Exam Questions Flashcards
You are to plan a passage from Gibraltar to the Caribbean, what is your process?
Intro: Using guidance from IMO Resolution 893A, SOLAS chapter V, Bridge Procedures Guid and the Companies SMS I would follow the APEM method.
Appraisal= I would ask my OOW to do the following;
Publications - Collect the most relevant charts and publications for the intended voyage ensuring they are the latest edition and corrected to the most recent Notice to Mariners.
List 4 -5 Publications
-Mercator Charts
-Gnomic Chart
-Admiralty Routing Charts
- Admiralty Sailing Directions
-AdmiraltyOcean Passages of the world
- ALRS Volumes 1-6
-Admiralty Total Tides
-Nautical Almanac
-Admiralty List of lights and Fog signals
-Admiralty The Mariners Handbook NP100
etc
I would then expect him to collect information on the ships Characteristics which would include;
Ships Characteristics
-Maneuvering Data = turning circles, stopping dist
-Stability
-Defects or deficiencies to resolve before departure
-Certificates are valid for the period of voyage
-Insurance is relevant for the type of voyage
-Range in relation to fuel consumption
-MARPOL requirement will be met with regards to Black water and Grey water holing tank capacities, Garbage Management Plan and fuel sulphur content regulations within ECAs.
- Minimum Safe Manning Doc reviewed ensuring the there is a sufficient number of crew on board for the departure, maintaining a safe navigation watch, emergency response and mooring.
-Requirements such as Visa’s, permits or certificates
I would then run though the Masters Preferences which would include;
Masters Preferences
-Minimum Distance to navigation hazards
-Minimum UKC
- Routes to avoid high security risk areas
-Past Passage plans and experience
-Charterers requirements
Planning
Once the appraisal stage is complete I would get my OOW to;
1) Chart Work
-Lay down a route on Paper Charts and ECDIS from berth to berth taking into consideration no go areas
-Clearly marking wheel over points and call points.
-Identifying visual and Radar conspicuous objects for position fixing.
-Tidal streams
2) Speed
Using the charterers required ETA we are able to calculate the most fuel efficient speed.
3) Schedules
Using the distance from the charts and required speed we are able to create schedules for the intended voyage such as;
-Bridge Watch Schedules
-Tidal windows
-Environmental schedules with regards to discharging and fuel change over
-Drill schedules
-Training
-Safety comity meeting opportunities
-Planned maintenance
-Stability requirements with regards to ballast schedules
4) Contingencies
-Bad weather route
-Contingency plans are in place for bad weather
5) Compliance
-International = Conventions and Codes
-Flag requirements
-Class requirements
-Countries which waters will be entered
-Foreign Port which is being visited
-Companies SMS
-Captains Standing Orders
6) Risk Assessed and approved
-OOW who created the passage plan checks visually and electronically
-Second person checks visually and electronically who could be another OOW
-Master checks visually and electronically
Execution
Understanding the passage plane may have been made months in advance, we are now checking that the intended plan is safe with the latest information such as;
-Up to date Navigation charts and publication
-Weather
-Local bylaws are still the same
-Nav warnings
-Security updates relating to piracy
-Pilot arrangement and booking
-Checking that my contingencies are still available
This process starts before departure and is continuous through the whole passage.
Monitoring
We are trying to detect departure from the intended voyage by cross checking;
-Navigation Equipment = Position, Course, UKC (MGN 315)
-Speed = Ensuring we are meeting the ETA
-Weather
-Schedules are going as planned
-Maintaining Environmental compliance
-Ballast schedules
-Security
Closing Statement
To ensure my vessel arrives in a safe and efficient manner.
What is an SEA and what is the contents of an SEA?
A seafarer’s employment agreement is a legal agreement to the terms and conditions of employment between the employer and employee.
Contents include
- Seafarers name, date of birth and info
- Employers information
- scope of employment
- Validity of contract (no more than 11m)
- Notice period (no less than 7days)
- Salary (currency and means of payment)
- Medical coverage
- Repatriation
- social security
- Maximum coverage for loss of personal items
- location, date and time of contract being signed
Guidance on SEA’s may be found in MGN 477
You are joining a vessel as Master what is the process from start to finish?
Joining Form
I would expect to be sent a joining form which I would fill out and send back so that the company may develop an SEA to send to me.
SEA
I would then review the SEA and seek legal advice prior to agreeing to the terms and conditions.
Letter of Authority
I would then expect to be sent a letter of authority giving me the power of attorney once I have officially taken over.
I would bring my SEA and letter of authority with my certificates to the boat.
On the dock
I would pay attention to;
- The general condition of the vessel
- Draft marks and load line
- Rigging of mooring lines and tension
- High risk jobs and proper safe working procedures
- Gangway is rigged safely with hand rails, safety net, fire safety plan, door bell, no access sign, life ring with floating line and light.
- At night, decks and access points are clearly lite
Boarding
On boarding the vessel I would expect to be challenged for identification and singed in to the vessels visitors log book showing that we are following the guidance under the ISPS Code
I would then expect to be escorted to the bridge to meet the outgoing master and handover my SEA, letter of authority and certification which would include;
- Passport
- Visa’s
- CoC
- GoC
- ENG 1
- Type specific certificates
STCW certificates or refreshers
- Basic Fire Training
- Basic Medical Training
- Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
- Personal Sea Survival Techniques
- Proficiency in Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
Safety Familiarization
I would then expect to be handed over to the safety officer to complete a comprehensive safety familiarization identifying all LSA, FFE, emergency exit routes, and muster stations.
I would pay attention to all work being carried out and talk to the crew to get a better understanding of how the vessel has been run.
Once the safety familiarization is complete I would expect to start the masters handover with the outgoing Master
Masters Handover
Characteristics
I would try to gather as much information from the outgoing Masters about the vessels maneuvering characteristics and specific operational procedures as he would be a wealth of knowledge and be able to provide vessel specific tips.
Audits and Surveys
I would won’t to know when the last internal audit and survey was completed and when the last port state inspection was carried out.
Are there any defects, deficiencies, observations or past detentions that I need to be aware of.
Wing to Wing
Starting with a wing to wing familiarization of the bridge getting to know the equipment and where everything is kept in order for me to carry out my job efficiently. Knowing the location of bridge equipment manuals is important.
Minimum Safe Manning
I would review the minimum safe manning document along with the crew contracts to ensure we are meeting flag state requirements for the safe operation of the ship.
Ship Certificates
I would then review the ship’s certificates ensuring they are all accounted for and in date.
Compliance
I would then review the record books to ensure planned maintenance, inspections, drills and training has been carried out in compliance with the SMS and international conventions and codes.
Cash & Keys
I would then expect the outgoing master to handover all keys, crew passports, passwords, controlled drugs and and cash
Record
Once I am satisfied with the seaworthiness of the vessel, I would add my name to the crew list, record my CoC on the front cover of the OLB and sign the comment in the Narrative section stating that I am taking over as Master.
I would also add my name and signature to all other record books.
What does sea worthy mean to you?
A vessel is deemed to be sea worthy when it can encounter the normal perils of the sea for the venture insured.
Five C’s of Sea Worthy
- Condition
- Crew
- Conduct
- Certificate
-Compliance
A vessel must be in good condition Certificatesin date and valid for the period of voyage.
crew meeting the minimum safe manning requirements.
The conduct of the vessel is in order with all crew being fully familiar with all company policies, navigation standing orders, Masters standing orders, LSA and FFE onboard and have completed training and drills.
We must ensure the vessel is maintaining compliance with International and local regulations.
Who is the IMO and what is their purpose?
Who
The international Maritime Organization (IMO) is the United Nations (UN) Maritime branch also know as the Specialized Agency .
Purpose
They are responsible for developing International Conventions and codes to ensure the safety of life at sea, security against threats and the protection of the atmosphere and marine environment from ships. This is achieved by developing technical standards for the design, construction, performance and operation of ships.
Who is the MCA and what is their purpose?
Who
The Maritime Coastguard Agency is the department of transports maritime branch in the UK
Purpose
They are responsible for a number of things such as;
1. Ship registration
2.Training and Certification of Seafarers
3.Monitoring and protecting the Marin environment
4. Carrying out Port State inspections on all vessels in UK waters under the Paris MOU
5. Search and rescue operations under her majesties Royal Coast Guard
What is a classification society and can you list a couple for me?
A classification society is a no governmental organization which has been recognized by the administration (Flag) as trustworthy to carry out surveys and issue certification on behalf of the administration.
Recognized Organisations include;
1. American Bureau of shipping
2. Det Norsk Beritas
3. Lloyds Register
4. Registro Italiano Naval
5. Bureau Veretas
6. Nipon Kaji Kaikai
Who is the MAIB and what is there purpose?
Who
The Maritime Accident Investigation Branch is a department within the Department of Transport in the UK responsible for the investigation of accidents, casualties and incidents on UK registered vessels.
Purpose
The purpose of this is not to direct blame but to provide the maritime industry with lessons through public news letters to ensure the accident does not happen again .
What are Statutory instruments (SI’s)?
Statutory instruments (SI’s) are secondary legislation developed by the MCA in order to establish technical standards within the maritime industry without having to pass an Act through parliament
What are MSN’s, MGN’s and MIN’s?
Merchant Shipping Noticeis simplified guidance on how to apply a Merchant Shipping Act or SI
Maritime Guidance Note Provides guidance on how to carry out operations in order to comply with international regulations
Maritime Information Notes Are temporary notices which have an expiry date such as exam schedules
When would you expect your OOW to call the Master?
I would post my Masters Navigation watch orders in the bridge using the list of considerations provided in STCW chapter 8
The list would include:
1. If restricted visibility is expected or encountered
2. If the traffic conditions or movement are causing concern
3. If difficulty is experienced in maintaining course
4. On failure to sight land, a navigational mark or to obtain soundings by the expected time
5. If unexpectedly, land or navigational mark is sighted or a change in sounding occurred
6. On breakdown of the engines, propulsion machinery remote control, steering gear or any essential navigation equipment, alarm or indicator
7. If the radio equipment malfunctions
8. In heavy weather if in any doubt about the possibility of heavy weather damage.
9. If the ship meets any hazard to navigation, such as ice or derelict
10. In any emergency or if in any doubt
What is SOLAS?
Who developed it? Why do we have it? What certificate are required? And how do we maintain compliance
SOLAS is the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea which is an international agreement between member states to uphold the regulations in the Convention.
It was created as a result of the Titanic sinking by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to ensure the safety of life at sea and protection of the marine environment through regulations maintaining standards for design, construction, performance and operation.
Certification required under SOLAS include:
1. Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate (vessels over 500gt)
2. Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate (vessels over 500gt)
3. Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate (vessels over 300gt)
4. Cargo Ship Safety Certificate - Combined (vessels over 300gt)
In order to remain compliant with SOLAS Regulations the crew must carry out regular planned maintenance, drill and training and record all actions in the official log book.
How do you register a ship?
To register a large yacht (Part 1) the following documents are required:
Application to Register MSF 4740 (A)
Declaration of Eligibility MSF 4727
Bill of Sale from current registered owner to the new owner MSF 4705
Builders Certificate (for new builds) MSF 4743
Copy of Certificate of Incorporation (if the owner is a body corporate)
UK Certificate of Survey for Tonnage and Measurement issued within the last 12 months
International Tonnage Certificate (ITC69) (for vessels over 24 metres)
British Tonnage Certificate and Survey (for vessels less than 24 metres)
A copy of the valid Code Certificate or appropriate safety Certificate (for vessels less than 24 metres)
Large Yacht Certificate (for commercially operating yachts greater than 24 metres)
Deletion certificate/transcript from the current register or a written undertaking to provide one within six weeks
Copy of the ship’s radio licence with call sign, applications should be made with Ofcom
Copy of the ship’s current Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) and completed CSR amendment form (for vessels over 500 GT)
Civil Liability Certification (CLC) when you receive the P&I “Blue Cards.” You can apply for the Certificates on the UK Ship Register online service
Safe Manning Document
Online payment of £153 registration fee via GOV.UK secure payment link (for a five year period)
Once we have received the documentation, a Carving and Marking Note will be issued. This will need to be witnessed by a UK authorised organisation and when completed, returned to uksr@mcga.gov.uk. The Certificate of Registry can then be issued.
Which Publications are mandatory onboard UK Flag vessels
The following UK publications are required to be carried (digital versions of certain
Publications may be accepted):
- Official Log Book (MCA)
- Code of Safe Working Practices (MCA) – Sufficient copies to be held on-board to
ensure it is accessible to all seafarers.
- Merchant Shipping Notices, Marine Guidance Notes and Marine
Information Notes (may be downloaded from MCA website)
- Charts (corrected up to date) for the intended area of operation
- Mariners’ Handbook (NP100) (UKHO)
- Notices to Mariners (UKHO)
- Notices to Mariners – Annual Summary (UKHO)
- Lists of Radio Signals (GMDSS Ch. V) (NP285) (UKHO)
- Nautical Almanac (UKHO)
- List of Lights +
- Sailing Directions (Pilot Books) +
- Tide tables +
- Tidal Stream Atlases +
- Navigational tables (distant water vessels only) +
(+ may be included in certain almanacs)
- Operating and maintenance instructions for navigational aids carried
by the ship
- MCA Ship Captains Medical Guide (Category A and B)
- IAMSAR vol. III
- Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance Parts 1 and 2
- International Code of Signals (>300GT)
Who is the red Ensign Group and what is their purpose?
Crown Dependencies (Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey) and the UK Overseas Territories (Anguilla,
Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, St Helena and the
Turks & Caicos Islands)
This Code of Practice has been developed jointly by the United Kingdom, its relevant overseas
territories and crown dependencies1, and international industry representatives. The Code prescribes
standards of safety and pollution prevention which are appropriate to the size and type of yacht. The
standards applied are either set by the relevant International Conventions or by equivalent standards
where it is not reasonable or practicable for yachts to comply.
This Code is an equivalence under the provisions of Article 8 of the International Convention on
Load Lines, 1966, Regulation I-5 of the International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea, and
Article 9 of the International Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping
for Seafarers 1978 as amended.
- Part A applicable to yachts which are 24 metres and over in load line length, are in
commercial use for sport or pleasure, do not carry cargo and do not carry more than 12
passengers; - Part B applicable to pleasure yachts of any size, in private use or engaged in trade, which
carry more than 12 but not more than 36 passengers and which do not carry cargo.
