Question 1

During your oral exam, the examiner asks how you would signal distress to a nearby vessel using an Aldis lamp if your radio equipment had failed. Which of the following is correct per the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and the International Code of Signals?

Accepted Answer

Transmit the Morse signal SOS (... --- ...) repeatedly, as specified in Annex IV of COLREGS and Appendix 1 of the International Code of Signals SOS (... --- ...) by Morse light is explicitly listed in Annex IV of COLREGS and Appendix 1 of the International Code of Signals as a recognised distress signal. MIN 653 specifically requires OOW candidates to demonstrate the 'ability to transmit and receive, by Morse light, distress signal SOS ... and visual signalling of single-letter signals' as specified in the International Code of Signals — and to be aware that misuse of distress signals carries penalties.

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.