MCA Certificate of Competency Maritime Legislation and Conventions Questions and Answers

Question 1

An Officer of the Watch on a UK-flagged vessel is scheduled the following rest periods in a 24-hour period: a 5-hour period from 02:00 to 07:00, and another 5-hour period from 14:00 to 19:00.
According to the Merchant Shipping (Hours of Work) Regulations 2018, why is this schedule non-compliant?

Accepted Answer

One of the rest periods is not at least 6 hours in length.

Answer

The total hours of rest are insufficient.

Answer

The rest is divided into more than two periods.

Answer

The interval between consecutive rest periods is too long.

Question 2

The Master of a UK-registered vessel is required by the Merchant Shipping (Official Log Books) Regulations to make an entry for various occurrences. Which of the following events statutorily requires an entry in the Official Log Book?

Accepted Answer

The birth of a child to a passenger during the voyage.

Answer

A fire and boat drill being carried out.

Answer

The time the vessel crosses the 0-degree meridian.

Answer

The daily noon position and distance run.

Question 3

A UK-flagged vessel is undergoing a Port State Control inspection in a Paris MoU member state. The Port State Control Officer (PSCO) identifies several deficiencies. Which of the following deficiencies would be the clearest grounds for detaining the vessel?

Accepted Answer

The emergency fire pump is non-operational and cannot be made to run.

Answer

The ship's whistle is producing a sound at an incorrect frequency.

Answer

Several out-of-date pyrotechnics are found in a lifeboat.

Answer

The Crew Accommodation Certificate has expired by one week.

Question 4

The Master of a UK-flagged vessel decides to deviate from the planned route and seek shelter due to a severe, un-forecasted weather system, despite pressure from the charterers to maintain schedule. Which convention, enforced by UK law, provides the ultimate legal basis for the Master's decision-making authority in this situation?

Accepted Answer

The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

Answer

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).

Answer

The International Convention on Load Lines (LL).

Answer

The Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).

Question 5

What is the primary legal purpose of the Safe Manning Document issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to a UK-flagged vessel?

Accepted Answer

To specify the minimum number of seafarers and their required qualifications for the vessel to be considered safely operated.

Answer

To list the names and certificate numbers of the crew currently on board.

Answer

To detail the work and rest hour schedules for all onboard personnel.

Answer

To act as the master contract of employment for all seafarers on the ship.

Question 6

The Master of a UK cargo ship on passage in the Atlantic receives a distress message from a small vessel approximately 30 nautical miles away. The weather is deteriorating, but the cargo ship can safely navigate the conditions. Under SOLAS and the SAR Convention, what is the Master's primary obligation?

Accepted Answer

To proceed with all speed to the assistance of the persons in distress.

Answer

To report the distress message to the appropriate Rescue Coordination Centre and await instructions.

Answer

To only proceed to assist if their vessel is the closest commercial vessel to the incident.

Answer

To first obtain permission from the Company Security Officer before deviating from the passage plan.