MCA CoC Meteorology at Sea

Question 1

In the Northern Hemisphere, according to Buys Ballot's Law, if you stand with your back to the wind, where is the centre of a low-pressure system located?

Accepted Answer

To your left and slightly ahead

Answer

Directly behind you

Answer

To your right and slightly ahead

Answer

Directly in front of you

Question 2

What are the typical warning signs that a tropical cyclone is approaching a vessel in the North Atlantic?

Accepted Answer

A falling barometer (diurnal variation disrupted), long ocean swell from an unusual direction, high cirrus clouds, and increasing wind

Answer

A steady barometer, clear skies, and calm seas

Answer

Rising barometer and fog formation

Answer

Sudden temperature increase and calm winds

Question 3

What is the 'dangerous semicircle' of a tropical cyclone in the Northern Hemisphere, and why is it dangerous?

Accepted Answer

The right half facing the direction of movement — the cyclone's forward motion adds to the wind speed and tends to drive vessels into the storm's path

Answer

The left half facing the direction of movement — wind drives vessels away from the storm

Answer

The eye of the storm — where winds are calm but seas are chaotic

Answer

The rear quadrant — where rainfall is heaviest

Question 4

What does the term 'veering' mean in meteorological terminology as used in UK weather forecasts?

Accepted Answer

Wind direction changing clockwise (e.g., from south to west)

Answer

Wind decreasing in strength

Answer

Wind direction changing anticlockwise

Answer

Wind increasing in gusts

Question 5

On the Beaufort Scale, what wind speed range and sea conditions are associated with Force 8 (Gale)?

Accepted Answer

34-40 knots, moderately high waves with breaking crests and spindrift

Answer

17-21 knots, moderate waves with whitecaps

Answer

28-33 knots, high waves with dense foam streaks

Answer

48-55 knots, very high waves with heavy sea spray

Question 6

What meteorological information is provided in the UK Shipping Forecast broadcast by the BBC, and how often is it issued?

Accepted Answer

Gale warnings, general synopsis, and area forecasts for 31 sea areas around the British Isles, issued four times daily

Answer

Wind direction and force for major ports only, issued weekly

Answer

Rainfall forecasts for coastal regions, issued twice daily

Answer

Satellite imagery descriptions for the North Atlantic, issued daily