STCW Navigation & Watchkeeping Practices 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the significance of 'Cross Track Error' (XTE) displayed on an ECDIS?
- The difference in heading between planned and actual course
- The perpendicular distance the vessel has deviated from the planned track (Correct answer)
- The error in GPS position fix accuracy
- The angular difference between true and magnetic north
Correct answer: The perpendicular distance the vessel has deviated from the planned track
XTE indicates how far the vessel has strayed perpendicularly from the planned route centerline, alerting the OOW to take corrective action.
Question 2: During a watch handover, the oncoming OOW should verify which of the following FIRST?
- That the outgoing officer has completed the logbook
- The vessel's current position, course, speed, and any immediate dangers (Correct answer)
- Whether the master has been informed of the handover
- The weather forecast for the next 24 hours
Correct answer: The vessel's current position, course, speed, and any immediate dangers
The immediate safety picture — position, course, speed, and hazards — must be confirmed first before accepting the watch.
Question 3: Which light configuration indicates a vessel constrained by her draft under COLREGS?
- Three all-round red lights in a vertical line (Correct answer)
- A cylinder shape
- Three all-round red lights and a masthead light
- A red light over a white light over a red light
Correct answer: Three all-round red lights in a vertical line
Rule 28 specifies that a vessel constrained by her draft displays three all-round red lights in a vertical line in addition to sidelights and a sternlight.
Question 4: What action must an OOW take when the vessel's position is uncertain and cannot be verified?
- Continue on current course and increase radar watch
- Reduce speed and notify the master immediately (Correct answer)
- Sound the general alarm and muster the crew
- Anchor immediately regardless of location
Correct answer: Reduce speed and notify the master immediately
STCW and good seamanship require the OOW to reduce speed to a safe level and call the master when positional uncertainty exists.
Question 5: A vessel is approaching a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS). According to COLREGS Rule 10, how should it join a traffic lane?
- At a right angle to the general direction of traffic flow
- At as small an angle as possible to the direction of traffic flow (Correct answer)
- From the separation zone side only
- Only during daylight hours
Correct answer: At as small an angle as possible to the direction of traffic flow
Rule 10(c) states that vessels joining a traffic lane should do so at as small an angle as practicable to reduce disruption to traffic flow.
Question 6: What is the purpose of the 'look-out' requirement under COLREGS Rule 5?
- To comply with flag state manning requirements
- To maintain a proper look-out by all available means to make a full appraisal of the situation (Correct answer)
- To monitor weather changes only
- To watch for distress signals from other vessels
Correct answer: To maintain a proper look-out by all available means to make a full appraisal of the situation
Rule 5 requires a proper look-out by sight, hearing, and all available means at all times to make a full appraisal of risk of collision.
Question 7: Under STCW watchkeeping principles, 'situational awareness' includes awareness of which elements?
- Own ship's position, traffic, weather, and equipment status (Correct answer)
- Cargo manifest and crew list only
- Port state control requirements and flag state rules
- Engine room status and fuel consumption only
Correct answer: Own ship's position, traffic, weather, and equipment status
Situational awareness in bridge watchkeeping encompasses vessel position, surrounding traffic, environmental conditions, and the status of navigation equipment.
STCW Navigation & Watchkeeping Practices 3
What is the significance of 'Cross Track Error' (XTE) displayed on an ECDIS?