DGS GP Rating Exit Exam cheat sheet

1 nautical mile = 1 minute of latitude ≈ 1,852 m; a speed of 1 knot = 1 nautical mile per hour.

Latitude runs 0° at the equator to 90° N/S at the poles; longitude runs 0° at Greenwich to 180° E/W.

True bearing = magnetic bearing + variation (east +, west −); apply deviation to convert compass to magnetic first.

Distance = speed × time; time = distance ÷ speed; keep hours with knots and minutes converted to decimal hours.

IALA Region A: red cylindrical port-hand marks to port on entry; green conical starboard-hand marks to starboard.

Cardinal marks: north two cones up; south two cones down; east cones base-to-base; west cones point-to-point.

Chart depths are reduced to chart datum, approximately lowest astronomical tide; clearances and bridge heights are above chart datum.

GPS position must be cross-checked with visual fixes, radar and echo sounder before it is relied on for navigation.

Four-stroke cycle: intake, compression, power, exhaust; one power stroke every two crankshaft revolutions.

Two-stroke cycle: one power stroke per revolution, with scavenging through ports and usually a blower.

Diesel compression ratios are typically 12:1 to 22:1; ignition occurs by heat of compression, not a spark plug.

Fuel treatment sequence: settling tank, separator or purifier, then filters before the high-pressure fuel pump.

Cylinder lubrication is total-loss; crankcase oil is circulated, filtered and cooled.

Main engine starting air is stored at about 25–30 bar; interlocks prevent starting with the turning gear engaged.

SOLAS: main steering gear turns the rudder from 35° port to 35° starboard in 28 s at maximum ahead service speed.

Oily water separator alarm operates at 15 ppm; overboard discharge must stop automatically above this limit.

Collision bulkhead is watertight and located between 0.05L and 0.08L from the forward perpendicular.

Double bottom protects against grounding, provides ballast tank space and increases longitudinal strength.

Freeboard is measured from the freeboard deck to the summer load line; load line marks ensure minimum reserve buoyancy.

Cofferdam is an empty watertight space between bulkheads or tanks that prevents leakage between different liquids.

Cathodic protection uses sacrificial zinc or aluminium anodes, or impressed current, to reduce hull corrosion.

Hatch covers must be weathertight; cleats, wedges and compression bars secure them against sea ingress.

Paint system: surface preparation, primer, intermediate coat and topcoat, each applied after the correct drying time.

Dry docking allows inspection of hull plating, propeller, rudder, sea chests and sea valves.

Deadweight = displacement − lightship; it includes cargo, bunkers, fresh water, ballast and stores.

Stowage factor is volume per tonne (m³/t); cargo mass = volume ÷ stowage factor.

GM = KM − KG; positive GM gives initial stability, while negative GM means the ship is unstable and may capsize.

A weight shifted horizontally causes list; list depends on weight × shift distance and the ship's GM.

Broken stowage is unused space in a hold and is expressed as a percentage of the cargo space.

Draft survey derives cargo weight from displacement before and after loading, corrected for trim and water density.

IMDG Code classes: 1 explosives, 2 gases, 3 flammable liquids, 4 flammable solids, 5 oxidisers, 6 toxic, 7 radioactive, 8 corrosive, 9 miscellaneous.

Cargo securing uses dunnage, lashings and shoring; heavy items are stowed low to keep KG small.

Fire triangle: fuel, heat and oxygen; the fire tetrahedron adds the chemical chain reaction.

Classes: A solids, B flammable liquids, C gases, D metals, F cooking oils; electrical fires require non-conductive agents.

Water extinguishes class A by cooling; never use a water jet on class B liquids or live electrical equipment.

Foam blankets class B liquids by excluding oxygen; CO2 displaces oxygen and leaves no residue.

Dry powder is multi-purpose but causes visibility loss and contamination; wet chemical is used for class F.

Fixed CO2 systems require evacuation and sealing of the space; CO2 is lethal by asphyxiation.

Fire main supplies hydrants; hoses and nozzles are checked during drills, and boundary cooling limits heat spread.

Fire drills on cargo ships are held at least monthly, and records are entered in the official logbook.

Abandon ship signal: seven short blasts followed by one long blast on the ship's whistle and alarm.

Lifebuoy with line is 30 m; lifebuoy light burns at least 2 hours; lifejacket light burns at least 8 hours.

Lifeboat water allowance is 3 litres per person; food allowance is 10,000 kJ per person.

EPIRB transmits on 406 MHz; SART operates in the 9 GHz band and shows a line of twelve dots on radar.

Immersion suit reduces heat loss and should be donned before abandoning ship when time permits.

Muster list assigns each person a station and duties; survival craft are launched by trained crew.

In water, HELP posture and huddling reduce heat loss; do not swim unless land is close.

Pyrotechnics include parachute flares, hand flares and orange smoke; expiry dates are checked during inspections.

Primary survey sequence: danger, response, airway, breathing, circulation (DRABC).

Adult CPR: 30 compressions to 2 breaths, rate 100–120 per minute, depth 5–6 cm, allowing full chest recoil.

Recovery position keeps the airway open in an unconscious casualty who is breathing.

Severe bleeding: apply direct pressure; use a tourniquet only when direct pressure fails.

Burns: cool with clean water for about 20 minutes; do not remove stuck clothing or burst blisters.

Shock: lay the casualty flat, keep warm, raise the legs if no fracture is suspected, and monitor breathing.

Fractures: immobilise with splints, check circulation beyond the injury and handle the casualty gently.

Hypothermia: move to shelter, remove wet clothing, warm gradually and give no alcohol.

Enclosed space entry requires a permit, atmosphere test, ventilation, standby person and rescue equipment.

Safe atmosphere: oxygen about 21%, flammable gas below 1% LEL, and toxic gas within published limits.

PPE includes helmet, safety boots, gloves, goggles, hearing protection and coveralls suited to the task.

Fall protection uses a full body harness with lanyard attached to a secure anchorage.

Manual lifting: bend the knees, keep the back straight, hold the load close and avoid twisting.

Lockout/tagout isolates energy before maintenance; a personal lock is removed only by the person who fitted it.

General emergency alarm: seven short and one long blast; the fire alarm is a continuous ringing of bells.

Report hazards and near misses; permit-to-work systems control hot work, working aloft and working overside.

MARPOL Annexes: I oil, II noxious liquid substances, III harmful packaged substances, IV sewage, V garbage, VI air pollution.

Oily water discharge limit is 15 ppm through a separator fitted with alarm and automatic stopping device.

Sewage: untreated discharge beyond 12 nm; comminuted and disinfected beyond 3 nm; approved treatment plant may discharge closer.

Garbage: plastics never; food waste outside 12 nm, or outside 3 nm if comminuted; special areas have stricter rules.

Annex VI: global sulphur limit 0.50% from 2020, 0.10% in emission control areas; NOx Tier standards apply to new engines.

Ballast Water Management Convention requires a ballast water management plan and record book.

MLC 2006 covers seafarers' contracts, wages, hours of rest, accommodation, food and medical care.

ISM Code requires a safety management system; ISPS Code requires a ship security plan and drills.

MAYDAY means grave and imminent danger; PAN PAN means urgency; SECURITE means a safety message.

VHF Channel 16 is distress, safety and calling; Channel 70 is DSC only; MF distress frequency is 2182 kHz.

Distress call: MAYDAY repeated three times, this is [ship name and callsign] three times, position, nature of distress, assistance required.

Phonetic alphabet: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie through Zulu; used to spell names and call signs clearly.

Helm orders: "Port ten", "Starboard ten", "Midships", "Meet her", "Steady", "Steady as she goes".

Engine orders: "Full ahead", "Half ahead", "Slow ahead", "Dead slow ahead", "Stop", "Finished with engines".

"Over" invites a reply; "Out" ends the communication; "Say again" requests repetition.

SMCP means the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases used for routine and emergency ship communications.

1 nautical mile = 1 minute of latitude ≈ 1,852 m; a speed of 1 knot = 1 nautical mile per hour.

Latitude runs 0° at the equator to 90° N/S at the poles; longitude runs 0° at Greenwich to 180° E/W.

True bearing = magnetic bearing + variation (east +, west −); apply deviation to convert compass to magnetic first.

Distance = speed × time; time = distance ÷ speed; keep hours with knots and minutes converted to decimal hours.

IALA Region A: red cylindrical port-hand marks to port on entry; green conical starboard-hand marks to starboard.

Cardinal marks: north two cones up; south two cones down; east cones base-to-base; west cones point-to-point.

Chart depths are reduced to chart datum, approximately lowest astronomical tide; clearances and bridge heights are above chart datum.

GPS position must be cross-checked with visual fixes, radar and echo sounder before it is relied on for navigation.

Four-stroke cycle: intake, compression, power, exhaust; one power stroke every two crankshaft revolutions.

Two-stroke cycle: one power stroke per revolution, with scavenging through ports and usually a blower.

Diesel compression ratios are typically 12:1 to 22:1; ignition occurs by heat of compression, not a spark plug.

Fuel treatment sequence: settling tank, separator or purifier, then filters before the high-pressure fuel pump.

Cylinder lubrication is total-loss; crankcase oil is circulated, filtered and cooled.

Main engine starting air is stored at about 25–30 bar; interlocks prevent starting with the turning gear engaged.

SOLAS: main steering gear turns the rudder from 35° port to 35° starboard in 28 s at maximum ahead service speed.

Oily water separator alarm operates at 15 ppm; overboard discharge must stop automatically above this limit.

Collision bulkhead is watertight and located between 0.05L and 0.08L from the forward perpendicular.

Double bottom protects against grounding, provides ballast tank space and increases longitudinal strength.

Freeboard is measured from the freeboard deck to the summer load line; load line marks ensure minimum reserve buoyancy.

Cofferdam is an empty watertight space between bulkheads or tanks that prevents leakage between different liquids.

Cathodic protection uses sacrificial zinc or aluminium anodes, or impressed current, to reduce hull corrosion.

Hatch covers must be weathertight; cleats, wedges and compression bars secure them against sea ingress.

Paint system: surface preparation, primer, intermediate coat and topcoat, each applied after the correct drying time.

Dry docking allows inspection of hull plating, propeller, rudder, sea chests and sea valves.

Deadweight = displacement − lightship; it includes cargo, bunkers, fresh water, ballast and stores.

Stowage factor is volume per tonne (m³/t); cargo mass = volume ÷ stowage factor.

GM = KM − KG; positive GM gives initial stability, while negative GM means the ship is unstable and may capsize.

A weight shifted horizontally causes list; list depends on weight × shift distance and the ship's GM.

Broken stowage is unused space in a hold and is expressed as a percentage of the cargo space.

Draft survey derives cargo weight from displacement before and after loading, corrected for trim and water density.

IMDG Code classes: 1 explosives, 2 gases, 3 flammable liquids, 4 flammable solids, 5 oxidisers, 6 toxic, 7 radioactive, 8 corrosive, 9 miscellaneous.

Cargo securing uses dunnage, lashings and shoring; heavy items are stowed low to keep KG small.

Fire triangle: fuel, heat and oxygen; the fire tetrahedron adds the chemical chain reaction.

Classes: A solids, B flammable liquids, C gases, D metals, F cooking oils; electrical fires require non-conductive agents.

Water extinguishes class A by cooling; never use a water jet on class B liquids or live electrical equipment.

Foam blankets class B liquids by excluding oxygen; CO2 displaces oxygen and leaves no residue.

Dry powder is multi-purpose but causes visibility loss and contamination; wet chemical is used for class F.

Fixed CO2 systems require evacuation and sealing of the space; CO2 is lethal by asphyxiation.

Fire main supplies hydrants; hoses and nozzles are checked during drills, and boundary cooling limits heat spread.

Fire drills on cargo ships are held at least monthly, and records are entered in the official logbook.

Abandon ship signal: seven short blasts followed by one long blast on the ship's whistle and alarm.

Lifebuoy with line is 30 m; lifebuoy light burns at least 2 hours; lifejacket light burns at least 8 hours.

Lifeboat water allowance is 3 litres per person; food allowance is 10,000 kJ per person.

EPIRB transmits on 406 MHz; SART operates in the 9 GHz band and shows a line of twelve dots on radar.

Immersion suit reduces heat loss and should be donned before abandoning ship when time permits.

Muster list assigns each person a station and duties; survival craft are launched by trained crew.

In water, HELP posture and huddling reduce heat loss; do not swim unless land is close.

Pyrotechnics include parachute flares, hand flares and orange smoke; expiry dates are checked during inspections.

Primary survey sequence: danger, response, airway, breathing, circulation (DRABC).

Adult CPR: 30 compressions to 2 breaths, rate 100–120 per minute, depth 5–6 cm, allowing full chest recoil.

Recovery position keeps the airway open in an unconscious casualty who is breathing.

Severe bleeding: apply direct pressure; use a tourniquet only when direct pressure fails.

Burns: cool with clean water for about 20 minutes; do not remove stuck clothing or burst blisters.

Shock: lay the casualty flat, keep warm, raise the legs if no fracture is suspected, and monitor breathing.

Fractures: immobilise with splints, check circulation beyond the injury and handle the casualty gently.

Hypothermia: move to shelter, remove wet clothing, warm gradually and give no alcohol.

Enclosed space entry requires a permit, atmosphere test, ventilation, standby person and rescue equipment.

Safe atmosphere: oxygen about 21%, flammable gas below 1% LEL, and toxic gas within published limits.

PPE includes helmet, safety boots, gloves, goggles, hearing protection and coveralls suited to the task.

Fall protection uses a full body harness with lanyard attached to a secure anchorage.

Manual lifting: bend the knees, keep the back straight, hold the load close and avoid twisting.

Lockout/tagout isolates energy before maintenance; a personal lock is removed only by the person who fitted it.

General emergency alarm: seven short and one long blast; the fire alarm is a continuous ringing of bells.

Report hazards and near misses; permit-to-work systems control hot work, working aloft and working overside.

MARPOL Annexes: I oil, II noxious liquid substances, III harmful packaged substances, IV sewage, V garbage, VI air pollution.

Oily water discharge limit is 15 ppm through a separator fitted with alarm and automatic stopping device.

Sewage: untreated discharge beyond 12 nm; comminuted and disinfected beyond 3 nm; approved treatment plant may discharge closer.

Garbage: plastics never; food waste outside 12 nm, or outside 3 nm if comminuted; special areas have stricter rules.

Annex VI: global sulphur limit 0.50% from 2020, 0.10% in emission control areas; NOx Tier standards apply to new engines.

Ballast Water Management Convention requires a ballast water management plan and record book.

MLC 2006 covers seafarers' contracts, wages, hours of rest, accommodation, food and medical care.

ISM Code requires a safety management system; ISPS Code requires a ship security plan and drills.

MAYDAY means grave and imminent danger; PAN PAN means urgency; SECURITE means a safety message.

VHF Channel 16 is distress, safety and calling; Channel 70 is DSC only; MF distress frequency is 2182 kHz.

Distress call: MAYDAY repeated three times, this is [ship name and callsign] three times, position, nature of distress, assistance required.

Phonetic alphabet: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie through Zulu; used to spell names and call signs clearly.

Helm orders: "Port ten", "Starboard ten", "Midships", "Meet her", "Steady", "Steady as she goes".

Engine orders: "Full ahead", "Half ahead", "Slow ahead", "Dead slow ahead", "Stop", "Finished with engines".

"Over" invites a reply; "Out" ends the communication; "Say again" requests repetition.

SMCP means the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases used for routine and emergency ship communications.