Mixed Deck — All MMC Topics Flashcards

When a vessel receives a distress call, the OOW must FIRST:

Answer: Acknowledge the distress call and inform the master

The OOW must acknowledge the distress call and immediately inform the master, who will then decide on the appropriate course of action.

A vessel's DR position differs from an EP (Estimated Position) because the EP:

Answer: Accounts for the effects of current, wind, and leeway

An Estimated Position (EP) is more accurate than a Dead Reckoning (DR) position because it incorporates known or estimated effects of current, wind, and leeway.

When using parallel rulers to transfer a course line to the compass rose, the transfer should always be made to the:

Answer: Inner ring of the compass rose for true courses

The outer ring of a chart's compass rose shows true directions referenced to geographic north, while the inner ring shows magnetic directions.

What is a common challenge professionals face when applying regulatory compliance & legal framework principles in Merchant Mariner Credential?

Answer: Balancing theoretical knowledge with practical application

Balancing theoretical knowledge with practical application is a well-recognized challenge, as real-world scenarios often present complexities not covered in standard training.

What is the MINIMUM number of persons required to lower a survival craft on a USCG-inspected vessel?

Answer: One trained crew member

Survival craft must be designed and tested so that a single person can lower them, ensuring they can be launched even if crew is reduced.

Free surface effect in a partially filled tank reduces a vessel's effective GM because:

Answer: The liquid shifts when the vessel heels, raising the effective center of gravity

When a vessel heels, liquid in a partially filled tank shifts to the low side, effectively raising G and reducing GM, degrading stability.

Which NFPA hazard diamond color indicates health hazard?

Answer: Blue

In the NFPA 704 diamond, the blue quadrant (left) represents health hazard, red (top) is flammability, yellow (right) is instability/reactivity.

A light characterized as 'Fl (3) 15s' means the light:

Answer: Shows 3 flashes in a group, with the full cycle lasting 15 seconds

Fl (3) 15s indicates a flashing light that shows a group of 3 flashes, with the complete cycle (flashes plus eclipse) totaling 15 seconds.

What is cargo segregation under the IMDG Code?

Answer: Keeping incompatible dangerous goods separated to prevent hazardous reactions

Cargo segregation involves keeping incompatible dangerous goods physically separated according to IMDG Code requirements to prevent dangerous chemical reactions, fires, or contamination.

What is the primary purpose of a cargo stowage plan?

Answer: To show the location of all cargo in the vessel's holds and on deck

A cargo stowage plan shows the precise location of all cargo aboard the vessel, enabling efficient cargo discharge operations and accurate stability calculations.

What does FEU stand for in container shipping?

Answer: Forty-foot Equivalent Unit

FEU stands for Forty-foot Equivalent Unit, representing the capacity of one standard 40-foot intermodal shipping container, equal to two TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units).

Under SOLAS, what is the minimum number of survival craft drills required per year for cargo ship crew?

Answer: One drill per month

SOLAS Regulation III/19 requires that every crew member participates in at least one abandon ship and one fire drill every month.

Which MARPOL Annex specifically addresses the prevention of pollution by sewage from ships?

Answer: Annex IV

MARPOL Annex IV covers prevention of pollution by sewage from ships, including requirements for sewage treatment plants and holding tanks.

Which quality improvement method is most applicable to regulatory compliance & legal framework in Merchant Mariner Credential?

Answer: Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) continuous improvement cycle

The PDCA cycle is widely recognized as the most effective quality improvement method, allowing MMC professionals to systematically improve regulatory compliance & legal framework practices.

Under MARPOL Annex I, what is the maximum oil content permitted in bilge water discharged outside special areas?

Answer: 15 parts per million (ppm)

MARPOL Annex I Regulation 15 permits discharge of processed bilge water outside special areas only if oil content does not exceed 15 ppm.

Under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA), what is the carrier's standard limit of liability per package for lost or damaged cargo?

Answer: $500 per package or customary freight unit

COGSA (46 U.S.C. § 30701) limits a carrier's liability for cargo loss or damage to $500 per package or per customary freight unit, unless a higher value is declared.

How often should the ship's emergency evacuation drills be conducted?

Answer: Once every 6 months

Regular emergency evacuation drills are vital for ensuring that all crew members are familiar with their duties and the proper procedures during an emergency. International regulations, such as SOLAS, typically mandate that these drills, including abandon ship and fire drills, be conducted at least once every six months. This frequency helps maintain crew proficiency and readiness to respond effectively to real-life emergencies.

What is the purpose of a 'tide rip' notation on a nautical chart?

Answer: It warns of turbulent water caused by opposing currents or shoaling

A tide rip notation warns mariners of an area where conflicting tidal currents or current flow over shoals creates turbulent, choppy, or dangerous water conditions.

Which technology trend is most likely to impact professional standards & ethics in the MMC field in coming years?

Answer: Digital tools for enhanced data collection, analysis, and reporting

Digital tools for enhanced data collection, analysis, and reporting represent the most significant and practical technology trend impacting professional standards & ethics, augmenting rather than replacing professional expertise.

Fixed CO2 fire suppression systems in machinery spaces must NOT be activated until:

Answer: All personnel are confirmed clear of the space and the space is sealed

CO2 displaces oxygen and is lethal; all personnel must be evacuated and the space sealed before activating the system.