Advice
When answering oral questions the candidate should bear in mind that as the chief
operational officer onboard, safety will always be paramount in their mind in any
shipboard operation.
Additionally, candidate must be knowledgeable and familiar with IMO Convention
requirements; Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seaman; company’s
standard operating procedures, etc.
Most important, listen to the question and answer accordingly. As most candidates
have memorised rules, regulations and other data, they have a tendency to be triggered
by familiar sounding words and answer verbatim according to their stored knowledge
which does not answer the examiner’s question. Therefore, think before you answer.
As a Chief Officer, you are responsible for issuing orders that might implicate the
crew’s safety.
The following are some of the usual questions that are asked.
The candidate needs to know that Load Line in general relates to the
watertightness, access, openings, loadline marks, etc. He should
commence answering the question by covering the items for inspection
under loadline on the main deck, and then to the item in the
accommodation. By answering in this manner he is more organised in
his thoughts and will cover all items related to this topic. It is not
impressive to answer in a haphazard manner.
He should commence by discussing the importance of watertightness,
on the main deck, especially in relation to access and openings of cargo
spaces. How is watertightness inspected and maintained in the cargo
spaces; and, access into the forward compartment (forecastle) and the
main accommodation.
He should discuss on the maintenance of the ventilations pipes and
openings on decks leading to cargo spaces, ballast tank, oil tanks, etc.
He should discuss on the maintenance of railings, bulwarks, scuppers,
drainage system on deck that ensure that seawater coming on deck is
quickly discharged overboard as stability can be effected by water
staying onboard for too long - free surface movement.
Safe passage of crew on deck during bad weather.
Watertight openings below main deck.
The importance of loadline markings and draft marks, which could be
checked with the official template which is carried onboard.
Now, the candidate should proceed to discuss on the maintenance of the
loadline items in the accommodation, i.e. watertight doors, portholes,
ventilation ducts, access, gangways, engine room sky light, etc.
The emergency shutdown of main engine by manual (levers) or other
systems.