RICAS Communication Skills 1

Question 1

What is the international distress signal for ships?

Accepted Answer

Mayday

Answer

'Mayday' is the internationally recognized voice distress signal, derived from the French 'm'aider' (help me), used when a vessel faces grave and imminent danger.

Question 2

What do port and starboard refer to?

Accepted Answer

Left and right sides of a vessel respectively

Answer

Port is the left side (red light) and starboard is the right side (green light) when facing the bow (front) of the vessel.

Question 3

What is the purpose of a ship's logbook?

Accepted Answer

To record all navigational, weather, and operational events

Answer

The ship's log is a legal document recording navigational data, weather conditions, engine operations, and all significant events during a voyage.

Question 4

What is dead reckoning in navigation?

Accepted Answer

Estimating current position based on a known past position and course/speed

Answer

Dead reckoning calculates the current position by applying known speed, time elapsed, and course steered from the last known position.

Question 5

What is the purpose of running lights on a vessel?

Accepted Answer

To indicate the vessel's size, type, and direction of travel at night

Answer

Navigation lights help other vessels determine a ship's size, type, status, and direction of travel during periods of reduced visibility.

(RICAS) Rhode Island State Practice Test

(RICAS) Rhode Island State Practice Test

RICAS Communication Skills 1