MMC Maritime Law & Regulations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which MARPOL Annex specifically addresses the prevention of pollution by sewage from ships?
- Annex IV (Correct answer)
- Annex I
- Annex V
- Annex VI
Correct answer: Annex IV
MARPOL Annex IV covers prevention of pollution by sewage from ships, including requirements for sewage treatment plants and holding tanks.
Question 2: In maritime law, what is 'general average'?
- A principle where all parties sharing a common maritime adventure contribute to losses voluntarily incurred to save the venture (Correct answer)
- The average speed of a vessel over a voyage
- The standard cargo damage rate accepted by insurers
- The average cost of port fees across all U.S. ports
Correct answer: A principle where all parties sharing a common maritime adventure contribute to losses voluntarily incurred to save the venture
General average is an ancient maritime law principle where extraordinary sacrifices or expenditures made for common safety are shared proportionally by all cargo and ship interests.
Question 3: Under the Limitation of Liability Act, a U.S. shipowner's liability for maritime casualties is generally limited to what amount?
- The post-casualty value of the vessel plus pending freight (Correct answer)
- The pre-casualty value of the vessel only
- The cost to replace the vessel at current market prices
- Two times the vessel's insured value
Correct answer: The post-casualty value of the vessel plus pending freight
Under 46 U.S.C. §§ 30501–30512, a shipowner may limit liability to the vessel's post-casualty value plus any pending freight earned.
Question 4: What authority does a Ship's Master have under maritime law regarding law enforcement aboard the vessel?
- The Master has broad authority to maintain order and can detain persons who pose a danger to the ship or persons aboard (Correct answer)
- The Master can only detain persons upon written authorization from the vessel owner
- The Master has no law enforcement authority and must defer to local police
- The Master can only act on law enforcement matters when the vessel is in international waters
Correct answer: The Master has broad authority to maintain order and can detain persons who pose a danger to the ship or persons aboard
The Master has inherent authority under maritime law to maintain order, protect the vessel, and detain individuals posing a threat to the ship or those aboard.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code?
- To establish an international framework for protecting ships and port facilities from security threats (Correct answer)
- To regulate the training and certification of maritime security officers
- To set standards for physical barriers and fencing at port facilities
- To define the criminal penalties for acts of piracy under international law
Correct answer: To establish an international framework for protecting ships and port facilities from security threats
The ISPS Code, adopted after 9/11, provides a standardized framework for assessing risk and implementing security measures for ships and port facilities.
Question 6: Under 33 CFR Part 95, what is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for a person operating a recreational vessel?
- 0.08% (Correct answer)
- 0.04%
- 0.10%
- 0.02%
Correct answer: 0.08%
33 CFR Part 95 mirrors highway laws, setting the BAC limit for recreational vessel operators at 0.08%, consistent with most state laws.
Question 7: Which body is responsible for adopting and amending SOLAS?
- The International Maritime Organization (IMO) (Correct answer)
- The United Nations General Assembly
- The International Labour Organization (ILO)
- The World Trade Organization (WTO)
Correct answer: The International Maritime Organization (IMO)
SOLAS is an IMO convention, and the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) is responsible for adopting and amending its provisions.
MMC Maritime Law & Regulations 3
Which MARPOL Annex specifically addresses the prevention of pollution by sewage from ships?