MCA Certificate of Competency Maritime Safety and Security Questions and Answers — 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?
- To immediately disembark the stowaways onto the quay for processing by port police.
- To keep the stowaways on board, detain them in a secure location, and report their presence to the UK Border Force and the agent. (Correct answer)
- To sign the stowaways on as supernumerary crew members to regularise their status.
- To provide the stowaways with a cash advance and a train ticket to London.
Correct 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.
The Master is legally responsible for preventing unauthorised persons from landing in the UK. The correct procedure is to detain the stowaways securely on board and immediately notify the authorities (UK Border Force) and the ship's agent. The shipping company is liable for the costs of detention and eventual repatriation. Unauthorised disembarkation is a serious offence.
Question 2: A UK-flagged vessel is instructed by the Department for Transport (DfT) to implement MARSEC Level 3. What does this level signify?
- A specific threat of a security incident is probable or imminent, although the specific target may not be identified. (Correct answer)
- The default level at which ships and port facilities normally operate.
- A heightened risk of a security incident has been identified for as long as a threat is present.
- The level applied only during wartime or declared national emergencies.
Correct answer: A specific threat of a security incident is probable or imminent, although the specific target may not be identified.
MARSEC Level 3 is the highest security level, implemented for a limited period when there is credible information that a security incident is probable or imminent. Level 1 is the normal, standard level, and Level 2 is implemented when there is a heightened risk of an incident.
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?
- Maintaining a minimum freeboard of at least 10 metres at all times.
- Sailing in a designated convoy formation organised by the International Maritime Bureau.
- Reporting its position daily to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) office in Dubai. (Correct answer)
- Carrying armed military personnel provided by the Royal Navy on every transit.
Correct answer: Reporting its position daily to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) office in Dubai.
A cornerstone of BMP5 is registering with the Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) and reporting daily to the UKMTO in Dubai. This allows naval forces to monitor the vessel's progress and respond if it is attacked. While a high freeboard is recommended, there isn't a strict universal rule. Military personnel are not standard, and the IMB is a reporting centre, not a convoy organiser.
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)?
- Determining the appropriate MARSEC level for the ship at all times.
- Personally carrying out the physical search of all persons and their effects boarding the ship.
- Issuing the International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) upon successful verification.
- Undertaking regular security inspections of the ship to ensure that appropriate security measures are maintained. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Undertaking regular security inspections of the ship to ensure that appropriate security measures are maintained.
The SSO is responsible for the ongoing security of the vessel, which includes regular inspections to ensure measures detailed in the Ship Security Plan (SSP) are being followed. While they oversee searches, they don't have to conduct them all personally. The security level is set by the government (DfT), and the ISSC is issued by the Flag Administration or a Recognised Security Organisation (RSO).
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?
- Isolate the affected systems from the ship's internal network and any external connections. (Correct answer)
- Immediately reboot all affected systems to clear any malicious software.
- Run a full anti-virus scan on the primary ECDIS terminal.
- Report the incident to the International Maritime Bureau's cybercrime unit.
Correct answer: Isolate the affected systems from the ship's internal network and any external connections.
The first and most critical step in responding to a suspected cyber incident is to contain it. This involves isolating the compromised systems from the network to prevent the threat from spreading to other critical systems. Rebooting could destroy evidence, and running a scan or reporting are subsequent, not immediate, actions.
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?
- When calling at any EU port, regardless of the MARSEC level.
- Every time the ship loads or discharges bulk grain cargo in the UK.
- Prior to transiting the English Channel VTS scheme.
- When interfacing with another ship that is not required to have and implement an approved Ship Security Plan. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: When interfacing with another ship that is not required to have and implement an approved Ship Security Plan.
The ISPS Code (Part A, Section 5) and the implementing UK regulations specify when a DoS is required. One of these key situations is when a ship is interfacing with a non-ISPS compliant ship (e.g., a small coastal vessel or barge) to ensure security responsibilities are clearly defined and agreed upon. It may also be required at higher security levels or when interfacing with a port facility, but the interaction with a non-compliant vessel is a specific mandatory trigger.
MCA Certificate of Competency Maritime Safety and Security Questions and Answers
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?