Ship Driver General Ship Knowledge 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the rear-most part of a ship called?
- Bow
- Stern (Correct answer)
- Beam
- Hull
Correct answer: Stern
The stern is the aft or rear section of a vessel.
Question 2: What is the primary function of a ship's rudder?
- To generate propulsion
- To steer the vessel (Correct answer)
- To anchor the ship
- To balance cargo
Correct answer: To steer the vessel
The rudder deflects water flow to change the ship's heading.
Question 3: What does 'displacement' refer to?
- The speed of the vessel
- The weight of water the hull displaces, equal to ship's weight (Correct answer)
- The cargo capacity in containers
- The engine horsepower
Correct answer: The weight of water the hull displaces, equal to ship's weight
Displacement equals the weight of water pushed aside, which equals the total weight of the floating ship.
Question 4: What is the bridge of a ship used for?
- Storing cargo
- Commanding and navigating the vessel (Correct answer)
- Housing the engines
- Crew sleeping quarters
Correct answer: Commanding and navigating the vessel
The bridge is the command center from which the ship is navigated and controlled.
Question 5: What is a 'bulkhead' on a ship?
- An external railing
- A vertical partition wall dividing the interior (Correct answer)
- A type of anchor
- The top deck
Correct answer: A vertical partition wall dividing the interior
Bulkheads are upright partitions that divide the hull into compartments for strength and watertight integrity.
Question 6: What does the term 'aft' mean?
- Toward the front
- Toward the rear (Correct answer)
- Toward the left
- Toward the right
Correct answer: Toward the rear
Aft means toward or near the stern of the vessel.
Question 7: What is the purpose of ballast on a ship?
- To increase speed
- To provide stability by adding weight low in the hull (Correct answer)
- To carry extra cargo
- To power the engine
Correct answer: To provide stability by adding weight low in the hull
Ballast, often water in tanks, lowers the center of gravity to improve stability.
Ship Driver General Ship Knowledge 3
What is the rear-most part of a ship called?