MCA Certificate of Competency Cargo Operations and Stowage Questions and Answers — 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?
- 0.15 metres
- 0.30 metres (Correct answer)
- 0.50 metres
- It depends on the stowage factor of the grain.
Correct answer: 0.30 metres
The International Grain Code, which is mandatory in the UK under the Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Cargoes) Regulations, specifies in Part A, Section 7.1 that the initial metacentric height (GM), after correction for free surface effects, shall be not less than 0.30 metres.
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?
- 50 kN
- 75 kN
- 100 kN (Correct answer)
- 120 kN
Correct answer: 100 kN
UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) guidance, aligned with IMO resolutions, states that for freight vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, the Maximum Securing Load (MSL) of each securing point should be not less than 100 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?
- The Ship's Stability Booklet
- The International Safety Management (ISM) Code Manual
- The Cargo Securing Manual (CSM) (Correct answer)
- The Ballast Water Management Plan
Correct answer: The Cargo Securing Manual (CSM)
The Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Cargoes) Regulations require ships to carry an approved Cargo Securing Manual (CSM). This manual details all the lashing and securing equipment on board and provides instructions on how to correctly stow and secure different types of cargo for that specific vessel, in accordance with the IMO's Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code).
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?
- One quarter of the vessel's beam.
- One third of the vessel's extreme breadth. (Correct answer)
- A height equal to the standard height of the forecastle.
- There is no specific height restriction, only stability requirements.
Correct answer: One third of the vessel's extreme breadth.
The International Convention on Load Lines, as applied in the UK, specifies in Regulation 44 that for a ship in a seasonal winter zone during winter, the height of the timber deck cargo above the weather deck shall not exceed one third of the extreme breadth of the ship.
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?
- The Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Regulations 1998
- The Merchant Shipping (Reporting Requirements for Ships Carrying Dangerous or Polluting Goods) Regulations 1995
- The Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Cargoes) Regulations 2024
- The Merchant Shipping (Dangerous Goods and Marine Pollutants) Regulations 1997 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The Merchant Shipping (Dangerous Goods and Marine Pollutants) Regulations 1997
While the Carriage of Cargoes Regulations provide a general framework, the specific requirements for dangerous goods, including classification, packaging, and documentation, are detailed in The Merchant Shipping (Dangerous Goods and Marine Pollutants) Regulations 1997. These regulations implement the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code in the UK.
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?
- The colour of the deck paint.
- The coefficient of friction. (Correct answer)
- The ambient air temperature.
- The time of day the cargo is loaded.
Correct answer: The coefficient of friction.
The coefficient of friction between the steel coils (or their dunnage) and the ship's deck is a critical factor in preventing sliding. A low coefficient of friction will require significantly more lashing force to prevent movement. The Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code) emphasizes friction as a key element in securing arrangements.
MCA Certificate of Competency Cargo Operations and Stowage Questions and Answers
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?