STCW Navigation & Watchkeeping Practices 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under STCW, what is the minimum rest period a watchkeeper must receive before assuming a navigation watch?
- 6 hours
- 8 hours
- 10 hours (Correct answer)
- 12 hours
Correct answer: 10 hours
STCW requires a minimum of 10 hours rest in any 24-hour period, and watchkeepers must have adequate rest before assuming the watch.
Question 2: When navigating in restricted visibility, which action is MOST important according to COLREGS and STCW watchkeeping standards?
- Increase speed to clear the area quickly
- Proceed at a safe speed appropriate to the conditions (Correct answer)
- Sound one prolonged blast every 4 minutes
- Switch to manual steering immediately
Correct answer: Proceed at a safe speed appropriate to the conditions
COLREGS Rule 19 requires vessels in restricted visibility to proceed at a safe speed suited to the prevailing circumstances.
Question 3: What does the term 'parallel indexing' refer to in radar navigation?
- Aligning two radar displays for comparison
- A technique using a radar range line parallel to the intended track to monitor position (Correct answer)
- Indexing waypoints sequentially in the ECDIS
- Comparing chart datum with radar imagery
Correct answer: A technique using a radar range line parallel to the intended track to monitor position
Parallel indexing is a radar technique where a line parallel to the ship's track is drawn to monitor the vessel's clearance from a fixed object.
Question 4: Which document outlines the master's standing orders for the navigation watch?
- Ship's logbook
- ISM manual
- Master's Standing Orders (Correct answer)
- Passage plan
Correct answer: Master's Standing Orders
Master's Standing Orders are issued by the master to the OOW and detail conditions under which the master must be called and general watchkeeping requirements.
Question 5: A vessel is overtaking another in a narrow channel. Which COLREGS rule primarily applies?
- Rule 13 — Overtaking (Correct answer)
- Rule 9 — Narrow Channels
- Rule 16 — Action by Give-way Vessel
- Rule 18 — Responsibilities between Vessels
Correct answer: Rule 13 — Overtaking
Rule 13 governs overtaking situations; the overtaking vessel must keep clear regardless of the channel configuration.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of a pre-arrival checklist in bridge watchkeeping?
- To satisfy port state control requirements only
- To ensure all navigation equipment and safety systems are operational before entering port (Correct answer)
- To record cargo status before arrival
- To complete the passage plan post-voyage
Correct answer: To ensure all navigation equipment and safety systems are operational before entering port
Pre-arrival checklists ensure equipment readiness, crew alertness, and safety system functionality before the critical period of port entry.
Question 7: Under STCW, the Officer of the Watch (OOW) must NOT leave the bridge without being properly relieved. What should the OOW do if the relieving officer appears impaired?
- Hand over the watch and report to the master later
- Refuse to hand over the watch and inform the master immediately (Correct answer)
- Ask the impaired officer to rest for 30 minutes then retry
- Log the incident and proceed with handover
Correct answer: Refuse to hand over the watch and inform the master immediately
STCW Section A-VIII/1 requires the OOW to refuse to hand over the watch to an officer who appears unfit for duty and to notify the master.
STCW Navigation & Watchkeeping Practices 2
Under STCW, what is the minimum rest period a watchkeeper must receive before assuming a navigation watch?