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

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?

Accepted Answer

100 kN

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The Cargo Securing Manual (CSM)

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

One third of the vessel's extreme breadth.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

MCA CoC Practice Test

MCA CoC Practice Test

MCA Certificate of Competency Cargo Operations and Stowage Questions and Answers