MCA Certificate of Competency Maritime Safety and Security Questions and Answers

Question 1

The Master of a vessel arriving at the Port of Felixstowe discovers two stowaways on board just prior to docking.
According to the UK's Immigration Act 1971 and associated regulations, what is the Master's immediate legal obligation?

Accepted Answer

To keep the stowaways on board, detain them in a secure location, and report their presence to the UK Border Force and the agent.

Answer

To immediately disembark the stowaways onto the quay for processing by port police.

Answer

To sign the stowaways on as supernumerary crew members to regularise their status.

Answer

To provide the stowaways with a cash advance and a train ticket to London.

Question 2

A UK-flagged vessel is instructed by the Department for Transport (DfT) to implement MARSEC Level 3. What does this level signify?

Accepted Answer

A specific threat of a security incident is probable or imminent, although the specific target may not be identified.

Answer

The default level at which ships and port facilities normally operate.

Answer

A heightened risk of a security incident has been identified for as long as a threat is present.

Answer

The level applied only during wartime or declared national emergencies.

Question 3

A UK-flagged vessel is transiting the designated High Risk Area (HRA) in the Indian Ocean. In accordance with Best Management Practices (BMP5), which of the following is a key recommended self-protection measure?

Accepted Answer

Reporting its position daily to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) office in Dubai.

Answer

Maintaining a minimum freeboard of at least 10 metres at all times.

Answer

Sailing in a designated convoy formation organised by the International Maritime Bureau.

Answer

Carrying armed military personnel provided by the Royal Navy on every transit.

Question 4

Under the UK's Merchant Shipping (Ship and Port Facility) (Security) Regulations 2004, which of the following is a primary responsibility of the Ship Security Officer (SSO)?

Accepted Answer

Undertaking regular security inspections of the ship to ensure that appropriate security measures are maintained.

Answer

Determining the appropriate MARSEC level for the ship at all times.

Answer

Personally carrying out the physical search of all persons and their effects boarding the ship.

Answer

Issuing the International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) upon successful verification.

Question 5

The Officer of the Watch on a UK-flagged vessel with highly integrated bridge systems suspects a cybersecurity breach is affecting the ECDIS and GPS displays. Following the principles of the 'Code of Practice: Cyber Security for Ships' issued by the Department for Transport, what should be the immediate priority?

Accepted Answer

Isolate the affected systems from the ship's internal network and any external connections.

Answer

Immediately reboot all affected systems to clear any malicious software.

Answer

Run a full anti-virus scan on the primary ECDIS terminal.

Answer

Report the incident to the International Maritime Bureau's cybercrime unit.

Question 6

In which of the following situations would a Declaration of Security (DoS) be mandatory for a UK-flagged ship subject to the ISPS Code?

Accepted Answer

When interfacing with another ship that is not required to have and implement an approved Ship Security Plan.

Answer

When calling at any EU port, regardless of the MARSEC level.

Answer

Every time the ship loads or discharges bulk grain cargo in the UK.

Answer

Prior to transiting the English Channel VTS scheme.