MTC Computer Systems & Software Updates 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A marine technician needs to update the engine management system (EMS) software on a vessel's main propulsion unit. Which precaution is most critical?
- Running the engine at full throttle during the update
- Ensuring the vessel is securely moored with engines stopped (Correct answer)
- Disconnecting the shore power supply
- Removing all fuel from the day tank
Correct answer: Ensuring the vessel is securely moored with engines stopped
Engine management system updates must be performed with engines stopped and the vessel securely moored to prevent loss of propulsion control.
Question 2: In a shipboard local area network (LAN), what device is used to connect multiple computers and marine systems within the same network segment?
- Modem
- Network switch (Correct answer)
- Satellite antenna
- UPS unit
Correct answer: Network switch
A network switch connects multiple devices within the same LAN segment and directs traffic using MAC addresses.
Question 3: What is the function of an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) connected to a vessel's navigation computer?
- To amplify GPS signal strength
- To provide temporary battery power during power interruptions (Correct answer)
- To convert AC power to NMEA data
- To regulate compass heading data
Correct answer: To provide temporary battery power during power interruptions
A UPS provides battery-backed power to keep critical navigation computers running during brief power outages, preventing data loss and system crashes.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes the NMEA 2000 standard compared to NMEA 0183?
- NMEA 2000 is slower and uses analog signals
- NMEA 2000 is a higher-bandwidth network that allows multiple devices on a single backbone (Correct answer)
- NMEA 2000 is only used for satellite communication
- NMEA 2000 requires fiber optic cabling
Correct answer: NMEA 2000 is a higher-bandwidth network that allows multiple devices on a single backbone
NMEA 2000 is a CAN bus-based network standard that supports multiple devices communicating on a single backbone at much higher data rates than NMEA 0183.
Question 5: A vessel's integrated bridge system (IBS) displays an 'out of sync' warning after a software update to one subsystem. What does this typically indicate?
- The compass has been demagnetized
- Different subsystems are running incompatible software versions (Correct answer)
- The vessel has crossed a time zone boundary
- Hull plating corrosion has affected the antennas
Correct answer: Different subsystems are running incompatible software versions
An 'out of sync' warning in an IBS usually means that one or more subsystems are running software versions that are not compatible with the others on the network.
Question 6: When a marine technician performs a factory reset on a chart plotter before installing updated software, what is the primary risk?
- Overheating of the display screen
- Loss of all saved waypoints, routes, and user settings (Correct answer)
- Automatic deletion of ECDIS vector charts
- Damage to the GPS receiver antenna
Correct answer: Loss of all saved waypoints, routes, and user settings
A factory reset erases all user-stored data including waypoints, routes, and custom settings, so these must be exported and backed up beforehand.
Question 7: What is the recommended method for transferring chart update files to an ECDIS unit that is not connected to the internet?
- Via satellite voice channel
- Using an approved, virus-scanned USB drive or DVD (Correct answer)
- Through the ship's bilge monitoring network
- By manually entering waypoints from a printed chart
Correct answer: Using an approved, virus-scanned USB drive or DVD
Offline ECDIS units receive chart updates via approved removable media such as USB drives that have been scanned for malware before use.
MTC Computer Systems & Software Updates 3
A marine technician needs to update the engine management system (EMS) software on a vessel's main propulsion unit.
Which precaution is most critical?