MCA COC Study Guide 2026

To correct angle of loll, GM must be made positive by lowering G. Adding ballast low down (not high) and redistributing high weights lower reduces G. Adding water only to the high-side ballast tanks first can make the situation worse by adding free surface effect.

A SART operates in the 9 GHz (X-band) radar frequency. When interrogated by a searching vessel's or aircraft's 9 GHz radar, it responds with a signal that appears as a distinctive line of 12 equally spaced dots on the radar display, leading from the SART's position outward. As the searching vessel approaches, the dots become arcs and eventually circles.

Hypothermia is core body temperature below 35°C, caused by cold water or air exposure. Management: remove from cold, insulate (don't rub limbs), give warm sweet drinks if conscious, monitor airway, and seek medical advice via radio. Rewarming must be gradual to avoid cardiac arrhythmia.

NAVTEX broadcasts Maritime Safety Information (MSI) on 518 kHz in the medium frequency band, automatically received by vessels equipped with a NAVTEX receiver.

The IMO Intact Stability Code (incorporated by the MCA) requires a minimum initial GM of 0.15 metres in all loading conditions. Additionally, the area under the GZ curve up to 30° must be at least 0.055 metre-radians, and the maximum GZ must occur at an angle of heel preferably exceeding 25° but not less than 25° for most vessel types.

Bridge Resource Management (BRM) is about effectively using all available resources including crew expertise, navigational equipment, charts, and external communications to maintain safe navigation. It emphasises teamwork, communication, and avoiding over-reliance on one person or system.