STCW Navigation & Watchkeeping Practices 4

Question 1

What does ARPA stand for and what is its primary watchkeeping function?

Accepted Answer

Automatic Radar Plotting Aid — tracks targets and calculates CPA/TCPA

Answer

ARPA automatically tracks radar targets and calculates their Closest Point of Approach (CPA) and Time to CPA (TCPA) to assess collision risk.

Question 2

A power-driven vessel meeting another power-driven vessel head-on should take which action under COLREGS?

Accepted Answer

Both vessels alter course to starboard

Answer

Rule 14 requires both vessels in a head-on situation to alter course to starboard so each passes on the port side of the other.

Question 3

When should an OOW call the master, according to STCW and standing orders?

Accepted Answer

Whenever in doubt about safety, or when defined threshold conditions are met

Answer

STCW Section A-VIII/2 requires the OOW to notify the master in any situation of doubt and whenever specific conditions defined in standing orders are met.

Question 4

What is the function of the 'safe water mark' buoy in the IALA buoyage system?

Accepted Answer

Marks the centerline of a fairway or safe passage to both sides

Answer

Safe water marks (red and white vertical stripes) indicate that there is navigable water all around and are used for midchannel or fairway markings.

Question 5

Under STCW, what is the minimum watch alarm (dead man alarm) reset interval for a solo OOW on the bridge?

Accepted Answer

Every 12 minutes

Answer

SOLAS and STCW requirements specify that the bridge watch alarm must be reset at intervals not exceeding 12 minutes to confirm the OOW is alert.

(STCW) Standards Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers Practice Test

(STCW) Standards Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers Practice Test

STCW Navigation & Watchkeeping Practices 4