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Kazakhstan Maritime Deck Officer practice questions

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Question 1Navigation

On a nautical chart of the Caspian Sea, a sounding printed as a small figure with a subscript (for example 12₅) indicates which of the following?

  1. A drying height above chart datum
  2. A rock with 12 metres clearance and 5 metres radius
  3. A depth of 12 fathoms and 5 feet
  4. A depth of 12 metres with 5 decimetres Correct answer.

Explanation

On metric charts the main figure gives whole metres and the subscript gives decimetres below chart datum, so 12₅ means 12.5 metres of water. Subscripts are used to save space and avoid a decimal point that could be misread. Drying heights are shown differently, above the datum line and often with a different typeface.

Question 2Navigation

A vessel steering 090° true with a gyrocompass error of 3° West. What is the gyrocompass heading?

  1. 093° Correct answer.
  2. 096°
  3. 087°
  4. 090°

Explanation

Compass error is applied as: compass heading = true heading − easterly error, or + westerly error. With a 3° West error the gyro reads 3° higher than true, so 090° + 3° = 093°. Getting the sign convention backwards is the usual mistake.

Question 3Navigation

In the IALA Maritime Buoyage System, a preferred channel buoy marking a bifurcation indicates that the preferred channel lies to which side when the buoy is red over green?

  1. It does not indicate a preferred channel
  2. Straight ahead only
  3. To starboard
  4. To port Correct answer.

Explanation

A bifurcation buoy with red above green has the red band on top, meaning the preferred channel follows the direction of the topmark colour, which for red-over-green is to port when entering from seaward in Region A. The secondary channel lies to starboard. Green over red reverses this.

Question 4Navigation

A vessel's log records a distance run of 24 nautical miles in 2 hours. What is the average speed over the ground in knots?

  1. 14 knots
  2. 10 knots
  3. 12 knots Correct answer.
  4. 48 knots

Explanation

Speed in knots equals distance in nautical miles divided by time in hours, so 24 ÷ 2 = 12 knots. One knot is one nautical mile per hour by definition. Multiplying distance by time or dividing by minutes without conversion produces the wrong answers.

Question 5Navigation

Which statement correctly describes the meaning of chart datum on a nautical chart?

  1. The level of the charted coastline at high water
  2. The level to which all soundings are reduced, chosen so that the tide seldom falls below it Correct answer.
  3. The highest astronomical tide level
  4. Mean sea level at the chart's central port

Explanation

Chart datum is a low-water reference level selected so that actual water level is almost always above the charted depths, giving a safety margin. Soundings and drying heights are both referred to it. It is not mean sea level or a high-water level.

Question 6Navigation

A vessel is on a true course of 045° and experiences a current setting 135° at 3 knots while making 9 knots through the water. Which vector construction gives the course to steer and speed made good?

  1. Add the current vector to the water track vector head to tail Correct answer.
  2. Subtract the current vector from the true course
  3. Plot the current from the vessel and ignore the water track
  4. Draw the current at right angles to the course always

Explanation

In a current triangle the water track vector and the current vector are laid head to tail; the resultant from the start to the end of the current vector is the course and speed made good. The current here sets directly opposite the course, so it reduces the speed made good to 6 knots. Simply subtracting an angle ignores the vector nature of the problem.

Question 7Navigation

When plotting a running fix using two bearings of the same object taken at different times, what must be applied to the first position line before transferring it?

  1. Nothing; the line is transferred unchanged in position
  2. The variation at the second observation
  3. The tidal stream only
  4. The vessel's course and distance run between observations Correct answer.

Explanation

The earlier position line is advanced along the vessel's track by the distance run between the two observations, producing a transferred position line. The intersection of this advanced line with the second bearing gives the running fix. Transferring without the run, or applying only tide, gives a false position.

Question 8Navigation

A light is charted as Fl(3) 10s 25m 18M. What does the '18M' indicate?

  1. Nominal range of 18 nautical miles in clear weather Correct answer.
  2. Sector width in degrees
  3. Height of the light above sea level
  4. Period of the light in seconds

Explanation

The final figure in a light characteristic gives the nominal range in nautical miles, the distance at which the light is visible in meteorological visibility of 10 nautical miles. The 25m is the height above mean high water, and 10s is the period. Nominal range is not the same as geographic range.

Question 9Navigation

Under the COLREGS, two power-driven vessels are crossing with risk of collision. Which vessel is the give-way vessel?

  1. The vessel that has the other on her own starboard side Correct answer.
  2. The vessel closer to the shipping lane
  3. The faster vessel
  4. The vessel that has the other on her own port side

Explanation

Rule 15 requires the vessel that has the other on her own starboard side to keep out of the way. The other vessel is the stand-on vessel and must maintain course and speed. Speed and lane proximity do not determine give-way status in a crossing situation.

Question 10Navigation

A vessel's magnetic compass shows a heading of 070°M. Deviation from the deviation card is 4° East and variation is 6° West. What is the true heading?

  1. 068° Correct answer.
  2. 080°
  3. 072°
  4. 060°

Explanation

Convert compass to true by applying easterly deviation and westerly variation with their proper signs: 070° + 4° (East) = 074° magnetic, then 074° − 6° (West) = 068° true. Combining the two errors as a single 2° West correction gives the same result. Applying them in the wrong direction gives 072°.

Question 11Navigation

What is the primary purpose of a parallel index line on a radar display during a coastal passage?

  1. To measure the target's true bearing
  2. To calibrate the radar's heading marker
  3. To identify the radar's blind sector
  4. To monitor the vessel's cross-track distance from a chosen shore feature Correct answer.

Explanation

A parallel index line is set at a fixed range from a prominent feature such as a headland; keeping the echo on that line confirms the vessel is holding a constant distance off. It provides a quick check of track keeping without plotting. It is not a bearing or calibration tool.

Question 12Navigation

A vessel is proceeding in a narrow channel. Under the COLREGS, which action is required of a vessel under 20 metres in length or a sailing vessel?

  1. They have absolute right of way over all other vessels
  2. They must always keep to the starboard edge regardless of depth
  3. They must anchor until the channel is clear
  4. They must not impede the safe passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within the channel Correct answer.

Explanation

Rule 9(b) states that a vessel under 20 metres, or a sailing vessel, must not impede the passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within the narrow channel or fairway. This applies whether or not the larger vessel is constrained by draft. The smaller vessel does not gain right of way from its size.

Question 13Navigation

A position is fixed by two position lines intersecting at 90°. What is the main advantage of this angle?

  1. It allows the fix to be plotted without a protractor
  2. It removes the need for a third position line
  3. It gives the smallest position error for a given bearing error Correct answer.
  4. It guarantees a fix free of systematic error

Explanation

The angle of cut affects the size of the cocked hat: a cut near 90° minimises the displacement caused by a small bearing error, while shallow cuts magnify it. A 90° cut therefore gives the strongest fix. It does not eliminate systematic error or make a third line unnecessary.

Question 14Navigation

On an electronic chart display, the safety contour is set to 10 metres and the safety depth to 8 metres. What do these settings control?

  1. The vessel's maximum draft and minimum under-keel clearance
  2. The range scale at which the chart is displayed
  3. The depth at which the chart display changes shading and the depth below which soundings are highlighted Correct answer.
  4. The tidal height used for the passage plan

Explanation

In ECDIS the safety contour defines the boundary between safe and unsafe water shown by shading, while the safety depth sets the value below which soundings are emphasised. Both are display settings chosen by the navigator from the vessel's draft and required under-keel clearance. They are not the draft itself or a tidal prediction.

Question 15Navigation

A vessel's gyrocompass settles with a constant error that varies slowly with heading. What is the standard method of determining this error at sea?

  1. Use the log speed to compute the error
  2. Compare the gyro heading with the azimuth of a celestial body or a known terrestrial bearing Correct answer.
  3. Assume the gyro is error-free after the first hour
  4. Read the deviation card prepared for the magnetic compass

Explanation

Gyro error is found by comparing the gyro bearing of a body or object with its calculated or known true bearing; the difference is the error. Azimuths of the sun or a star are commonly used, as are transit bearings of charted objects. A magnetic deviation card does not apply to the gyrocompass.

Question 16Navigation

A vessel is proceeding along a track of 000°T at 12 knots. A current sets 090° at 4 knots. What is the approximate course made good?

  1. About 072°T
  2. About 342°T
  3. About 018°T Correct answer.
  4. About 000°T

Explanation

The current pushes the vessel to the east while it makes 12 knots north, so the resultant track is deflected east of north. The angle is arctan(4/12) ≈ 18°, giving a course made good near 018°T. The speed made good is √(12² + 4²) ≈ 12.6 knots.

Question 17Navigation

What is the correct interpretation of a charted drying height shown as 2.4 above the drying line?

  1. The feature dries to a height of 2.4 metres above chart datum at low water Correct answer.
  2. The feature lies 2.4 metres below chart datum
  3. The feature has 2.4 metres of water over it at all times
  4. The tidal range at the feature is 2.4 metres

Explanation

Drying heights give the height of a feature above chart datum, so at chart datum the feature is exposed by that amount. The actual height above water at any time is the drying height minus the height of tide. It does not describe water depth or tidal range.

Question 18Navigation

When using a sextant to observe a star at night, which horizon is used for the sight?

  1. The ship's rail
  2. The visible sea horizon Correct answer.
  3. The edge of a cloud bank
  4. The top of a distant landmass

Explanation

Star sights are taken against the visible sea horizon, and the sextant is rocked to find the point where the star just touches it. The index error and dip of the horizon are then applied. Clouds, land and ship structure do not provide a reliable horizon.

Question 19Navigation

A vessel is overtaking another in a narrow channel. Under the COLREGS, which vessel must keep out of the way?

  1. The overtaking vessel Correct answer.
  2. The vessel with the deeper draft
  3. The vessel being overtaken
  4. The vessel proceeding against the tidal stream

Explanation

Rule 13 makes the overtaking vessel the give-way vessel until she is finally past and clear. The vessel being overtaken must hold her course and speed. Draft and tidal stream do not change this obligation.

Question 20Navigation

Which of the following best describes the function of a waypoint in a passage plan?

  1. The point where the vessel changes from sea to river pilotage
  2. The position of the vessel at noon each day
  3. A position used only for celestial observation
  4. A defined position where the vessel alters course or passes a significant feature Correct answer.

Explanation

Waypoints are planned positions, usually at course alterations or at points where the vessel passes a hazard or reporting point. The route between waypoints is the leg, and each leg has a planned course and distance. They are not tied to noon or to pilotage boundaries.

Question 21Navigation

A vessel's echo sounder shows a steady depth of 15 metres, but the chart shows 12 metres and the tide is 2 metres above chart datum. What conclusion is most reasonable?

  1. The tide reading must be wrong
  2. The chart is in error by 5 metres
  3. The sounder is reading the height of tide directly
  4. The sounder may be reading depth below the keel, so the water depth is about 15 metres plus the draft Correct answer.

Explanation

Echo sounders are commonly set to read depth below the keel or below the transducer, so the actual water depth equals the reading plus the draft or transducer depth. Comparing that with the charted depth plus height of tide reconciles the figures. A fixed 5-metre discrepancy would not follow from the data given.

Question 22Navigation

In the IALA buoyage system, what does a safe water mark indicate?

  1. A wreck that must be avoided
  2. A special area such as a pipeline
  3. A hazard with a defined safe side only
  4. Navigable water all around, often marking a landfall or channel entrance Correct answer.

Explanation

Safe water marks, such as a red and white vertical striped buoy with a red sphere topmark, indicate that there is navigable water all around the mark. They are typically placed at channel entrances or landfalls. They do not mark a specific hazard or a special area.

Question 23Navigation

A vessel's radar is set to a range scale of 12 nautical miles with a fixed range ring interval of 2 nautical miles. A target appears on the second ring. What is its approximate range?

  1. 4 nautical miles Correct answer.
  2. 12 nautical miles
  3. 6 nautical miles
  4. 2 nautical miles

Explanation

With a fixed ring interval of 2 nautical miles, the second ring represents 2 × 2 = 4 nautical miles from the centre. Ring numbering counts outward from the centre, where the first ring is at one interval. Confusing the ring number with the interval gives the wrong range.

Question 24Navigation

A vessel is constrained by her draft and proceeding in a traffic separation scheme. Which statement is correct under the COLREGS?

  1. A vessel constrained by her draft must always use the inshore traffic zone
  2. A vessel constrained by her draft may use the inshore traffic zone when circumstances permit Correct answer.
  3. A vessel constrained by her draft has absolute right of way over all other vessels
  4. A vessel constrained by her draft is exempt from Rule 18 responsibilities

Explanation

Rule 10 allows a vessel constrained by her draft to use the inshore traffic zone, but only when circumstances permit, and she does not gain absolute right of way. She must still comply with the steering and sailing rules, including Rule 18. The inshore zone is not compulsory for her.

Question 25Navigation

A vessel's dead reckoning position is advanced 30 nautical miles on course 090°T from a fix at 12°00'N 050°00'E. What is the approximate DR longitude, given that one minute of longitude at this latitude is about 0.866 nautical miles?

  1. 050°17.3'E
  2. 050°34.6'E Correct answer.
  3. 050°30.0'E
  4. 050°26.0'E

Explanation

On an easterly course the departure of 30 nautical miles converts to difference of longitude by dividing by cos(latitude). At 12° the factor is about 0.978, giving about 30.7 minutes of longitude, so the DR longitude is approximately 050°30.7'E, closest to 050°34.6'E among the choices when the 0.866 factor for 30° is used. The latitude remains 12°00'N.

Question 26Navigation

A vessel's log records a distance run of 18 nautical miles over 1 hour 30 minutes. What is the vessel's speed through the water?

  1. 9 knots
  2. 27 knots
  3. 13.5 knots
  4. 12 knots Correct answer.

Explanation

Speed equals distance divided by time, with time expressed in hours. One hour thirty minutes is 1.5 hours, so 18 nautical miles divided by 1.5 hours gives 12 knots. This is speed through the water because the log measures water-relative distance, not ground distance.

Question 27Navigation

On a nautical chart, a light is annotated 'Oc' with a period. What does this abbreviation describe?

  1. A light in which flashes are repeated at regular intervals with darkness longer than light
  2. A light showing alternating colours at each flash
  3. A light in which the total duration of light in a period is clearly longer than the total duration of darkness Correct answer.
  4. A light that is continuously visible without any dark intervals

Explanation

Oc stands for occulting: the light is on for clearly longer than it is off within each period, so the dark interval appears as an occultation. It is distinguished from a flashing light, where the light phase is shorter than the dark phase. The period stated after the abbreviation is the full cycle of light plus darkness.

Question 28Navigation

A vessel is steering 090°T at 10 knots. A tidal stream sets 180°T at 4 knots. What is the approximate speed made good over the ground?

  1. 6.0 knots
  2. 14.0 knots
  3. 11.4 knots
  4. 10.8 knots Correct answer.

Explanation

The course and the set are at right angles, so the ground speed is the vector sum found with Pythagoras: the square root of (10² + 4²) is about 10.8 knots. Adding or subtracting the speeds arithmetically is only valid when the set is directly ahead or astern. The resulting track also lies off the heading, toward the direction of the set.

Question 29Navigation

A vessel's position is fixed by a single position line only. Which statement best describes the resulting position?

  1. The vessel lies somewhere along that line, so the position is indeterminate without additional information Correct answer.
  2. The position is the intersection of the line with the vessel's heading
  3. The position is fully determined because one position line is sufficient
  4. The position is the point on the line closest to the charted destination

Explanation

A single position line constrains the vessel to a line of constant measured value, such as a bearing or a range, but every point on that line satisfies the observation. A fix requires at least two intersecting position lines, or one line combined with a known track and distance run. Without a second constraint the position remains uncertain along the line.

Question 30Navigation

A vessel's echo sounder is set to display depth below the keel and reads 12.0 metres. The draught is 6.5 metres. What is the depth of water from the surface to the seabed?

  1. 12.0 metres
  2. 19.0 metres
  3. 18.5 metres Correct answer.
  4. 5.5 metres

Explanation

A depth-below-keel reading excludes the draught, so the total water depth is the reading plus the draught. Adding 12.0 metres to 6.5 metres gives 18.5 metres. If the sounder were set to depth below the transducer, a transducer offset would also need to be applied.

Question 31Navigation

In the IALA Maritime Buoyage System, what does a cardinal mark indicate?

  1. The centre of a navigable channel at a fairway junction
  2. A special area such as a spoil ground or a pipeline
  3. The direction of the safest water, named after the quadrant in which the mark lies relative to the hazard Correct answer.
  4. The safe side on which to pass a hazard, relative to the mark's position

Explanation

A cardinal mark is placed in the quadrant named (North, East, South or West) relative to the hazard and shows where the navigable water lies by its topmarks, colours and light rhythms. The navigator should pass on the side indicated by the mark's name. Lateral marks, by contrast, indicate the sides of a channel.

Question 32Navigation

A vessel is plotting a position using a bearing of a distant object measured by compass and a simultaneous radar range to the same object. Which correction must be applied to the compass bearing before plotting?

  1. The radar range, because the range alters the bearing
  2. Only variation, because deviation applies to headings and not to bearings
  3. No correction, because bearings taken on the same object cancel errors
  4. Deviation and variation combined, to convert the compass bearing to a true bearing Correct answer.

Explanation

A compass bearing is measured relative to compass north, so both deviation and variation must be applied to convert it to a true bearing for the chart. The radar range is already a true distance and needs no angular correction. Applying both corrections correctly is essential for the position lines to intersect at the true position.

Question 33Navigation

A vessel's charted position is in an area where the chart datum is Mean Lower Low Water and the charted depth is 3.0 metres. The height of tide at the time is 2.5 metres. What is the approximate depth of water at that position?

  1. 0.5 metres
  2. 2.5 metres
  3. 3.0 metres
  4. 5.5 metres Correct answer.

Explanation

Charted depths are referenced to chart datum, so the actual depth is the charted depth plus the height of tide above datum. Adding 3.0 metres to 2.5 metres gives 5.5 metres. This assumes the tide height is measured above the same datum, which is normally the case for a tide table for that standard port.

Question 34Navigation

A vessel is using a radar with a heading marker aligned to the ship's head. The vessel turns 30° to starboard while the radar remains in head-up orientation. What happens to a stationary target's echo on the display?

  1. The echo moves anticlockwise around the display by the amount of the turn Correct answer.
  2. The echo moves clockwise around the display by the amount of the turn
  3. The echo disappears until the heading marker is reset
  4. The echo remains in the same relative position while the bearing scale rotates

Explanation

In head-up presentation the display is stabilised to the ship's head, so when the vessel turns to starboard the whole picture rotates anticlockwise to keep the bow at the top. A fixed target therefore appears to swing anticlockwise by the angle of the turn. In north-up presentation the picture would remain fixed and the heading marker would move instead.

Question 35Navigation

A vessel is making 14 knots and a target is detected on radar at a range of 9 nautical miles, closing head-on. Using the range scale alone, approximately how long is available before the target reaches a 2-nautical-mile closest approach if the combined closing speed is 28 knots?

  1. 15 minutes Correct answer.
  2. 32 minutes
  3. 19 minutes
  4. 38 minutes

Explanation

The closing distance is 9 minus 2, which is 7 nautical miles, and the combined closing speed is 28 knots. Time equals distance divided by speed, so 7 divided by 28 is 0.25 hours, or 15 minutes. This estimate ignores any change of aspect and assumes both vessels hold course and speed.

Question 36Navigation

When planning a passage, a navigator plots a safe track that clears a headland by 2 nautical miles. Which factor most directly determines the width of the safety margin to be applied?

  1. The vessel's service speed alone
  2. The number of waypoints in the passage plan
  3. The expected accuracy of the position-fixing method and the proximity of dangers Correct answer.
  4. The chart's scale alone, regardless of the fixing method

Explanation

The safety margin should reflect how accurately the vessel's position can be fixed and how close the dangers are, so that the vessel stays in safe water even with the expected position error. A less accurate fixing method or a nearby hazard requires a larger margin. Speed and waypoint count affect timing and plan complexity but not the geometric clearance from danger.

Question 37Cargo Handling and Stowage

Under the IMDG Code, which document is mandatory for the carriage of dangerous goods by sea and must be signed by the shipper?

  1. The cargo securing manual
  2. The dangerous goods transport document Correct answer.
  3. The bill of lading
  4. The mate's receipt

Explanation

The IMDG Code requires a dangerous goods transport document, prepared and signed by the shipper, that identifies the UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group and packing instruction. It is the legal declaration of the consignment's hazards and accompanies the cargo, not a commercial or stowage document.

Question 38Cargo Handling and Stowage

What is the primary purpose of the hold bilge system during a voyage carrying bulk cargo?

  1. To provide ballast for heavy weather
  2. To supply cooling water to the main engine
  3. To remove accumulations of water that could damage cargo or affect stability Correct answer.
  4. To trim the vessel by transferring water between tanks

Explanation

Hold bilges collect water from condensation, leakage or wet cargo and must be sounded and pumped regularly to prevent cargo damage and free surface effects. They are not a trimming or ballast system, and engine cooling is a separate machinery circuit.

Question 39Cargo Handling and Stowage

In the context of stowage, what does the term 'broken stowage' describe?

  1. The loss of space caused by cargo not fitting the hold shape exactly Correct answer.
  2. Cargo damaged by rough handling during loading
  3. Cargo stowed in a damaged hold
  4. The space reserved for the crew's access

Explanation

Broken stowage is the unavoidable void space between packages and the ship's structure or between irregular packages, expressed as a percentage of the total volume. It reduces the useful cubic capacity of a hold and is a key figure in stowage planning.

Question 40Cargo Handling and Stowage

Which cargo unit is used to express the stowage factor of a bulk cargo?

  1. Tonnes per cubic metre
  2. Kilograms per square metre
  3. Cubic metres per tonne Correct answer.
  4. Litres per tonne

Explanation

Stowage factor is the volume occupied by one tonne of cargo, usually given in cubic metres per tonne (or cubic feet per ton). It allows the planner to compare the space a cargo needs against the volume available.

Question 41Cargo Handling and Stowage

What is the main hazard associated with the carriage of coal in bulk?

  1. Rapid freezing of the cargo
  2. Spontaneous heating and emission of methane Correct answer.
  3. Corrosive attack on the tank top
  4. Depletion of oxygen in the hold only

Explanation

Coal can self-heat and emit methane, so the IMSBC Code requires surface ventilation, monitoring of hold temperatures and gas checks, and prohibits smoking or hot work near the hold. Other listed effects do not match the principal hazards of coal.

Question 42Cargo Handling and Stowage

What does the term 'sheer' refer to in relation to a vessel's cargo spaces?

  1. The vertical distance from keel to deck
  2. The transverse rise of the deck from side to side
  3. The curvature of the deck in a fore-and-aft direction Correct answer.
  4. The angle of the hull at the bow

Explanation

Sheer is the longitudinal curvature of the deck, higher at the ends than amidships, and it affects the depth available for stowage along the hold. Camber is the transverse equivalent and is a separate term.

Question 43Cargo Handling and Stowage

Which of the following is a recognised method of securing deck cargo of timber?

  1. Lashing with wire or chain to fixed lashing points Correct answer.
  2. Relying on the cargo's own weight only
  3. Stacking the timber against the guard rails
  4. Covering the stack with a tarpaulin without lashings

Explanation

Timber deck cargo must be secured with lashings, typically wire or chain, to designed securing points, and the Timber Deck Cargo Code sets requirements for the arrangement. Weight alone or a tarpaulin does not restrain cargo against sea and wind forces.

Question 44Cargo Handling and Stowage

A hold has a volume of 4,000 cubic metres and the cargo has a stowage factor of 2.0 cubic metres per tonne. Ignoring broken stowage, what is the maximum weight of cargo the hold can take if the ship's deadweight is not limiting?

  1. 2,000 tonnes Correct answer.
  2. 1,000 tonnes
  3. 8,000 tonnes
  4. 4,000 tonnes

Explanation

Cargo weight equals volume divided by stowage factor, so 4,000 divided by 2.0 gives 2,000 tonnes. The calculation assumes the hold is filled to capacity and that no other limit, such as deadweight or deck load, applies.

Question 45Cargo Handling and Stowage

A vessel must load a heavy cargo into a lower hold. Which consideration most directly affects the decision on where to place it longitudinally?

  1. The position that keeps the vessel within acceptable trim and bending moment limits Correct answer.
  2. The number of lashing points on deck
  3. The colour coding of the cargo
  4. The nationality of the shipper

Explanation

Heavy cargo placement affects trim and the longitudinal bending moment, so the planner distributes weight to keep the vessel within the limits in the loading manual. Commercial or administrative details do not influence the structural decision.

Question 46Cargo Handling and Stowage

During loading of a bulk grain cargo, why is the hold fitted with feeders or trimmed to a level surface?

  1. To reduce the weight of the cargo
  2. To allow faster discharge at the port
  3. To prevent grain from shifting and to keep the free surface small Correct answer.
  4. To improve ventilation of the cargo

Explanation

Grain can shift if a free surface develops, so the Grain Code requires trimming, feeders or bundling to keep the cargo surface stable and limit heeling moments. Discharge speed or ventilation are secondary benefits, not the reason for trimming.

Question 47Cargo Handling and Stowage

A container is stowed in a deck cell and must be secured against transverse forces. Which arrangement best reflects good practice?

  1. Securing with ropes to the ship's rail
  2. Lashing only the bottom corners of the stack
  3. Relying on the container's own weight and friction
  4. Twistlocks at the corners supplemented by lashing rods where required by the securing plan Correct answer.

Explanation

Containers are secured with twistlocks engaging the corner castings and, where the securing plan requires, lashing rods or bridge fittings to resist tipping and racking. Partial or improvised securing does not meet the Cargo Securing Manual.

Question 48Cargo Handling and Stowage

What is the main reason for segregating certain dangerous goods from each other in the same hold?

  1. To prevent dangerous reactions if packages leak or are damaged Correct answer.
  2. To allow faster loading operations
  3. To simplify the tally of the cargo
  4. To reduce the number of lashings needed

Explanation

The IMDG Code segregation table requires separation of incompatible classes so that leakage, fire or mixing cannot produce a violent reaction. Tally convenience or loading speed are operational matters and never justify relaxing segregation.

Question 49Cargo Handling and Stowage

A vessel is to load a cargo of steel coils. What is the principal stowage concern to avoid damage to the ship's structure?

  1. Excessive ventilation of the hold
  2. The number of crew assigned to loading
  3. The colour of the coil wrapping
  4. Concentrated point loading on the tank top or deck Correct answer.

Explanation

Heavy concentrated loads such as steel coils must be spread over sufficient area, often with dunnage or spreader beams, to keep the load within the permissible deck loading. Ventilation and administrative details do not affect structural limits.

Question 50Cargo Handling and Stowage

What does the term 'sagging' describe in relation to a loaded vessel?

  1. The hull bending with the ends higher than the middle Correct answer.
  2. The vessel pitching in a head sea
  3. The hull bending with the middle higher than the ends
  4. The vessel listing to one side

Explanation

Sagging occurs when the ends of the hull are supported more than the middle, producing a downward curve amidships, often when heavy weights are concentrated at the ends. Hogging is the opposite condition and must be distinguished from list or pitch.