Question 1

During your oral exam you're asked what a rapid, sustained fall in barometric pressure typically indicates. Which of the following is correct?

Accepted Answer

An approaching depression, likely bringing deteriorating weather and increasing wind — the faster the fall, the more vigorous the system is likely to be The rate of pressure fall (the tendency), not just the absolute reading, is one of the most reliable single indicators available to a watchkeeper without access to a full forecast. A rapid, sustained fall signals an approaching depression, and the steeper the fall, the more vigorous the system is likely to be. Examiners expect candidates to connect tendency, not just a single reading, to short-term forecasting.

Question 2

You're preparing a passage plan for a coastal leg in a yacht drawing 3.2m. At one point the chart shows a least depth of 3.8m at chart datum. What MUST you check before finalising this leg?

Accepted Answer

The tidal height at the time of transit to confirm sufficient under-keel clearance Charted depths are referenced to chart datum (often LAT), so you must add the predicted tidal height for your transit time to get the actual depth, then compare to your draft plus a safety margin to confirm UKC.

Question 3

During your watch the ECDIS gives a "safety contour crossing" alarm. What is the correct response?

Accepted Answer

Assess the situation against the planned route and charted depths, take action to maintain safe water, and inform the Master if there is any doubt A safety contour alarm indicates the vessel may be approaching water shallower than the set safety contour. It must be investigated against the route and charted information, with avoiding action taken and the Master informed as appropriate — never simply silenced.