MCA Certificate of Competency Navigational Bridge Equipment Questions and Answers

Question 1

A UK-flagged vessel is equipped with a Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS). According to SOLAS Chapter V and enforced by the MCA, what is the primary function of the 'AUTO' mode?

Accepted Answer

To automatically engage when the vessel's heading is controlled by an autopilot or track control system.

Answer

To automatically activate the system when the vessel is at sea and deactivate it when moored.

Answer

To activate the system only when the vessel's speed exceeds 5 knots.

Answer

To link the alarm system directly to the ship's security alert system (SSAS).

Question 2

The navigating officer on a UK-registered vessel is configuring the safety settings on the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). Which user-defined setting is most critical for providing an advance anti-grounding alarm?

Accepted Answer

The safety contour.

Answer

The display palette for day or night viewing.

Answer

The ship's own symbol size.

Answer

The chart update review date.

Question 3

A UK-flagged vessel is involved in a maritime incident. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) requests the data capsule from the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR). Which of the following data sets is required by SOLAS V/20 to be recorded by the VDR?

Accepted Answer

Bridge audio from at least one microphone on the conning station.

Answer

Engine room machinery performance data.

Answer

Crew watchkeeping schedules and rest hours.

Answer

Audio from microphones on the bridge wings.

Question 4

On a vessel subject to UK regulations, the Automatic Identification System (AIS) transmits different types of data. Which of the following is classified as 'static' data?

Accepted Answer

The vessel's Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number.

Answer

Navigational status (e.g., 'underway using engine').

Answer

Rate of turn.

Answer

The vessel's destination and ETA.

Question 5

According to the best practices outlined in the ICS Bridge Procedures Guide, which is widely adopted on UK-flagged vessels, how often should the gyrocompass error be checked by the Officer of the Watch?

Accepted Answer

At least once per watch and after any significant alteration of course.

Answer

At the start and end of every voyage.

Answer

Once every 24 hours.

Answer

Only when required by the Port State Control inspector.

Question 6

A UK-flagged cargo vessel over 500 GT is on a voyage from Felixstowe to Hamburg. The primary Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver fails completely. Under the Merchant Shipping (Safety of Navigation) Regulations 2020, what is the minimum requirement for the vessel to continue its passage safely?

Accepted Answer

The vessel must be provided with a second, independent GNSS receiver or a suitable backup.

Answer

The vessel must immediately divert to the nearest port for repairs.

Answer

The Officer of the Watch must use celestial navigation as the sole means of fixing position.

Answer

The vessel can continue using only the RADAR for positional information by plotting ranges from land.