STCW Cargo Handling & Stability 3

Question 1

What is meant by 'reserve buoyancy' on a vessel?

Accepted Answer

The watertight volume of a ship above the waterline that provides additional floating capacity

Answer

The extra lift provided by the propeller

Answer

The capacity of the bilge pumps to remove water

Answer

The buoyancy provided by life rafts

Question 2

What makes a ship considered 'stiff' in terms of stability?

Accepted Answer

A very high GM resulting in short, rapid rolling periods

Answer

A low GM resulting in slow, gentle rolling

Answer

A large displacement with low speed

Answer

A rigid hull structure with no flex

Question 3

What is the primary danger of cargo shifting at sea?

Accepted Answer

It causes a list or sudden loss of stability, potentially leading to capsizing

Answer

It increases fuel consumption

Answer

It reduces the ship's speed

Answer

It may damage the ship's radar antenna

Question 4

What is the purpose of an inert gas system (IGS) on a tanker?

Accepted Answer

To replace cargo vapors with a non-flammable gas mixture, preventing fire or explosion

Answer

To cool the cargo during transit

Answer

To pressurize the cargo tanks for faster discharge

Answer

To reduce the viscosity of heavy oil cargoes

Question 5

Under SOLAS, what must be done with a 'heavy lift' cargo item before loading?

Accepted Answer

Its weight must be accurately declared by the shipper, and a lift plan approved by the ship's master

Answer

It must be declared to customs authorities only

Answer

It must be inspected by a port state control officer

Answer

It must be broken down into smaller packages

Question 6

What does the 'center of gravity' (G) of a ship represent?

Accepted Answer

The point through which the total weight of the ship acts vertically downward

Answer

The geometric center of the ship's hull

Answer

The center of the ship's cargo hold

Answer

The deepest point of the ship's keel

Question 7

What is the significance of the Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) for bulk cargoes?

Accepted Answer

It is the maximum moisture content at which a cargo may be safely shipped without risk of liquefaction

Answer

It defines the maximum weight of moisture-containing cargo allowed per voyage

Answer

It sets the minimum humidity level inside cargo holds

Answer

It determines the maximum rainfall a cargo can be exposed to during loading