MCA Certificate of Competency Navigational Bridge Equipment Questions and Answers — 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?
- To automatically activate the system when the vessel is at sea and deactivate it when moored.
- To activate the system only when the vessel's speed exceeds 5 knots.
- To automatically engage when the vessel's heading is controlled by an autopilot or track control system. (Correct answer)
- To link the alarm system directly to the ship's security alert system (SSAS).
Correct answer: To automatically engage when the vessel's heading is controlled by an autopilot or track control system.
In 'AUTO' mode, the BNWAS is automatically activated when the ship's heading or track is being automatically controlled (e.g., by an autopilot). This is a key requirement under SOLAS V/19, ensuring that the watchkeeper's presence is monitored when they are not actively steering the vessel. The other options describe incorrect functionalities or triggers for the system.
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?
- The display palette for day or night viewing.
- The safety contour. (Correct answer)
- The ship's own symbol size.
- The chart update review date.
Correct answer: The safety contour.
The 'safety contour' is a critical user-inputted value, typically equal to the ship's draught plus a safety margin (UKC). The ECDIS uses this value to generate an alarm if the vessel's predicted track crosses this depth contour on the electronic chart, serving as the primary automated anti-grounding feature. The other settings relate to display preferences or administrative tasks, not direct, real-time safety alarms.
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?
- Engine room machinery performance data.
- Crew watchkeeping schedules and rest hours.
- Audio from microphones on the bridge wings.
- Bridge audio from at least one microphone on the conning station. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Bridge audio from at least one microphone on the conning station.
SOLAS V, Regulation 20, as implemented by the UK's Merchant Shipping Regulations, mandates that the VDR must record audio from at least one microphone located on the bridge conning station. This captures conversations, helm orders, and audible alarms critical for accident investigation. While audio from bridge wings is often recorded, it is the conning station microphone that is the specific minimum requirement. Engine data and crew schedules are not part of the mandatory VDR data set.
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?
- Navigational status (e.g., 'underway using engine').
- The vessel's Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number. (Correct answer)
- Rate of turn.
- The vessel's destination and ETA.
Correct answer: The vessel's Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number.
Static data in AIS refers to information that is programmed into the unit upon installation and only changed infrequently. The MMSI number is a unique identifier for the vessel and is a prime example of static data. Navigational status and rate of turn are 'dynamic' data, automatically updated by the ship's sensors. Destination and ETA are 'voyage-related' data, which are manually updated for each voyage.
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?
- At the start and end of every voyage.
- Once every 24 hours.
- At least once per watch and after any significant alteration of course. (Correct answer)
- Only when required by the Port State Control inspector.
Correct answer: At least once per watch and after any significant alteration of course.
Good seamanship and industry best practice, as detailed in the ICS Bridge Procedures Guide, recommend that the gyrocompass error should be determined at least once every watch. It should also be re-checked after any large course alteration or if there is any suspicion that the reading is inaccurate. This ensures the primary heading reference remains accurate throughout the voyage.
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?
- The vessel must immediately divert to the nearest port for repairs.
- The Officer of the Watch must use celestial navigation as the sole means of fixing position.
- The vessel must be provided with a second, independent GNSS receiver or a suitable backup. (Correct answer)
- The vessel can continue using only the RADAR for positional information by plotting ranges from land.
Correct answer: The vessel must be provided with a second, independent GNSS receiver or a suitable backup.
The Merchant Shipping (Safety of Navigation) Regulations 2020, which implement SOLAS Chapter V, require that ships have a means of position fixing. For ships solely fitted with a GNSS receiver as their primary means, they must be provided with a second, independent receiver or a suitable backup arrangement. While RADAR and celestial navigation are valuable tools, the regulations mandate a resilient electronic position fixing system, which means having a backup readily available.
MCA Certificate of Competency Navigational Bridge Equipment Questions and Answers
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?