CARGO OPERATIONS Q: How does displacement vary with the ship’s draft? A: Displacement increases as the ship’s draft increases because a deeper draft means the vessel displaces a greater volume of water. As cargo or ballast is added, the draft increases, and the corresponding displacement must be checked against permissible limits...
BALLAST OPERATIONS Q: What are the standard requirements for mid-ocean ballast water exchange? A: Mid-ocean ballast water exchange should normally be carried out at least 200 nautical miles from the nearest land and in water at least 200 meters deep. If this is not possible, the exchange may be conducted at least 50 nautical miles from the nearest land in water at least 200 meters deep, subject to Flag State and coastal State requirements...
STABILITY Q: What is metacentric height (GM) and why does it matter? A: GM is the vertical distance between the ship’s centre of gravity and its metacentre. A positive GM provides an upright righting lever; too small a GM risks the vessel becoming tender, while an excessive GM produces a stiff, violent rolling motion...
HOLD PREPARATION Q: How do you prepare cargo holds after discharging coal for loading grain? A: Holds must be swept, washed with fresh water, dried, and inspected for residues, odour, and infestation. Bilges are cleaned and tested, and the holds presented for a grain-cleanliness survey before loading commences...
SAFETY MANAGEMENT Q: A crew member is injured during hatch cover operation. What are your first actions? A: Secure the scene and stop the operation, provide first aid, and inform the Master. Then follow the ISM reporting chain, preserve evidence, and record the sequence of events for the company’s SMS investigation...
DRAFT SURVEY Q: What corrections are applied during a draft survey? A: Draft readings are corrected for position of the draft marks, trim, hog or sag, and water density. The resulting displacement is then adjusted for known deductibles such as ballast, fresh water, and fuel to obtain the cargo quantity...
HEAVY WEATHER Q: What precautions do you take when heavy weather is forecast on a loaded passage? A: Verify hatch covers and ventilators are secured, lash and check all loose gear, confirm stability condition, adjust course and speed to minimise slamming, and brief the crew on restricted deck access...
PORT STATE CONTROL Q: How do you prepare the vessel for a Port State Control inspection? A: Ensure certificates and records are valid and readily available, conduct a pre-arrival deficiency check of critical equipment, verify crew familiarity with drills and duties, and correct any findings before arrival...
