STCW Navigation & Watchkeeping Practices 3

Question 1

What is the significance of 'Cross Track Error' (XTE) displayed on an ECDIS?

Accepted Answer

The perpendicular distance the vessel has deviated from the planned track

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The vessel's current position, course, speed, and any immediate dangers

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Three all-round red lights in a vertical line

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Reduce speed and notify the master immediately

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

At as small an angle as possible to the direction of traffic flow

Answer

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.

(STCW) Standards Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers Practice Test

(STCW) Standards Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers Practice Test

STCW Navigation & Watchkeeping Practices 3