MCA Certificate of Competency Cargo Operations and Stowage Questions and Answers

Question 1

A UK-flagged vessel is loading a bulk grain cargo.
According to the International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk (International Grain Code), what is the minimum initial metacentric height (GM), corrected for free surface effects, that must be maintained throughout the voyage?

Accepted Answer

0.30 metres

Answer

0.15 metres

Answer

0.50 metres

Answer

It depends on the stowage factor of the grain.

Question 2

A Ro-Ro vessel is loading heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) over 3.5 tonnes for a voyage from Dover to Calais. As per UK guidance, what is the minimum Maximum Securing Load (MSL) required for each deck securing point used for these vehicles?

Accepted Answer

100 kN

Answer

50 kN

Answer

75 kN

Answer

120 kN

Question 3

Which of the following documents is mandated for UK ships by the Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Cargoes) Regulations 2024 and provides specific details on the ship's equipment and approved procedures for securing cargoes?

Accepted Answer

The Cargo Securing Manual (CSM)

Answer

The Ship's Stability Booklet

Answer

The International Safety Management (ISM) Code Manual

Answer

The Ballast Water Management Plan

Question 4

When loading a timber deck cargo on a vessel assigned timber load lines, what is the maximum height of the cargo above the weather deck permitted within a seasonal winter zone during winter?

Accepted Answer

One third of the vessel's extreme breadth.

Answer

One quarter of the vessel's beam.

Answer

A height equal to the standard height of the forecastle.

Answer

There is no specific height restriction, only stability requirements.

Question 5

A vessel is being loaded with packaged dangerous goods in Southampton. The shipper provides all necessary documentation. Which UK regulation, implementing international codes, primarily governs the requirements for the carriage of these goods?

Accepted Answer

The Merchant Shipping (Dangerous Goods and Marine Pollutants) Regulations 1997

Answer

The Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Regulations 1998

Answer

The Merchant Shipping (Reporting Requirements for Ships Carrying Dangerous or Polluting Goods) Regulations 1995

Answer

The Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Cargoes) Regulations 2024

Question 6

On a UK-flagged general cargo ship, the Chief Officer is planning the stowage of heavy steel coils. To prevent movement, which of the following is the most critical factor to consider regarding the interaction between the cargo and the deck?

Accepted Answer

The coefficient of friction.

Answer

The colour of the deck paint.

Answer

The ambient air temperature.

Answer

The time of day the cargo is loaded.