) Check the amount of fuel in the tanks often while refueling
(12) When the tanks are nearly full, stop the fuel intake for 2 - 3 minutes to allow
the fuel to settle, this will help prevent a blow back of fuel
(13) If allowed, take slightly less fuel than required, the captain might say but
wont this allow for FSE, but the fuel tanks are baffled to minimise FSE
(14) Log the amount of fuel taken onboard in the Oil Record Book

Hanging Block Safety Checklist

(1) Check S.W.L. of block and its components
(2) Check Sheave for wear and tear
(3) Check hanging block has a safety chain through it
(4) Check all welds for cracks
(5) Check all nuts are welded and the welds not cracked
(6) Check for rust and any scouring from wires
64
(7) Check bushes for wear
(8) Check all load bearing pins
(9) Check "U" bolts for wear and tear ("U" Bolts locking nuts should also be
welded, check the welds are not cracked
(10) Check "U" bolts are grease with underwater grease
(11) Check any swivels
(12) Check any shackles and connectors for wear and tear
While doing a Risk Assessment pay particular attention to hanging-blocks, as
they are overhead and if they are pulled down while your working at them they
will kill as it has done in the past, don't be a statistic and while working at a
hanging block always have two men so the second man can watch your back
(eyes in the back of your head)

Action to Avoid Collision

If your are going to make an alteration of course make sure its an early and bold
alteration as long as you have plenty sea room
Every alteration must be big enough so the other vessel can see it on his radar
A series of small alterations should be avoided
When making an alteration of course, make sure you don't place your vessel
into a close quarter situation/risk of collision with another vessel

When taking action to avoid collision you can do one of 4 things

(1) Make an early and bold alteration of course
(2)slow your vessel down
(3)stop your vessel
(4)come astern with your vessel
If you are ever in doubt your best thing to do is stop your vessel until the risk of
collision is past (also gives you more thinking time as to what you can do)
After making an alteration of course, take more bearings to make sure the risk
of collision/close quarter situation is past

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If you're on a collision course
If you're the stand-on vessel you may alter course as long as your not in a close
quarters situation, but if in a close quarters situation you shall alter course
(Never get into a close quarter situation if you can help it)
Rule of thumb
From 8 to 12 miles - this is your plotting distance to find out if risk of
collision/close quarters situation exists
From 4 to 8 miles - this is your/other vessels action area
below 4 miles - close quarters situation (out in the open sea, you should have
no vessel within 4 miles)
What you have to do in any situation
(1) Take a series of compass, radar and visual bearing to see if a "Risk of
Collision/close quarters situation exists"
(2) Figure out who the giveway/stand-on vessel is
(3) If your the stand-on vessel then use (A) below
(4) If your the giveway vessel then use (B) below
(5) If the giveway vessel is standing on then sound 5 or more short and rapid
blasts on the ships whistle or flash your masthead light rapidly 5 or more times,
if you get no response then use (C) below
(A) Stand-on with caution, maintaining your course and speed, keep taking
bearings to make sure the giveway vessel givesway
(B) As long as there is pleanty sea-room, make an early and bold alteration
towards the giveway vessel, give him plenty sea-room, if not a lot of sea-room
stop your vessel and let him pass
(C) Make an bold alteration away from this vessel (he could be a pirate vessel)
!!! Never alter towards the giveway vessel !!!

Rules of the Road (Questions and Answers)

Rule 2 Responsibilities

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(Q) Define Rule 2-Responsibilities?
(a) That everybody is responsible for any action taken aboard a vessel, and if
involved in a collision then both parties are at fault, because the stand-on vessel
did not use rule 7 risk of collision and rule 8 Action to avoid collision.

(Q) What is the responsibilities of a skipper on the vessel?

(a) To make sure the vessel is a safe and healthy working environment

(Q) What are the responsibilities of individuals aboard your vessel?

(a) To make sure their health is good and if they see any dangers then to report
them to the skipper

Rule 3 General Definitions

(Q) Describe the term "not under command"?

(a) Means a vessel through some exceptional circumstances is unable to
deviate from the course she is following.

(Q) Describe the term" vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre"?

(a) Is a vessel through the nature of her work; she is unable to deviate from her
course she is following.

(Q) Describe a "vessel constrained by her draught"?

(a) Is a power-driven vessel, because of her draught in relation to the depth of
water she is in, cannot deviate from the course she is following

(Q) Describe the word "Underway"?

(a) When a vessel is not at anchor, aground or made fast to the shore, and is
only going through the water by tide and/or wind.

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(Q) Describe the word "Making way"?
(a) When a vessel is being propelled through the water by engine propulsion,
sails or oars.

(Q) In the Rules of the road, in some rules the word "vessel" comes up,
but what would you say a vessel is?
(a) Any type of watercraft than can carry personnel.

(Q) Describe a power-driven vessel?

(a) Any vessel that has an engine to propel herself through the water

(Q) Describe a sailing vessel?

(a) A vessel using sails and not using engine propulsion to push her through the
sea.

(Q) Describe the word "seaplane"?

(a) Any aircraft that can land on water.

(Q) Your asked about the "Length and Breadth" of your vessel, what is
this?
(a) The longest length of your vessel and the widest part of the vessel, you'll get
this from your "Stability book" and the "Record of particulars"

(Q) The term "when vessels are in sight of one another" what does this
mean?
(a) When you can see the vessel visually by the naked eye during daylight or at
night, Rule 34 explains the sound signals used "When vessels are in sight of
one another"

Rule 5 Look-out.

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(Q) Describe rule 5 look-out?
(a) By keeping a good look-out using eyes, ears and by using all navigation aids
including radios for listening out for navigation warnings, so you can appraise
any situation ahead of you.

Rule 6 Safe Speed.

(Q) Describe a safe speed by all vessels?

(a) Every vessel shall go at a safe speed so that you can stop your vessel in
half the distance you can see and use the other half to manoeuvre away from
danger, taking the following factors into account: -

By all vessels:-
(i) the state of visibility
(ii) density of traffic
(iii) how manoeuvrable your vessel is, and how quick you can stop your vessel
(iv) the glare of your lights or light from the shore, you might not see the harbour
entrance
(v) weather, sea state and any navigation hazards
(vi) the draught of your own vessel

(Q) Describe a safe speed by vessels with operational radar?

(i) the limitations of your radar

(ii) the scale in use ( too small a scale could be hiding targets )
(iii) weather, sea and rain clutter ( target could be hiding in clutter )
(iv) ice, small vessels not detected by radar
(v) vessels detected by radar
(vi) determine the range of other vessels

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Rule 7 Risk of Collision.

(Q) What would you use to determine a risk of collision?

(a) Compass, radar and visual bearings (visual bearings being the most
reliable)
(Q) What scale is your radar(s) on?
(a) 6 and 12 miles.

(Q) Why is your radar on the 12 miles scale?

(a) For early detection of targets.

(Q) You've taken 1 radar plot of a target, would you alter with this plot?
(a) No.

(Q) You've taken a 2nd radar plot of a target, would you alter with this
plot?
(a) No.

(Q) Why would you not alter with 1 and 2 plots?

(a) Rule 7 part (c) says not to rely on scanty information, especially scanty radar
information.

(Q) What are the dangers with radar plotting?

(a) Time is being wasted and could put your vessel into a collision course

(Q) If the bearings are steady, is there a risk of collision?

(a) Yes.

(Q) If the bearings are not steady, could there still be a risk of collision?

70
(a) Yes.

(Q) What situations?

(a) With a large vessel, a long tow or a close quarter situation.

(Q) If plotting a vessel towing a vessel towing another vessel with the
length of tow being 2 miles long, what are you going to take bearings of?
(a) The stem of the towing vessel and the stern of the vessel being towed,
everything in between is a risk of collision.

Rule 8 Action to avoid collision.

(Q) What 4 actions can you take to avoid a collision?

(i) an early and bold alteration of course, as long as you do not put your vessel
into another close quarter situation/risk of collision with another vessel
(ii) slow your vessel down
(iii) stop your vessel
(iv) come astern with your vessel

(Q) Why are you always making an alteration of course, why do you not
stop your vessel?
(a) To make sure the risk of collision/close quarter situation is taken out, also
the other vessel ill see the change of aspect of your vessel (Visually and by
radar)

(Q) If you make an alteration of course, what have you to watch out for?
(a) That you don not put yourself into a close quarter situation with another
vessel.

(Q) If you make an alteration of course, why is it dangerous to make a

71
series of small alterations?
(a) Because you could go into a close quarters situation/risk of collision

(Q) If you're unsure about what to do in a situation, what's the best thing
to do?
(a) Slow your vessel down, best to stop your vessel altogether.

Rule 9 Narrow Channels.

(Q) What side of the narrow channel would you keep?

(a) The starboard side of the narrow channel as long as your vessel is in safe
water.

(Q) What would you sound to overtake a vessels starboard side?

(a) (Morse "G") (2 prolonged blasts followed by 1 short blast on the whistle

(Q) What would you sound to overtake a vessels port side?

(a) (Morse "Z")(2 prolonged blasts followed by 2 short blasts on the whistle)

(Q) What would you sound if you agree to be overtaken in a narrow

channel?
(a) (Morse "C")(1 prolonged, 1 short, 1 prolonged, 1 short blast on the whistle)

(Q) What would you sound if you disagree to be overtaken in a narrow

channel?
(a) (5 or more short and rapid blasts on the whistle)

(Q) What would you sound coming up to a bend in a narrow channel?

(a) (1 prolonged blast on the whistle)

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(Q) If there is another vessel coming around the bend and he heard your
warning signal, what would he sound?
(a) (1 prolonged blast on the whistle to let you know he is there)

(Q) What 3 vessels do not impede any other vessels using a narrow
channel?
(a) A fishing vessel, sailing vessel and vessels under 20 metres

(Q) Are you allowed to cross a narrow channel?

(a) Yes, as long as you do not impede any vessel using the narrow channel

(Q) If you where in a narrow channel, and there is a vessel crossing a

narrow channel, what would you sound to get him to stop and let you
pass?
(a) Five or more short and rapid blasts on the whistle to indicate that your
unsure of his intentions.

Rule 10 Traffic Separation Schemes.

(Q) How do you join a lane?

(a) At the start of a lane or at a small an angle as possible to the lane.

(Q) How do you leave a lane?

(a) At the end of a lane or at a small an angle as possible to the lane.

(Q) How do you cross the lanes?

(a) At 90 degrees to the general flow of traffic (DO NOT SAY TO THE LANE)

(Q) Why 90 degrees?

(a) Because it's the quickest way across, and vessels in the lane can see the

73
aspect of your vessel.

(Q) If crossing a lane, what 3 vessels do not impede any vessel using a
lane?
(a) A fishing vessel, a sailing vessel and a power-driven vessel under 20metres.

(Q) What vessels can use the inshore zone?

(a) A power-driven vessel under 20 metres, sailing vessels, fishing vessels,
vessels going to or from a port, going from port to port in the scheme, going into
anchor to do emergency repairs, to avoid immediate danger, to lay submarine
cables or to do repairs to buoys within the scheme.

(Q) What vessels can use the traffic separation zone?

(a) Fishing vessels, anchor for emergency repairs, crossing vessels, to avoid
immediate danger, to lay submarine cables or to do repairs to buoys within the
scheme.

(Q) Where can you anchor in a scheme?

(a) Anywhere, as long as it's to do emergency repairs, try and avoid anchoring
in the lanes and at the terminations.

(Q) What would you do if you had to stop your main engine to do
emergency repairs in a lane and had to anchor?
(a) Call up the port and advise them, also put out a security warning other
vessels that you're at anchor, put up anchor lights and daytime signal.

(Q) Where can you fish in the scheme?

(a) Anywhere, but if fishing in a lane then go with the flow of traffic, and try and
avoid fishing at the terminations.

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(Q) Would you fish in a traffic separation scheme?
(a) This is a personnel question, there is a lot of large traffic there; you would be
putting your crew and vessel into dangerous situations.

(Q) Could a supertanker leave a lane at 90 degrees come into the inshore
zone to a pilot station, pick up a pilot and then cross to the opposite
inshore zone at 90 degrees?
(a) No, he would have to leave the lane at a small an angle as possible to the
lanes.

(Q) If you're in a power-driven vessel, crossing a scheme and on your port

bow is another power-driven vessel in a lane, the bearing are steady and
the distance is closing, what are you going to do?
(a) First find out length of vessel you are in.

(Q) Does it matter what size the power-driven vessel is that you're in?
(a) Yes, if under 20 metres and crossing a lane, then you would have to give
way to every vessel in the lane.

(Q) Your in a 30 metres power-driven vessel crossing a lane, and there is a

power-driven vessel on your port bow in a lane, the bearings are steady
and the distance is closing, what are you going to do?
(a) Stand-on with caution, maintaining your course and speed.

(Q) How would the power-driven vessel leave the lane?

(a) He would make an early and bold alteration to starboard sounding 1 short
blast on the whistle indicating he is altering to starboard.

(Q) Would he line up your stern and go around it?

(a) No, this would be a close quarter situation and could make you alter your

75
course and put into a collision course with another vessel.

(Q) After the vessel came around your stern, how would he get back into
the lane?
(a) At a small angle as possible to the general flow of traffic.

(Q) If you where in any vessel, just outside the scheme, would you
manoeuvre here?
(a) No, it says if not using the scheme, then to give it a wide a margin as
possible.

(Q) If you're fishing in a lane, and there is a power-driven vessel

overtaking you, what are you going to do?
(a) Stand-on with caution, you have to use rule 13 Overtaking.

(Q) If you're crossing a lane in a fishing vessel and any vessel is on your
port bow in a lane, the bearings are steady and the distance is closing,
what are you going to do?
(a) If you're crossing and the bearings are steady, then you have to

Rule 13 Overtaking.

(Q) What's classed as an overtaking vessel?

(a) When you're coming up on another vessel MORE than 22.5 degrees abaft
the beam.

(Q) What light will you see at night if you're overtaking another vessel?
(a) The sternlight of the other vessel.

(Q) What are your priorities when overtaking another vessel?

76
(a) To keep well clear of the vessel being overtaken until well past and clear.

(Q) What distance would you say is well past and clear?
(a) At least 4 miles.

(Q) If you're overtaking another vessel and now you're abeam of the other
vessel are you overtaking or crossing?
(a) You're still an overtaking vessel until well past and clear

(Q) If you're in any vessel and any vessel is overtaking you what would
you do?
(a) Stand-on with caution keeping your course and speed.

(Q) If you're coming up on a vessel at 22.5 degrees abaft the beam, are
you a crossing vessel or overtaking vessel?
(a) You're a crossing vessel, the word MORE is missing.

(Q) If you're overtaking a vessel, you're on his starboard quarter and the
other vessel is on your stem, what action will you take?
(a) Take the shortest course, sound 2 short blasts on the whistle and make an
early and bold alteration to port and go around the other vessel's stern.

(Q) If you're overtaking a vessel, you're on his port quarter and the other
vessel is on your stem, what action will you take?
(a) Take the shortest course, sound 1 short blast on the whistle and make an
early and bold alteration to starboard and go around the other vessel's stern.

(Q) If you're coming up on a vessel, and one minute you're seeing his
sternlight, then his sidelight, then his sternlight, is this a crossing
situation or an overtaking situation?

77
(a) This is an overtaking situation.

Rule 14 Head-on Situations.

(Q) According to the rule, what types of vessels do you need?

(a) 2 power-driven vessels.

(Q) In a head-on situation between 2 power-driven vessels, how do you

know it's a head-on situation at night?
(a) Because you would see his masthead light in between his sidelights.

(Q) What action will you take with 2 power-driven vessels in a head-on
situation?
(a) Both vessels will sound 1 short blast on the whistle and make an early and
bold alteration to starboard.

(Q) What action will you take if you're in a power-driven vessel, and in a
head-on situation with a fishing vessel, also what action would the fishing
vessel take?
(a) You will sound 1 short blast on the whistle and make an early and bold
alteration to starboard, the fishing vessel will stand-on with caution because he
is most hampered.

Rule 15 Crossing Situations.

(Q) What type of vessels do you need for this rule?

(a) 2 power-driven vessels.

(Q) How do you know who is the give way vessel in a crossing situation?
(a) You're the give way vessel if you have another power-driven vessel on your

78
starboard side.

Rule 16. Action by Give way Vessels.

(Q) If you were the Give way vessel, what action would you take?
(a) Make an early and bold alteration of course, you could slow down, stop your
vessel or come astern, but if plenty of distance, an alteration is the best means
to avoid a collision.

Rule 17. Action by Stand-on Vessels.

(Q) If you're the stand-on vessel, what action will you take?
(a) Stand-on with caution, keeping your course and speed.

(Q) If the Give way vessel were standing on, what warning signal would
you give him?
(a) 5 or more short and rapid blasts on the whistle, to indicate that you are
unsure of his intentions.

(Q) If you're in a power-driven vessel, and on your port bow there is

another power-driven vessel, who is standing-on, collision course, you've
gave him 5 or more short and rapid blasts on the whistle, you got no
response from him, what action will you take now?
(a) Make an early and bold alteration away from him, in this case, 1 short blast
on the whistle and an early and bold alteration to starboard and show him your
sternlight.

(Q) If you're in a fishing vessel, and on your starboard bow is a sailing

vessel, who is standing-on, collision course, you've gave him 5 or more
short and rapid blasts on the whistle, you got no response from him, what

79
action will you take now?
(a) Make an early and bold alteration away from him, in this case, 2 short blasts
on the whistle and make an early and bold alteration to port.

(Q) What actions for the stand-on vessel if the give way vessel stands-on?
(a) If the give way vessel stands on; the stand-on vessel may alter course
(outside 4 miles - Rule of thumb distance)
(inside 4 miles - Rule of thumb distance)If in a close quarter situation and the
give way vessel stands on; the stand-on vessel shall alter course

Rule 18. Responsibilities between vessels.

(Q) If you are in a power-driven vessel, there are 6 vessels that you should
give way to, name them?
(a) A power-driven vessel on your starboard bow.
(b) A sailing vessel
(c) A fishing vessel
(d) A vessel not under command
(e) A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre
(f) If the circumstances of the case admit, a vessel constrained by her draught.

(Q) If you are in a fishing vessel, then you have to give way to 4 vessels,
name them?
(a) A fishing vessel on your starboard bow
(b) A vessel not under command
(c) A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre
(d) If the circumstances of the case admit, a vessel constrained by her draught.

(Q) If you're in a power-driven vessel, or fishing vessel, would you stand-

on or give way to a vessel constrained by her draught?

80
(a) Your best to Give way to a vessel constrained by her draught.

(Q) Is there any rule that says you should try to avoid impeding the safe
passage of a vessel constrained by her draught?
(a) Yes, Rule 18d part (1) says any vessel other than a vessel not under
command or a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre, shall if the
circumstances of the case admit avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel
constrained by her draught.

(Q) Usually what type of vessel would a vessel constrained by her draught
be?
(a) Very large supertanker carrying crude oil.

(Q) So what would happen if you stood-on to a vessel constrained by her

draught?
(a) She could easily go aground and tear the bottom out of her hull, causing a
major ecological disaster, killing all seabirds, covering the coastline with oil,
pollution at its worst.
Rule 19. Conduct of vessels in Restricted Visibility.

(Q) What does Rule 19 mean to you?

(a) This Rule applies to all vessels in or near an area of Restricted Visibility.
IN OTHER WORDS: -
(THERE ARE NO STAND_ON VESSELS IN RESTRICTED VISIBILITY)

(Q) What would you say a safe speed was in Restricted visibility?
(a) A speed that you could stop your vessel in half the visible distance you could
see, so you could alter using Rule 19 (d) parts (i) and (ii)

(Q) What does part (a) say?

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(a) This Rule Applies to all vessels in or near an area of restricted visibility

(Q) What does part (b) say?

(a) Go at a safe speed and have your engines ready for immediate manoeuvre's

(Q) What does part (c) say?

(a) Have Due regards to the prevailing condition

(Q) What does Rule 19 (d) say?

(a) A vessel which detects by radar alone the presence of another vessel shall
determine if a close-quarter situation is developing and/or risk of collision exists.
if so she shall take avoiding action in ample time, providing that when such
action consists of an alteration of course, so far as possible the following shall
be avoided

(Q) What does Rule 19 (d) Part (i) say?

(a) Avoid an alteration to port for a vessel forward of the beam, other than for a
vessel being overtaken

(Q) What does Rule 19 (d) Part (ii) say?

(a) Avoid an alteration towards a vessel abeam or abaft the beam

(Q) What does Rule 19 (e) say?

(a) Except where it has been determined that a risk of collision does not exist,
every vessel which hears apparently forward of her beam, the fog signal of
another vessel, or which cannot avoid a close-quarters situation with another
vessel forward of her beam, shall reduce her speed to a minimum at which she
can be kept on her course. Shall if necessary take all her way off and in any
event navigate with extreme caution until danger of collision is over.

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Rule 23. Power-Driven Vessels

(Q) A Power-driven Vessel - UNDERWAY, what Navigation Lights does he

switch off if he is stopped and making no-way through the water?
(a) None, he is not entitled to switch off any Navigation Lights
(Q) What is classed as Navigation Lights?
(a) Sidelights (Port & Starboard), Sternlight, and if entitled to them Masthead
light(s)

(Q) What vessels are not entitled to masthead lights if the vessel is
Underway?
(a) Three vessels;
(i) Fishing vessel other than Trawling (Red Light over a White Light - 2 metres
apart)
(ii) Not Under Command (Red light over a Red Light - 2 metres apart)
(iii) A Vessel engaged in Pilotage duties (White light over a Red Light - 2 metres
apart)

(Q) How can you tell a Power-driven vessel is Makingway?

(a) By taking a series of Compass, Radar & Visual Bearings (visual Bearings
being most accurate)

Rule 34. Manoeuvring and Warning Signals

(Q) 1,2,3 & 5 Short and Rapid blasts on the ships whistle, what condition
of visibility are these sound signals used?
(a) When vessels are in sight of one another

(Q) Does that mean clear visibility?

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(a) No, you can still see a vessel when it is hazy, when you can see the vessel
visually then you use this Rule and not Rule 35. Sound Signals in Restricted
Visibility

(Q) In a Narrow Channel, a vessel sounds 2 Prolonged Blasts followed by

1 short blast (Morse "G" - Golf), what does he intend to do?
(a) He wants to Overtake your Starboard side and he is awaiting your answer
for you to agree for him to pass

(Q) In a Narrow Channel, a vessel sounds 2 Prolonged Blasts followed by

2 short blast (Morse "Z" - Zulu), what does he intend to do?
(a) He wants to Overtake your Port side and he is awaiting your answer for you
to agree for him to pass

(Q) What sound signal would you reply with if you agreed with the
overtaking manoeuvre?
(a) (Morse "C" - Charlie) 1 Prolonged blast followed by 1 short blast followed by
1 prolonged blast followed by 1 short blast on the ships whistle

(Q) What would you sound if you disagreed to be overtaken in a narrow

channel?
(a) You'd sound 5 or more short and rapid blasts on the ships whistle, you can
also flash a light 5 or more times

(Q) In a Narrow channel, your coming towards a bend in the channel, what
warning signal will you sound?
(a) One prolonged blast on the ships whistle

(Q) If I was coming around the bend towards you, what warning signal
would I sound?

84
(a) One prolonged blast on the ships whistle

(Q) You're on a collison course with another vessel, you're the stand-on
vessel, the giveway vessel is standing-on, what warning signal will you
sound?
(a) You'll sound 5 or more short and rapid blasts on the ships whistle

Rule 35. Sound signals in Restricted Visibility

(Q) A vessel engaged in Pilotage duties, what is his identity signal?

(a) He may sound 4 short and rapid blasts on the ships whistle

(Q) May he sound the identity signal when vessels are in sight of one
another?
(a) No, this is only to be sounded in Restricted Visibility

(Q) Is there a time length for the Pilots identity signal (I.E. not exceeding 2
minutes)?
(a) No, there is no time limit, he may sound the identity signal as and when he
wants

(Q) Name the vessels with a hampered fog signal (1 Prolonged and 2
short)?
(a)
(i) Sailing Vessel
(ii) Fishing vessels (Trawler & Fishing other than Trawling)
(iii) Not Under command
(iv) Restricted in her ability to manoeuvre
(v) Constrained by her Draught
(vi) Minesweeper

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(vii) Vessel engaged in towing
(viii) Restricted in her ability to manoeuvre engaged in towing
(ix) A vessel engaged in pushing another vessel ahead
(x) A Fishing vessel other than trawling fishing while at anchor (Anchor Seine-
net)
(xi) Restricted in her ability to manoeuvre while at anchor

(Q) A Power-driven vessel has 2 different Fog signals, what are they?
(a)
If Underway - Two Prolonged blasts on the ships whistle at intervals not
exceeding two minutes
If Makingway - One Prolonged blast on the ships whistle at intervals not
exceeding two minutes

(Q) A Short Blast - How long does it last for?

(a) One second

(Q) A Prolonged Blast - How long does it last for?

(a) Between 4 - 6 Seconds

(Q) What is the complete sound signal for a vessel engaged in towing
another vessel that is manned?
(a) The towing vessel will sound 1 prolonged blast followed by 2 short blasts on
the ships whistle, the vessel being towed will immediately sound 1 prolonged
blast followed by 3 short blasts on the ships whistle, all within 2 minutes

(Q) A vessel at anchor (under 100 metres), what is his fog signal?
(a)
A rapid ringing on the bell (forward) for 5 seconds
at intervals not exceeding 1 minute

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(Q) A vessel at anchor (Over 100 metres), what is his fog signal?
(a)
A rapid ringing on the bell for 5 (forward) seconds, then
A rapid ringing on the gong (aft) for 5 seconds
at intervals not exceeding 1 minute

(Q) A vessel at anchor has a warning signal he may use to alert you of a
possible collision, what is it?
(a) He may sound (Morse "R" - Romeo) 1 short blast followed by 1 prolonged
blast followed by 1 short blast

(Q) A vessel aground (Under 100 metres), what is his fog signal?
(a)
3 distinct strokes on the bell, followed by
a rapid ringing on the bell for 5 seconds, followed by
3 distinct strokes on the bell (bell is forward in the ship)
at intervals not exceeding 1 minute

(Q) A vessel aground (Over 100 metres), what is his fog signal?
(a)
3 distinct strokes on the bell, followed by
a rapid ringing on the bell for 5 seconds, followed by
3 distinct strokes on the bell followed by (bell is forward in the ship)
a rapid ringing on the gong (gong is aft in the ship) for 5 seconds
at intervals not exceeding 1 minute

(Q) What Does Rule 19 mean to you?

(a) The Conduct of vessels in or near an area of restricted visibility

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(Q) What is a safe speed in restricted visibility?
(a) A speed that you can stop in half the visible distance you can see, so you
can manoeuvre out of danger in the other half (if the visibility is zero, then
minimum speed that you can keep your course)

(Q) What does Rule 19 part (a) say?

(a) This Rule applies to ALL vessels in or near an area of Restricted visibility (so
if you're in a power-driven vessel and the other vessel is "Not Under
Command", both vessels have to use Rule 19 and both have to give way

(Q) What does Rule 19 part (b) say?

(a) Every vessel shall go at a safe speed and have her engines ready for
immediate manoeuvre

(Q) What does Rule 19 part (c) say?

(a) Every vessel shall have due regards to the prevailing conditions and
circumstances of restricted visibility
(What it means)
(i) Keep an eye on the weather,
(ii) Get the skipper up and double up the watch,
(iii) Open the windows and listen for fog signals,
(iv) Start to sound your own fog signal
(v) Man the radar's
(vi) Have your engines ready to stop or come astern
(vii) Be ready to switch the autopilot off and go onto manual steering
(viii) Close all watertight doors - incase of a collision

(Q) What does Rule 19 (d) say?

(a) Take a series of Radar Bearings to see if a risk of collision/close quarters
situation exists and if so then the following should be avoided (d parts i and ii)

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(Q) What does Rule 19 (d) part (i) say?
(a) Avoid an alteration to PORT for a vessel forward of the beam - unless your
overtaking

(Q) What does Rule 19 (d) part (ii) say?

(a) Avoid an alteration towards a vessel abeam or abaft the beam

(Q) What does Rule 19 part (e) say?

(a) If you hear a fog signal but can't detect him on radar or cannot avoid a close
quarter situation, then slow down your vessel and if still unsure stop your vessel
until the danger is final past and clear

(Q) In restricted visibility - you have detected a vessel, but what does detect
mean?
(a) That you can see the target on your radar screen

(Q) If you plot a vessel on radar and the 3 bearings are steady what does this
mean?
(a) That your on a collision course

(Q) If you plot a vessel on radar and the 3 bearings are nearly steady, what
does this mean?
(a) That you are going into a close quarter situation/collision course
(Q) You have just one plot of a target on screen, what are you going to do with
this?
(a) Keep plotting him, this is scanty radar information and can't be relied upon

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(Q) You have two plot's of a target on screen, what are you going to do with
this?
(a) Keep plotting him, this is scanty radar information and can't be relied upon

(Q) You have 3 plots of a target on your starboard bow bearings steady - what
are you going to do?
(a) Make an early and bold alteration to Starboard - other vessel should do the
same (Rule 19 d part (i) for you)

(Q) What manoeuvring signal will you make for that manoeuvre?
(a) None, manoeuvring signals are only used when "VESSELS ARE IN SIGHT
OF ONE ANOTHER"

(Q) You have 3 plots of a target on your port bow - bearings steady - what are
you going to do?
(a) Make an early and bold alteration to Starboard - other vessel should do the
same (Rule 19 d part (i) for you)

(Q) You have 3 plots of a target on your port beam - bearings steady - what are
you going to do?
(a) Make an early and bold alteration to Starboard - other vessel should do the
same (Rule 19 d part (ii) for you)

(Q) You have 3 plots of a target on your port quarter - bearings steady - what
are you going to do?
(a) Make an early and bold alteration to Starboard - other vessel can go to
port/starboard if he is overtaking you (Rule 19 d part (ii) for you)

(Q) You have 3 plots of a target dead astern - bearings steady - what are you
going to do?

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(a) Make an early and bold alteration to Starboard/Port - other vessel can go to
port/starboard if he is overtaking you (Rule 19 d part (ii) for you)

(Q) You have 3 plots of a target on your Starboard quarter - bearings steady -
what are you going to do?
(a) Make an early and bold alteration to Port - other vessel can go to
port/starboard if he is overtaking you (Rule 19 d part (ii) for you)

(Q) You have 3 plots of a target on your Starboard beam - bearings steady -
what are you going to do?
(a) Make an early and bold alteration to Port - other vessel should go to
starboard (Rule 19 d part (ii) for you)

(Q) You have taken 2 plots of a vessel on your starboard bow and about to
take a third plot when you blew a fuse on your radar, the engineer is trying to
find a fuse, what are you going to do?
(a) Stop your vessel and change your fog signal if in a power-driven vessel to 2
prolonged blasts on the ships whistle, if in a hampered vessel then leave the fog
signal as 1 prolonged blast followed by 2 short blasts on the ships whistle

(Q) What distance would you say is a close quarter situation?

(a) Out in the open sea - 4 miles

(Q) Does it state 4 miles for a close quarter situation in the Rules of the Road?
(a) No, This is just a guide to keep away from all vessels, placing a vessel into a
close quarter situation or risk of collision is dangerous and should never be
done

(Q) Your engineer has fixed the radar but in the time it took him to find a fuse
you have landed in a close quarter situation, what are you going to do?(a)

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Come full astern with the vessel and hopefully miss the oncoming vessel, if
there was a collision then you would lessen the damage

(Q) What is the fog Signal for a fishing vessel - Underway or Making way?
(a) One prolonged blast followed by two short blasts on the ships whistle at
intervals not exceeding two minutes

(Q) What is the fog signal for a power-driven vessel - Underway or Making
way?(a) ONE prolonged blast if Making way and TWO prolonged blasts if
Underway on the ships whistle at intervals not exceeding two minutes

(Q) What is the fog signal for the following?

(i) A Sailing vessel
(ii) A fishing vessel
(iii) A vessel Not Under Command
(iv) A vessel Restricted in her ability to manoeuvre
(v) A vessel Constrained by her Draught
(vi) A vessel engaged in towing something
(vii) A minesweeper
(vii) A dredger
(a) One prolonged blast followed by two short blasts on the ships
whistle at intervals not exceeding two minutes

(Q) What is the fog signal for the following?

(i) A pilot vessel
(ii) A supertanker
(iii) A ferry
(iv) A passenger liner
(v) A hovercraft
(vi) A sailing vessel with a cone apex down

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(vii) A fishing vessel with his fishing gear still on the vessel
(a) If Making way - ONE prolonged blast and if Underway TWO prolonged
blasts on the ships whistle at intervals not exceeding 2 minutes
(Q) What is the fog signal for a vessel towing a manned vessel?
(a) One prolonged blast followed by two short blasts by the towing vessel and
the vessel being towed will sound One prolonged blast followed by three short
blasts on the ships whistle at intervals not exceeding 2 minutes
The towing vessel sound his signal immediately after the towing vessels signal

(Q) What is the Pilots identity signal?

(a) He may if he want sound an identity signal of 4 short blasts on the ships
whistle
(There is no Time limit with the pilots identity signal)

(Q) What is the fog signal of a Pilot vessel underway - then Making way?
(a) When UNDERWAY - 2 prolonged blasts on the ships whistle followed by 4
short blasts to indicate he has a pilot onboard
When MAKINGWAY - 1 prolonged blast on the ships whistle followed by 4 short
blasts to indicate he has a pilot onboard

(Q) A vessel at Anchor under 100 metres - what is his fog signal?
(a) (5) TIP - remember the number
A rapid ringing on the bell for 5 seconds at intervals not exceeding ONE minute

(Q) A vessel at anchor over 100 metres - what is his fog signal?
(a) (5 - 5) TIP - remember the numbers
A rapid ringing on the bell for 5 seconds followed by
A rapid ringing on the gong aft for 5 seconds at intervals not exceeding ONE
minute

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(Q) What is the warning signal a vessel may sound if he is at anchor to alert
others they are on a collision course or coming to close to him?
(a) Morse "R" which is - One short - One Long - One short blast on the ships
whistle

(Q) A Pilot onboard a vessel at anchor under 100 metres - what is the fog
signal?
(a) (5 - 4) TIP - Remember the numbers
A rapid ringing on the bell for 5 seconds at intervals not exceeding ONE minute
and if he wants he may sound 4 short blast to indicate there is a Pilot onboard
(No time limit for pilots identity signal)

(Q) A Pilot onboard a vessel at anchor over 100 metres - what is the fog
signal?
(a) (5 - 5 - 4) TIP - Remember the numbers
A rapid ringing on the bell for 5 seconds followed by
A rapid ringing on the gong aft for 5 seconds at intervals not exceeding ONE
minute
He may if he wants sound the pilots identity signal of 4 short blasts on the ships
whistle
(No time limit for the Pilots identity signal)

(Q) A vessel aground under 100 metres - what is his fog signal?
(a) (3 - 5 - 3) TIP - remember the numbers
3 distinct strokes on the bell
rapid ringing on the bell for 5 seconds
3 distinct strokes on the bell
at intervals not exceeding ONE minute

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(Q) A vessel aground over 100 metres - what is his fog signal?
(a) (3 - 5 - 3 - 5) TIP - remember the numbers
3 distinct strokes on the bell
rapid ringing on the bell for 5 seconds
3 distinct strokes on the bell
rapid ringing on the gong aft for 5 seconds
at intervals not exceeding ONE minute

(Q) You heard a fog signal - can you tell where this fog signal is coming from,
you can't see nothing on radar?
(a) No, the sound in restricted visibility deceives the human ear

(Q) You heard a fog signal - you're unsure where it's coming from - what are
you going to do with your vessel?
(a) Slow down to a minimum speed and if still unsure - stop your vessel until the
danger is past

(Q) A small sailing vessel is a very bad radar target, the echo passes over the
vessel, how can he improve his chances of being detected on radar?
(a) By putting up a radar reflector as high up his mast as possible

(Q) Autopilots - do you use them while in restricted visibility - if so why do you
use them then?
(a) Because using an autopilot in restricted visibility gives you more time to
study the radar and listen out for fog signals, as long as you can switch the
autopilot off very quickly and go onto manual steering

(Q) Autopilot - what is the maximum time allowed by the rules to switch them
off to go onto manual steering?
(a) Maximum is 30 seconds - I personally think this is too long

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 Rule 17
(a) (i) Where one of two vessels is to keep out of the way of the other shall keep
her course and speed.
(ii) The latter vessel may however take action to avoid collision by her
manoeuvre alone, as soon as it becomes apparent to her that the vessel
required to keep out of the way is not taking appropriate action in compliance
with these Rules.
(b) When, from any cause, the vessel required to keep her course and speed
finds herself so close that collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-
way vessel alone, she shall take such action as will best aid to avoid collision.
(c) A power-driven vessel which takes action in a crossing situation in
accordance with sub-paragraph (a) (ii) of the Rule to avoid collision shall, if the
circumstances of the case admit, not alter course to port for a vessel on her
own port side.
(d) This Rule does not relieve the give-way vessel of her obligation to keep out
of the way.

Overtaking Situations
(1) What is deemed as an overtaking vessel?
(a) When your coming up on another vessel more than 22.5 degrees abaft the
beam

(2) What light will you see at night if you're overtaking?

(a) Only the sternlight

(3) You're overtaking another vessel, now your abeam of him, are you a
crossing or overtaking vessel now?
(a) Once you begin to overtake a vessel you remain an overtaking vessel until
well past and clear

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(4) You have passed the vessel your overtaking, your about a mile past him,
can you alter course now?
(a) As a Rule Of Thumb, Make a Close Quarter Situation 4 miles out in the open
sea, so No this is not enough distance clear of the vessel being overtaking

(5) You're overtaking another vessel, when can you become a crossing vessel?
(a) Once your well passed and clear (at least 4 miles)
(6) You're coming up on a vessel at 22.5 degrees abaft his beam, are you a
crossing or overtaking vessel now?
(a) Your a crossing vessel, you have to be more than 22.5 degrees abaft his
beam to be overtaking (22.6 degrees is overtaking) (The word MORE is
missing)

(7) You're coming up on another vessel at 22.5 degrees abaft the beam, what
light will you see at night, the sidelight or the sternlight?
(a) The sidelight, you wont see the sternlight till your more than 22.5 degrees
abaft the beam

(8) Your overtaking another vessel, your vessel is sheering, one minute you see
a sternlight then a sidelight then a sternlight then a sidelight, are you a crossing
or overtaking vessel?
(a) If in doubt you make yourself an overtaking vessel and go around the stern
of the vessel your overtaking

(9) A vessel Not Under Command is overtaking you, will you stand-on or give
way to this vessel, he is having major problems steering?
(a) He is duty bound to keep clear of you, so you will stand-on with caution (BE
VERY CAUTIOUS WITH THIS VESSEL OVERTAKING YOU)

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(10) You're in a power-driven vessel in a traffic lane and any vessel is
overtaking you, what are you going to do?
(a) Stand-on with caution, maintain your course and speed

(11) You're in a sailing vessel in a traffic lane and any vessel is overtaking you,
what are you going to do?
(a) Stand-on with caution, maintain your course and speed
(12) You're in a fishing vessel in a traffic lane and any vessel is overtaking you,
what are you going to do?
(a) Stand-on with caution, maintain your course and speed

(13) In restricted visibility, your overtaking another vessel, will you stand-on or
give way?
(a) There are no stand-on vessels in restricted visibility, any situation in
restricted visibility everyone gives way
(14) In restricted visibility you're overtaking another vessel, how ill you decide
on the best way to pass him?
(a) Take the quickest way past him so you can get back onto your original
course, go around the vessel being overtaken's stern, (Never pass ahead of
him)
(15) What does it say in Rule 19 Restricted Visibility about overtaking vessels
(Rule 19d part (i) ?
(a) Avoid an alteration to port for a vessel forward of the beam, other than for a
vessel being overtaken (in other words - UNLESS YOUR AN OVERTAKING
VESSEL)

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