DWO Ship Operations and Maintenance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct procedure when a hydraulic steering failure occurs at sea?
- Anchor immediately
- Switch to emergency steering and notify the master (Correct answer)
- Reduce speed and continue on autopilot
- Signal a nearby vessel for assistance
Correct answer: Switch to emergency steering and notify the master
The immediate action is to engage emergency steering aft and inform the master so the ship can be maneuvered safely.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes 'squat' in shallow water operations?
- Increased rolling caused by wave reflection off the seabed
- The sinkage and trim change as a vessel's speed increases in shallow water (Correct answer)
- The upward force exerted by the seabed on the keel
- Resistance increase due to propeller cavitation
Correct answer: The sinkage and trim change as a vessel's speed increases in shallow water
Squat is the hydrodynamic phenomenon where a ship sinks deeper and trims as speed increases in shallow or confined water.
Question 3: What is the function of a chain stopper on a vessel?
- To limit anchor chain payout speed
- To secure the anchor chain and relieve strain on the windlass (Correct answer)
- To lubricate the anchor chain links
- To align the anchor for dropping
Correct answer: To secure the anchor chain and relieve strain on the windlass
A chain stopper holds the anchor chain securely at anchor, transferring load from the windlass to the deck fitting.
Question 4: Under MARPOL Annex I, what is the maximum oil content permitted in overboard discharges outside special areas?
- 5 ppm
- 10 ppm
- 15 ppm (Correct answer)
- 100 ppm
Correct answer: 15 ppm
MARPOL Annex I allows discharge of processed bilge water with an oil content not exceeding 15 ppm outside special areas.
Question 5: What does the term 'deadweight tonnage' (DWT) represent?
- The weight of the ship's hull and machinery alone
- The total weight a vessel can carry, including cargo, fuel, water, and stores (Correct answer)
- The displacement of the vessel when fully loaded
- The cargo capacity in cubic meters
Correct answer: The total weight a vessel can carry, including cargo, fuel, water, and stores
DWT is the total carrying capacity expressed in metric tons, encompassing cargo, fuel, fresh water, ballast, crew, and provisions.
Question 6: Which condition indicates that an anchor is 'dragging'?
- The anchor chain leads vertically down
- Bearings on fixed objects ashore change over time (Correct answer)
- The vessel yaws around the anchor position
- The windlass brake is fully applied
Correct answer: Bearings on fixed objects ashore change over time
Changing bearings to fixed shore objects over time confirm the vessel is moving, indicating the anchor is dragging.
Question 7: A 'Notice of Readiness' (NOR) is tendered to indicate what operational milestone?
- The vessel is ready to depart the berth
- The vessel has arrived and is ready to load or discharge cargo (Correct answer)
- The pilot has boarded the vessel
- The vessel's cargo survey is complete
Correct answer: The vessel has arrived and is ready to load or discharge cargo
NOR notifies the charterer or shipper that the ship has arrived at the designated place and is ready to commence cargo operations.
DWO Ship Operations and Maintenance 3
What is the correct procedure when a hydraulic steering failure occurs at sea?