DWO Bridge Resource Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In BRM, which communication style is most effective when a junior officer spots a potential hazard?
- Wait until the officer of the watch asks for input
- Use assertive communication to clearly state the concern regardless of rank (Correct answer)
- Write a note in the logbook and inform the captain later
- Only speak up if the hazard is within 5 minutes of impact
Correct answer: Use assertive communication to clearly state the concern regardless of rank
Assertive communication ensures safety-critical information reaches decision-makers promptly, regardless of rank hierarchy.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a pre-departure bridge team briefing?
- To satisfy port authority documentation requirements
- To ensure all team members share the same situational awareness and understand the voyage plan (Correct answer)
- To assign blame if something goes wrong during the voyage
- To review the crew's personal leave schedules
Correct answer: To ensure all team members share the same situational awareness and understand the voyage plan
Pre-departure briefings align the bridge team on the voyage plan, hazards, and contingencies to build shared situational awareness.
Question 3: During a congested waterway transit, the pilot makes a helm order that conflicts with the passage plan. What should the officer of the watch do first?
- Immediately countermand the pilot's order
- Execute the order, then query the pilot about the deviation
- Alert the master and query the pilot about the reason for the deviation (Correct answer)
- Ignore the deviation if it seems minor
Correct answer: Alert the master and query the pilot about the reason for the deviation
The master must be informed of any significant deviation from the agreed passage plan, and the pilot should be queried for clarification.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes 'task saturation' in a bridge environment?
- Having too many officers on the bridge at one time
- A condition where workload exceeds a person's ability to manage tasks effectively, increasing error risk (Correct answer)
- Completing all assigned navigation tasks ahead of schedule
- Operating multiple electronic chart systems simultaneously
Correct answer: A condition where workload exceeds a person's ability to manage tasks effectively, increasing error risk
Task saturation occurs when cognitive and physical demands exceed capacity, significantly increasing the likelihood of errors.
Question 5: What does the acronym 'FORDEC' represent in bridge decision-making?
- Facts, Options, Risks, Decision, Execution, Check (Correct answer)
- Forward, Order, Radar, Direction, Equipment, Communication
- Facts, Objectives, Risks, Decision, Execution, Check
- Formation, Order, Response, Direction, Evaluation, Closure
Correct answer: Facts, Options, Risks, Decision, Execution, Check
FORDEC is a structured decision-making model: Facts, Options, Risks, Decision, Execution, Check — used to ensure systematic bridge decisions.
Question 6: A watch officer notices the master appears fatigued and is making questionable navigation decisions. The best course of action is to:
- Take over command without informing anyone
- Document the behavior and report it only after the watch ends
- Politely but clearly raise concerns with the master and, if needed, seek support from another officer (Correct answer)
- Continue following all orders without question to avoid conflict
Correct answer: Politely but clearly raise concerns with the master and, if needed, seek support from another officer
BRM principles require team members to raise safety concerns assertively, and if unresolved, to escalate through proper channels.
Question 7: How should bridge watch handover be conducted to maintain effective BRM?
- A quick verbal 'all clear' is sufficient to save time
- The relieving officer should only review the chart without briefing
- A structured handover including vessel position, traffic, weather, outstanding tasks, and any concerns (Correct answer)
- Handover should occur only when the vessel is in open water
Correct answer: A structured handover including vessel position, traffic, weather, outstanding tasks, and any concerns
A thorough structured handover ensures the relieving officer has complete situational awareness before assuming the watch.
DWO Bridge Resource Management 2
In BRM, which communication style is most effective when a junior officer spots a potential hazard?