You are planning a 6-hour coastal passage in late autumn. The forecast shows a Force 5 throughout but the synoptic chart shows a secondary depression forming 400nm to the west. As master, how do you assess and plan for this?

A. Assessment: Force 5 is manageable for most coastal vessels but a developing secondary depression within 400nm represents a developing threat. Check: rate of movement and forecast track of the secondary; timing — will it affect your area before, during, or after your passage window; any change in wind direction associated with the secondary (backing wind ahead of a low, veering wind behind); sea state lag — seas build after wind increase and remain high after the wind abates. Planning: identify an abort point where you could divert to a sheltered anchorage or port if conditions deteriorate; plan for worst-case timing if the secondary accelerates; check BBC Shipping Forecast (relevant sea area), Met Office 5-day and extended marine forecasts, NAVTEX, and port weather services. Consider delaying departure by 12-24 hours to allow the situation to clarify.

B. A Force 5 forecast is the relevant information. Secondary depressions 400nm away are too distant to affect a 6-hour passage — proceed as planned.

C. Contact the local harbour master for weather advice. Harbour masters have local knowledge that supersedes synoptic chart interpretation.

D. Depressions always track from west to east. The 400nm distance ensures it will not arrive in your area for at least 48 hours — proceed.

A. A Master (STCW II/3) certificate authorises command of ships of less than 500 GT engaged on near-coastal voyages only. It does not authorise command on international unrestricted voyages or on vessels 500 GT and above. "Near-coastal" is defined by the flag state — in UK practice, MCA defines near-coastal voyages as voyages within defined sea areas relative to the UK coastline. To command vessels 500 GT+ or on worldwide voyages, a Master Unlimited (STCW II/2) certificate is required. A Master < 3000 GT Unlimited covers larger vessels but is typically combined with the Chief Mate Unlimited examination in MCA practice.

B. The STCW II/3 certificate authorises command of any vessel provided it is engaged in domestic trade. There is no size restriction if the voyage remains within national territorial waters.

C. A Master < 500 GT NC certificate authorises command of all vessels less than 500 GT anywhere in the world. The "near-coastal" designation applies to the vessel type, not the voyage area.

D. The certificate is identical to OOW < 500 GT NC. The only difference is the title — both authorise the same operational functions.

A. Under the MCA Workboat Code (2nd Edition), CTVs and workboats must carry a Stability Booklet approved by the MCA or a Recognised Organisation. The booklet must contain loading conditions relevant to the vessel's operational profile. For offshore CTVs, specific loading conditions must include: personnel transfer (maximum persons), cargo runs, and light ship. The operator must complete a pre-departure stability check for each sailing condition. The IMO IS Code 2008 intact stability criteria apply: GM minimum 0.15m; GZ criteria; weather criterion. Some workboats may have additional class-specific criteria. The Workboat Code requires vessels to operate within the ranges defined in the approved stability booklet at all times.

B. Vessels under 100 GT are exempt from stability documentation requirements under the Workboat Code. The master decides whether the vessel is stable based on experience.

C. Stability requirements for workboats are set by the vessel's insurer. The MCA approves the insurer's criteria and the master follows the insurer's stability guidance.

D. Only passenger vessels need an approved Stability Booklet. CTVs under the Workboat Code use a simplified load assessment based on the vessel's freeboard only.