Question 1

Alongside the Master's and Third Mate's actions, what shore-based monitoring failure did the NTSB name as a contributing cause of the Exxon Valdez grounding?

Accepted Answer

The US Coast Guard's failure to maintain an effective Vessel Traffic Service monitoring the vessel's position The NTSB named the Coast Guard's failure to maintain an effective Vessel Traffic Service, monitoring the vessel closely enough to detect it drifting off its charted track in time to intervene, as a contributing cause alongside the fatigued watch and the Master's absence from the bridge.

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.