QUESTION BANK (MASTER ) :

THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE :-
SMS :-
Q1 ) What is purpose of SMS & how does having valid SMC cert onbd & valid DOC Cert with Company help?
Q2) What is purpose of 'Over riding Authority" provided in the SMS ? To whom is it provided?
Q3) What role does a Designated Person Ashore (DPA) play in the Organisation ?
Q4) What is the purpose of ISM Code & how does it tie in with commercially safe operations?
Q5) What will happen if a Ship does not have valid SMC orCompany does not have valid DOC certs?

PMS :-
Q1) What is PMS(Planned Maintainance System) & how does it benefit a Ship / Shipowner?
Q2) Many ships have Company operated PMS (nowadays computerised)but still lag in
effective maintainance, can you share with me your experience on the subject?
Q3) Many ships have Critical spare parts list & minimum inventory of critical parts usually Class
approved, how does it help?
Q4) Does having PMS mean you will never have a breakdown? Please share your views on the subject.

MAJOR LEGISLATION LIKE SOLAS, COLREGS, MARPOL, ISPS / SECURITY CODE & STCW :-
Q1) How does Marpol Annex 1 legislate reduction in marine pollution by Oil ? What is permitted & what is not?
Q2) How does Marpol Annex 2 legislate reduction in marine pollution by Chemicals ? What is permitted & what is not?
Q3) How does Marpol Annex 5 legislate reduction in marine pollution by Garbage ? What is permitted & what is not?
Q4) What is purpose of SOPEP, SMPEP, VRP & when does the document come into use ?
Q5) What is purpose of ODMC on deck & OWS in ER . How does it assist in reducing pollution?
Q6) What entries are made in flag state issued Oil Record Book Part I & Part II / Cargo record book / How important
are correct entries & what are consequences of falsification of records?
Q7) What are SOLAS requirements for carriage of ECDIS onboard ? Can a ship sail with only one ECDIS & no charts
or backup of any kind?
Q8) What are SOLAS requirements for carriage of LSA/FFA in general ? Can a ship sail with only one seaworthy Lifeboat &
how would you deal with the situation, if you lose a lifeboat at sea in rough wx?
Q9) As per your night orders, duty officer calls you on bridge since he is in doubt about a situation. You find a target vess
2nm away on your stbd side on a clear night in open sea, approaching from 2 points abaft the beam such as develop
quarter situation? What action you will take after taking over the Con?
Q10) You are on bridge with your ship proceeding at safe speed in restricted visibility in Open sea, your Duty officer repor
target on port quarter 2nm away developing CPA 0.1nm, target on port bow 3.0nm away developing CPA 1.0nm pas
ahead. You have the Conn of the ship, what action will you take to keep your ship safe?
Q11) You are on bridge of your ship in South China sea, which has just cleared Singapore straits east bound. You are on a
course & seeing traffic on radar & by sight . Traffic is showing red side lights & white mast head light & appear on
reciprocal course on your port bow on radar. One of the port bow targets abt 5nm away starts exhibiting green light
report that vessel exhibiting green light is crossing & coming close, radar data has not significantly changed but sho
what action will you take if you have the Conn?
Q12) What are your views on ISPS Code ? How do you assess your ship security preparedness for different ports? Do secu
arrangements onboard have deterrence value or they are very cumbersome & not of much use ?
Q13) Do security drills help in preparing ship for security breaches & is security better in standard ports or developing por
Has the security enviornment improved after implementation of the Code or has world become a safer place ?
Q14) The new training requirements under STCW 2010 amendments, has it helped in improving safety performance of cr
Q15) Has the enviornment onboard improved after the introduction of MLC requirements & implementation of Leadersh
training for sea staff under STCW 2010 amendments?

NAVIGATION & UKC POLICY :-

Q1) You are Master on 15 year old Aframax tanker, explain what you will brief your new 2nd Officer on your requiremen
planning & UKC ? If he is old hand of Vgroup, will you brief him or not? Why?
Q2) In general, please enumerate what you will cover under standing orders & what under night orders for your watchk
If the Company provides a copy of standing orders for deck/engine watchkeepers, will you supplement it with a ship
requirement if so desired or consider it not necessary?
Q3) Which all areas of navigation,ME operation will be on your agenda, if you decided to have a deck/engine watchkeep
with you & CE moderating it . What wud be your goals for this meeting ?

WORK & REST POLICY :-

Q1) What has been your experience with work & rest hour policy? What in your opinion is the purpose of such policy?
Q2) How would you deal with a violation of rest hours at sea for a day , in the week that you are expected to dock
& have Vetting + PSC inspection as per next port agent's advise?
Q3) Are working hours onboard your ship different from what is recorded in the work & rest hour logs? Why ? Have
you tried to have the situation resolved thru office / Owners? If not, why not?

UMS OPERATION :-
Q1) If your ship operating in UMS mode in Open sea, what additional alarm testing / night orders / precautions you will
Q2) CE planning important maintainance work on Engine with a planned stop next day at sea. It is planned by ER staff to
rounds of ER the previous night while engine operating in UMS mode. Is this acceptable practice onboard your ship

LEADERSHIP & TEAMWORK

Q1) In your rank, how do you see youirself as a leader? Which atributes you think are very important to have for good le
Q2) How important is communication, teamworking & situational awareness skills in a leader & how does it help in plan
Q3) How is assertive behaviour in a junior / senior assessed by you? Do you believe having such behaviour in team mem
causes disruptions to orderly manner / discipline onboard?
Q4) How do you ensure that you are equally accessible / available to your team when they belong to different nationaliti
differing ethnic backgrounds?
Q5) How would you go about resolving conflicts onboard ?

COMPANY D & A POLICY

Q1) What was the D&A Policy of your last Company? How did you deal with any infringements?
Q2) Have you carried out unannounced alchol testing using calibrated portable equipment? Have you found anyone und
during such tests? How have you dealt with it?
Q3) What was your Company policy on dealing with a confiscation of banned drug consgnment found in a concealed com

QUESTIONS ON PRACTIACL SKILLS / EXPERIENCE :

Q1) You have been thru thick ice in Greenland waters in winters, Other than cold weather precautions, what additional
to navigate ships safely in these areas?
Q2) What is polar Code for ice class ships? What is the difference in navigating in thick ice off Greenland in winters & tra
in winters? How does it differ from ice navigation in Gulf of St Lawrence in winters?
Q3) During STS operation conducted by Loading master, who is responsible for the operation? Under what circumstance
cargo transfer operation or guide your cargo watchkeepers to do so ?
Q4) During STS operation , what tests & checks do you need to undertake with your crane before use , if your ship is cer
for transfer of people between ships?
Q5) Your ship has been on continuous STS operations with a particularly short sea passage & you have just entered the p
during operations the STS now expected to complete in 96 hrs instead of usual 48hrs? How will you address stress/
complement of crew ?
Q6) What does the term "Aides to Navigation" means for equipment on bridge ? What are the hazards Of over reliance
Q7) Explain Permit to Work Systems like enclosed spaces, work aloft, Pumproom entry etc.
Q8) What are VGP Requirements
Q9) What are VRP requirements around US Coast & SOPEP / SMPEP requirements aroiund other coast ?
Q10) As a Master , what LSA & FFA checks would you carryout on your inspection rounds??
Q11) Have you had a near miss / emergency situation onboard, how did you tackle it? Were you satisfied with the outcom
Q12) How will you deal with potential armed stowaways ?
Q13) How will you deal with potential pirate attack with possible ransom demands ? Break it up into 3 scenarios:
Before boarding, upon boarding & captured, upon release?
Q14) What is squat, parameters that affect squat ? In approaches to breakwater of a port (PBG behind the breakwater), V
experiences squat symptoms + strong cross currrents, Will you reduce speed , why ?
Q15) How would you go about setting a safety contour, safety depth, look ahead / alarm sector on ecdis for a tanker ship
Q16) Your ship experiences engine failure & is drifting in a SE'ly dirn towards a shallow patch, suggest some methods of c

COMMERCIAL AWARENESS :-
Q1) Why are vetting inspections important, so much value attached to it by the Company & what are consequences of a
Q2) Whenever observations are raised by the vetting inspector, how do you deal with the observations & the inspector ?
is provided to respond to observations to the Company? What is purpose of vetting inspection?
Q3) Your last ship was on T/C or V/C - spot market ? What are the main differences between both the charters?
Q4) What you need to check / cfm for accuracy & with principals b4 signing the Original BL for the cargo lift ?
Q5) What do you understand from the term "contract of carriage of goods by sea is governed by Hague visby rules or
Hamburg Rules ?
Q6) Your charterers have arranged wx routing that infringes IWL (Institute warranty limits)or makes you enter winter zo
is loaded to tropical draft ? What action you will take as Master ?
Q7) From where you will find guidelines/ instructions on tendering NOR / If no acceptance or response is received, what
your next course of action?
Q8) What is the difference between Hull & Machinery Insurance & PandI Clubs? Whom will you contact when?
Q9) What is the purpose of Class ? What do you understand from the term "Ship is out of class" or ship has been given "
What is expected from you when you receive advise " Captain, your ship is out of Class" at customary anchorage on
Q10) Under which circumstances will you issue "Sea protest" ? What does the term "Seaworthy" mean in commercial ter
if the vessel is seawothy or not ?
MANAGEMENT, SUPERVISORY, LEADERSHIP,COACHING SKILS :-
Q1) Discuss when you felt good about supervising someone & what are important factors to bear in mind when conducti
Q2) You have a young officer who is smart but not experienced, how do you deal with him?
Q3) Which communication skills are required to support good leadership?
Q4) How would you deal with team conflict when you have team composition of mixed nationalities?
Q5) How do you see your responsibility towards training in Master's role ?
Q6) Who or what do you think makes a good trainer ?
Q7) How would you motivate trainees & how will you deal with a mixed batch of trainees some young & some old in a s
Q8) How would you go about coaching "on the job". Is it necessary?

PERSONAL QUALITIES & REASON FOR SEAFARER INTEREST IN COMPANY :-

Q1) What are you good at ,how do you assess your strengths & weaknesses ? What do you enjoy most about your work
Q2) Why are you seeking to join VGroup? Is this your first contract, who or what inspires you to join VGroup?

THIS SECTION IS FOR ALL RECRUITS OF SENIOR RANK AND PROMOTION TO MASTER AND CH ENGR RANK :-

Safe Prosecution Of Voyage :

Q1) Please state 2 important factors you will take into account when planning a passage ?
Q2) If passage planned on ecdis, which safety settings you would consider as important ? Why?
Q3) What are your requirements of safe speed, max allowed cross track error, minimum safe distance from navigational
Q4) What will your standing orders / night orders entail & why?

Delegation & Management Of crew

Q1) Describe how to effectively delegate a task to an officer / team member ?
Q2) What are risks & benefits of delegating tasks?
Q3) Describe onboard disciplinary process & how is it useful?
Q4) What is the purpose of Appraisal & what are the challenges conducting it?
Q5) Tell me how was your last Company D&A Policy implemented on board & the
challenges you faced ?

Reporting as per VMS & Charterer requirements including defect & repair planning
Q1) Describe basic structure of VMS under ISM Code ? What value does SMC & DOC certs carry ?
Q2) Describe the Noon position reporting system in SS ? (OLD HANDS)
Q3) Describe Work & Rest hour module used by VGroup in SS ? (OLD HANDS)
Q4) Check understanding of special reportings required by Charterers / OM - Exxon / Shell / Mobil, especially towards A

Attending Surveyors / Inspectors

Q1) How would you prepare for & carryout a Vetting Inspection ?
Q2) Would you permit a vetting or PSC inspector carryout the ship inspection alone Or with a junior officer ? Why?
Q3) What are the powers of a PSC Inspector? Can he detain a ship ?

Maintaining Housekeeping standards & effective repair/maintainance routines

Q1) Please give an example of good housekeeping ? Is it important ? Why ?
Q2) What is purpose of Saturday rounds by Master & CE ?
Q3) Why is a good inventory important? What is purpose of minimum spare parts list reqmnts ?

Managing & maintaining Crew discipline & Overall Crew welfare

Q1) Give two examples of activities / equipment that will improve crew welfare onboard ?
Q2) How important is it for you to be popular amongst crew ?
Q3) Can you explain VMS disciplinary procedure ?

Commercial & Cargo related responsibilities

Q1) What approvals are needed b4 bunkering in a loaded voyage in a TC/VC?
Q2) What approvals are needed to bunker after completion of discharge at discharge berth?
Q3) What is max allowed working pressure for cargo lines on a tanker & bunker line on conventional ship?
CHEMICAL TANKERS :-
(i) How do you make a stowage plan maximise the cargo intake for Parcel tankers?
(ii) What is compatibility chart? Give example in your own words based on past experience use of compatibility chart f
(iii) Have you carried any cargoes which has requirement of Antidote as per MSDS sheet?
(iv) Name the pre wash cargoes you have carried & requirement for entry in CRB?
(v) Which cargoes need inhibitor? What is requirement for carriage for inhibitor based cargoes?
(vi) What is spectrometer? Have you used the spectrometer on-board vessel & how does it help?
(vii) What is passivation? When do you required to carry out passivation?
(viii) You have been asked to load the cargo with the name not appearing in your COF but looking at MSDS datasheet yo
(ix) Can you do the toluene steaming in the tank to obtain better result on HC & W/W cargoes?
(x) Is Methanol spraying permitted on Chemical tanker to achieve better results on WW?
(xi) What are the dangers associated with mixing incompatible cargoes in the slop tank?
(xii) What is the general alarm setting for VECs cargoes?
(xiii) Have you done Nitrogen padding? What is the requirement & precaution to be carried out Nitrogen padding?
(xiv) What precaution is exercised while loading high static electricity cargoes?
(xv) What are the precautions to be taken for loading solidifying cargoes?

OIL TANKERS :-
(i) On conventional oil tankers, under what conditions does the discharge need to be suspended ?
(ii) What is purpose of Inert gas on Oil Tankers? What safeties are provided in the IGS ?
(iii) Does provision of IGS onboard affect quality of clean products on product tankers? How do you minimise such cargo
(iv) What tests / precautions need to be taken b4 conducting COW at sea between two disports?
(v) You tanker is provided with one PV valve per tank having HP setting at 1350mm WG & vaccum setting of -300mm W
(vi) What is debottoming of tanks on Crude oil tankers, when is it carried out?
(vii) During COW operations, how do you ascertain that tank bottom remains dry while bottom cycle wash is in progress
(viii) What is purpose of ODME & how is it operated?
(ix) What is purpose of conducting & recording of cofferdam purging reports with Framo Pumpos?
(x) What precautions are required when conducting shore line displacement to ship's tank on shore request, especially
(xi) Why are drip sampling methods recommended for ship sampling at manifold ?
(xii) What is pipeline pressure surge on tankers? How is it avoided ?
(xiii) What are the inherent safeties in the design of a tank ship to avoid explosions onboard as per ISGOTT?
(xiv) If you are carrying Fuel Oil reqd to be heated in passage & delivered at a certain temp. at disport. You have a passag
(xv) In a STS operation, what checks are required regarding cago hoses in use & yokohama fenders in use to make the op

GENERAL CARGO SHIPS (BULKER/CONTAINER/ REEFER) :-

(i) Which Chapter in SOLAS dealswith bulk carrier safety general description ? (Chptr XII)
(ii) What is liquifaction/ which cargoes are prone to liquifaction ? What precautions are needed? (Concentra
(iii) What is the Grain loading criteria ?
(iv) Please describe hazards associated with carriage of Coal cargoes in bulk & how is it mitigated ?
(v) What is surface ventilation & how is it carried out ?
(vi) Is it safe to open hydraulic hatchcovers on a gearless bulk carrier in a loaded passage, especially when carrying heav
(vii) On container ships , if shore planner loads units only basis port rotation & First In last out (FILO)& it results in GM(flu
(viii) On ships with high freeboard, like container & Roro ships, how do you counter drift at pilot boarding areas/ anchora
(ix) When carrying special purpose containers like reefer containers, fantainers, tank containers, what precautions need
(x) How is weather tightness of hatchcovers tested on cargo ships ? What is the difference between gas tight / watertig
(xi) How are container lashings taken , explain bridge fittings, twist locks & bar/turnbukle lashings, how is chocoblock la
(xii) What kind of bilge pumping arrangements are available on general cargo ships & at what intervals are they tested?
(xiii) What kind of heeling pumps & heeling tanks are fitted on Roro ships not having subdivisions in cargo stowage areas
(xiv) How are stevedore damages in hold areas reported & rectified ? What care is required when using Cherry pickers &

Lines Of Reporting & Support between vessel & managers

Q1) Who does the Master report to regarding technical matters ?
Q2) How would you report an emergency ?
Q3) If the Shipowner requests some information from you directly
without involving Managers, how will you deal with it ?
Q4) Who is the DPA on our ships ? (OLD HANDS)

IMPORTANT CHECK :-
QI Were you or your ship involved in any navigational incident such as collision, allision, grounding etc.? –
QII Were youor your ship involved in any serious incident relating to any kind of environmental pollution, fire, aba
QIII Were you or your ship involved in any incident relating to violation of MARPOL? NO
 with Company help?

d DOC certs?

s on the subject.

permitted & what is not?

What is permitted & what is not?
hat is permitted & what is not?

ecord book / How important

only one ECDIS & no charts

with only one seaworthy Lifeboat &

a situation. You find a target vessel is

ts abaft the beam such as develop a close

Open sea, your Duty officer reports

m away developing CPA 1.0nm passing

e straits east bound. You are on a NE'ly

te mast head light & appear on
away starts exhibiting green light & lookout / duty officer
not significantly changed but shows closer cpa,

dness for different ports? Do security

of much use ?
 standard ports or developing ports?
world become a safer place ?
mproving safety performance of crew onboard?
nts & implementation of Leadership / teamwork

w 2nd Officer on your requirements for passage

nder night orders for your watchkeepers?

will you supplement it with a ship/master specific

to have a deck/engine watchkeepers meeting

n is the purpose of such policy?

at you are expected to dock

& rest hour logs? Why ? Have

ght orders / precautions you will take as Master?

at sea. It is planned by ER staff to have TME take
table practice onboard your ship ? How will you follow this uip?

very important to have for good leadership?

leader & how does it help in planning & decision making?
ving such behaviour in team members helpful or it

they belong to different nationalities , languages & have

ment? Have you found anyone under alchol influence

sgnment found in a concealed compartment. ?

 her precautions, what additional preparation is needed

ice off Greenland in winters & transiting polar waters

eration? Under what circumstances will you cease

ane before use , if your ship is certified to use "personnel transfer basket"

age & you have just entered the present charter. Due to delays
hrs? How will you address stress/fatigue issues with normal

are the hazards Of over reliance on "aids to navigation" like ECDIS & RADAR/ARPA ?

und other coast ?

Were you satisfied with the outcome?

eak it up into 3 scenarios:

rt (PBG behind the breakwater), Vessel

m sector on ecdis for a tanker ship in ballast with 8m ek draft & 12 kts speed?
patch, suggest some methods of changing the drift direction with engines stopped ?

ny & what are consequences of a failure?

the observations & the inspector ? How much time
g inspection?
tween both the charters?
al BL for the cargo lift ?
verned by Hague visby rules or

mits)or makes you enter winter zone when ship

nce or response is received, what would be

m will you contact when?

of class" or ship has been given "Condition of Class"?
Class" at customary anchorage on arrival?
aworthy" mean in commercial terms & who decides
ors to bear in mind when conducting supervision?

d nationalities?

ees some young & some old in a ship's compliment?

o you enjoy most about your work ? How do you rate yourself on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest score ?
es you to join VGroup?

CH ENGR RANK :-

m safe distance from navigational hazard & position fixing frequency in Open sea for a 5 year old c, 30000MT chemical tanker & Why?

pair planning

hell / Mobil, especially towards Accident / Incident reporting

with a junior officer ? Why?

conventional ship?

rience use of compatibility chart for stowing cargoes?

but looking at MSDS datasheet you are sure of same can be carried on board? How do you go about it for loading that particular cargo?

rried out Nitrogen padding?

suspended ?

? How do you minimise such cargo contamination?

G & vaccum setting of -300mm WG & a secondary means of alarming?.At what settings will you set the alarms in CCR?

bottom cycle wash is in progress without insertying any sounding tape in the tank?
mo Pumpos?
tank on shore request, especially on completon of loading.

oard as per ISGOTT?

mp. at disport. You have a passage of 20 days, how will you plan cargo heating for the passage if you need a 5C rise in temprature.
ama fenders in use to make the operation safe?

re needed? (ConcentraShipper to certify TML & MC at shipment, Visually monitor during loading, if suspect, ask for recheck of MC, Get the
The intact stability criteria must be shown to be met throughout the passage, 3 criteria relating to moments caused
t mitigated ?

ge, especially when carrying heavy cargoes like iron ore & vessel having least freeboard ?
ast out (FILO)& it results in GM(fluid) less than 0.15m, how will you follow it up ?
ft at pilot boarding areas/ anchorages having fairly strong winds?
ontainers, what precautions need to be exercised by duty officers?
ence between gas tight / watertight / weather tight openings & how are they tested?
kle lashings, how is chocoblock lashings achieved against f&a + lateral shifting?
t what intervals are they tested? Wherte is the NRV of bilge pumping system fitted for each compartment?
bdivisions in cargo stowage areas?What requirements they need to meet?
ired when using Cherry pickers & heavy duty hammers to free solidified bulk cargoes ship fittings?

llision, grounding etc.? – NO

nvironmental pollution, fire, abandon ship or piracy etc.? NO
e highest score ?

c, 30000MT chemical tanker & Why?

ut it for loading that particular cargo?

et the alarms in CCR?

you need a 5C rise in temprature.

f suspect, ask for recheck of MC, Get the shipper to Trim the cargo, avoid ingress of water into cargo space)
ge, 3 criteria relating to moments caused by grain shift : 1) Angle of heel due to grain shift shall not exceed 12 deg & in ships built b4 1994,
deg & in ships built b4 1994, the angle at which deck edge submerges. 2)In the statical stability diagram, the net/residual area between he
et/residual area between heeling area curve & righting arm curveupto angle of heel of max diff between the ordinates of the two curves o
rdinates of the two curves or 40 deg or the angle of flooding whichever is least shall not be less than 0.075 metre radians in all conditions
tre radians in all conditions of loading. 3)The initial metacentric ht after FS correctionshall not be lass than 0.3M. Before loading grain, the
M. Before loading grain, the mastershall, if reqd by authority , demonstrate ability of the ship at all stages of a voyageto comply with the r
voyageto comply with the reqd stability criteria. After loading, the master shall ensure that ship is upright B4 proceeding on voyage)
proceeding on voyage)
QUESTION BANK (CHIEF OFFICER) :

THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE :-
SMS :-
SMS :-
Q1 ) What is ISM Code, how does it support vessel operation ?
Q2) Does having 'Over riding Authority' vested in Master under ISM Code, assist in resolving issues?
Q3) What role does a Designated Person Ashore (DPA) play in the Organisation ?

PMS :-
Q1) What is PMS(Planned Maintainance System) & why is it provided by Company?
Q2) Does having PMS mean you will never have a breakdown? Please share your views on the subject.
Q3) An uptodate PMS updated on proper completion of tasks, wha does it signify to you ?

MAJOR LEGISLATION LIKE SOLAS, COLREGS, MARPOL, ISPS / SECURITY CODE & STCW :-
Q1) Under Marpol Annex 1 compliance, are you permitted to directly pump overboard in the event of a ODME Failure in
Q2) Under Marpol Annex 2 compliance, are you permitted to discharge overboard from a discharge above WL ? Why?
Q3) Under Marpol Annex 5 compliance, under which circumstances food waste is permitted to be discharged overboard
Q4) Under Marpol Annex 4 compliance, if vessel is not fitted with a approved treatment plant, what does she need to h
Q5) What are generally contents of SOPEP & VRP ?
Q6) What entries are made in flag state issued Oil Record Book Part I & Part II / Cargo record book ? How do you erase
wrong entries in these records ? Is use of white ink permitted ?
Q7) What are SOLAS requirements for carriage of ECDIS onboard ? What are limitations of this equipment ?
Q8) How would you lower a stern launched enclosed lifeboat? How would you ensure all moving parts are working?
how would you deal with the situation, if you lose a lifeboat at sea in rough wx?
Q9) As per your night orders, duty officer calls you on bridge since he is in doubt about a situation. You find a target vess
2nm away on your stbd side on a clear night in open sea, approaching from 2 points abaft the beam such as develop
quarter situation? What action you will take after taking over the Con?
Q10) You are on bridge with your ship proceeding at safe speed in restricted visibility in Open sea, your Duty officer repor
target on port quarter 2nm away developing CPA 0.1nm, target on port bow 3.0nm away developing CPA 1.0nm pas
ahead. You have the Conn of the ship, what action will you take to keep your ship safe?
Q11) You are on bridge of your ship in South China sea, which has just cleared Singapore straits east bound. You are on a
course & seeing traffic on radar & by sight . Traffic is showing red side lights & white mast head light & appear on
reciprocal course on your port bow on radar. One of the port bow targets abt 5nm away starts exhibiting green light
report that vessel exhibiting green light is crossing & coming close, radar data has not significantly changed but sho
what action will you take if you have the Conn?
Q12) What are your views on ISPS Code ? How do you assess your ship security preparedness for different ports? Do secu
arrangements onboard have deterrence value or they are very cumbersome & not of much use ?
Q13) Do security drills help in preparing ship for security breaches & is security better in standard ports or developing por
Has the security enviornment improved after implementation of the Code or has world become a safer place ?
Q14) The new training requirements under STCW 2010 amendments, has it helped in improving safety performance of cr
Q15) Has the enviornment onboard improved after the introduction of MLC requirements & implementation of Leadersh
training for sea staff under STCW 2010 amendments?

NAVIGATION & UKC POLICY :-

Q1) You are Master on 15 year old Aframax tanker, explain what you will brief your new 2nd Officer on your requiremen
planning & UKC ? If he is old hand of Vgroup, will you brief him or not? Why?
Q2) In general, please enumerate what you will cover under standing orders & what under night orders for your watchk
If the Company provides a copy of standing orders for deck/engine watchkeepers, will you supplement it with a ship
requirement if so desired or consider it not necessary?
Q3) Which all areas of navigation,ME operation will be on your agenda, if you decided to have a deck/engine watchkeep
with you & CE moderating it . What wud be your goals for this meeting ?

WORK & REST POLICY :-

Q1) What has been your experience with work & rest hour policy? What in your opinion is the purpose of such policy?
Q2) How would you deal with a violation of rest hours at sea for a day , in the week that you are expected to dock
& have Vetting + PSC inspection as per next port agent's advise?
Q3) Are working hours onboard your ship different from what is recorded in the work & rest hour logs? Why ? Have
you tried to have the situation resolved thru office / Owners? If not, why not?

UMS OPERATION :-
Q1) If your ship operating in UMS mode in Open sea, what additional alarm testing / night orders / precautions you will
Q2) CE planning important maintainance work on Engine with a planned stop next day at sea. It is planned by ER staff to
rounds of ER the previous night while engine operating in UMS mode. Is this acceptable practice onboard your ship

LEADERSHIP & TEAMWORK

Q1) In your rank, how do you see youirself as a leader? Which atributes you think are very important to have for good le
Q2) How important is communication, teamworking & situational awareness skills in a leader & how does it help in plan
Q3) How is assertive behaviour in a junior / senior assessed by you? Do you believe having such behaviour in team mem
causes disruptions to orderly manner / discipline onboard?
Q4) How do you ensure that you are equally accessible / available to your team when they belong to different nationaliti
differing ethnic backgrounds?
Q5) How would you go about resolving conflicts onboard ?

COMPANY D & A POLICY

Q1) What was the D&A Policy of your last Company? How did you deal with any infringements?
Q2) Have you carried out unannounced alchol testing using calibrated portable equipment? Have you found anyone und
during such tests? How have you dealt with it?
Q3) What was your Company policy on dealing with a confiscation of banned drug consgnment found in a concealed com

QUESTIONS ON PRACTIACL SKILLS / EXPERIENCE :

Q1) You have been thru thick ice in Greenland waters in winters, Other than cold weather precautions, what additional
to navigate ships safely in these areas?
Q2) What is polar Code for ice class ships? What is the difference in navigating in thick ice off Greenland in winters & tra
in winters? How does it differ from ice navigation in Gulf of St Lawrence in winters?
Q3) During STS operation conducted by Loading master, who is responsible for the operation? Under what circumstance
cargo transfer operation or guide your cargo watchkeepers to do so ?
Q4) During STS operation , what tests & checks do you need to undertake with your crane before use , if your ship is cer
for transfer of people between ships?
Q5) Your ship has been on continuous STS operations with a particularly short sea passage & you have just entered the p
during operations the STS now expected to complete in 96 hrs instead of usual 48hrs? How will you address stress/
complement of crew ?
Q6) What does the term "Aides to Navigation" means for equipment on bridge ? What are the hazards Of over reliance
Q7) Explain Permit to Work Systems like enclosed spaces, work aloft, Pumproom entry etc.
Q8) What are VGP Requirements
Q9) What are VRP requirements around US Coast & SOPEP / SMPEP requirements aroiund other coast ?
Q10) As a Master , what LSA & FFA checks would you carryout on your inspection rounds??
Q11) Have you had a near miss / emergency situation onboard, how did you tackle it? Were you satisfied with the outcom
Q12) How will you deal with potential armed stowaways ?
Q13) How will you deal with potential pirate attack with possible ransom demands ? Break it up into 3 scenarios:
Before boarding, upon boarding & captured, upon release?
Q14) What is squat, parameters that affect squat ? In approaches to breakwater of a port (PBG behind the breakwater), V
experiences squat symptoms + strong cross currrents, Will you reduce speed , why ?
Q15) How would you go about setting a safety contour, safety depth, look ahead / alarm sector on ecdis for a tanker ship
Q16) Your ship experiences engine failure & is drifting in a SE'ly dirn towards a shallow patch, suggest some methods of c

COMMERCIAL AWARENESS :-
Q1) Why are vetting inspections important, so much value attached to it by the Company & what are consequences of a
Q2) Whenever observations are raised by the vetting inspector, how do you deal with the observations & the inspector ?
is provided to respond to observations to the Company? What is purpose of vetting inspection?
Q3) Your last ship was on T/C or V/C - spot market ? What are the main differences between both the charters?
Q4) What you need to check / cfm for accuracy & with principals b4 signing the Original BL for the cargo lift ?
Q5) What do you understand from the term "contract of carriage of goods by sea is governed by Hague visby rules or
Hamburg Rules ?
Q6) Your charterers have arranged wx routing that infringes IWL (Institute warranty limits)or makes you enter winter zo
is loaded to tropical draft ? What action you will take as Master ?
Q7) From where you will find guidelines/ instructions on tendering NOR / If no acceptance or response is received, what
your next course of action?
Q8) What is the difference between Hull & Machinery Insurance & PandI Clubs? Whom will you contact when?
Q9) What is the purpose of Class ? What do you understand from the term "Ship is out of class" or ship has been given "
What is expected from you when you receive advise " Captain, your ship is out of Class" at customary anchorage on
Q10) Under which circumstances will you issue "Sea protest" ? What does the term "Seaworthy" mean in commercial ter
if the vessel is seawothy or not ?
MANAGEMENT, SUPERVISORY, LEADERSHIP,COACHING SKILS :-
Q1) Discuss when you felt good about supervising someone & what are important factors to bear in mind when conducti
Q2) You have a young officer who is smart but not experienced, how do you deal with him?
Q3) Which communication skills are required to support good leadership?
Q4) How would you deal with team conflict when you have team composition of mixed nationalities?
Q5) How do you see your responsibility towards training in Master's role ?
Q6) Who or what do you think makes a good trainer ?
Q7) How would you motivate trainees & how will you deal with a mixed batch of trainees some young & some old in a s
Q8) How would you go about coaching "on the job". Is it necessary?

PERSONAL QUALITIES & REASON FOR SEAFARER INTEREST IN COMPANY :-

Q1) What are you good at ,how do you assess your strengths & weaknesses ? What do you enjoy most about your work
Q2) Why are you seeking to join VGroup? Is this your first contract, who or what inspires you to join VGroup?

THIS SECTION IS FOR ALL RECRUITS OF SENIOR RANK AND PROMOTION TO MASTER AND CH ENGR RANK :-

Safe Prosecution Of Voyage :

Q1) Please state 2 important factors you will take into account when planning a passage ?
Q2) If passage planned on ecdis, which safety settings you would consider as important ? Why?
Q3) What are your requirements of safe speed, max allowed cross track error, minimum safe distance from navigational
Q4) What will your standing orders / night orders entail & why?

Delegation & Management Of crew

Q1) Describe how to effectively delegate a task to an officer / team member ?
Q2) What are risks & benefits of delegating tasks?
Q3) Describe onboard disciplinary process & how is it useful?
Q4) What is the purpose of Appraisal & what are the challenges conducting it?
Q5) Tell me how was your last Company D&A Policy implemented on board & the
challenges you faced ?

Reporting as per VMS & Charterer requirements including defect & repair planning
Q1) Describe basic structure of VMS under ISM Code ? What value does SMC & DOC certs carry ?
Q2) Describe the Noon position reporting system in SS ? (OLD HANDS)
Q3) Describe Work & Rest hour module used by VGroup in SS ? (OLD HANDS)
Q4) Check understanding of special reportings required by Charterers / OM - Exxon / Shell / Mobil, especially towards A

Attending Surveyors / Inspectors

Q1) How would you prepare for & carryout a Vetting Inspection ?
Q2) Would you permit a vetting or PSC inspector carryout the ship inspection alone Or with a junior officer ? Why?
Q3) What are the powers of a PSC Inspector? Can he detain a ship ?

Maintaining Housekeeping standards & effective repair/maintainance routines

Q1) Please give an example of good housekeeping ? Is it important ? Why ?
Q2) What is purpose of Saturday rounds by Master & CE ?
Q3) Why is a good inventory important? What is purpose of minimum spare parts list reqmnts ?

Managing & maintaining Crew discipline & Overall Crew welfare

Q1) Give two examples of activities / equipment that will improve crew welfare onboard ?
Q2) How important is it for you to be popular amongst crew ?
Q3) Can you explain VMS disciplinary procedure ?

Commercial & Cargo related responsibilities

Q1) What approvals are needed b4 bunkering in a loaded voyage in a TC/VC?
Q2) What approvals are needed to bunker after completion of discharge at discharge berth?
Q3) What is max allowed working pressure for cargo lines on a tanker & bunker line on conventional ship?
CHEMICAL TANKERS :-
(i) How do you make a stowage plan maximise the cargo intake for Parcel tankers?
(ii) What is compatibility chart? Give example in your own words based on past experience use of compatibility chart f
(iii) Have you carried any cargoes which has requirement of Antidote as per MSDS sheet?
(iv) Name the pre wash cargoes you have carried & requirement for entry in CRB?
(v) Which cargoes need inhibitor? What is requirement for carriage for inhibitor based cargoes?
(vi) What is spectrometer? Have you used the spectrometer on-board vessel & how does it help?
(vii) What is passivation? When do you required to carry out passivation?
(viii) You have been asked to load the cargo with the name not appearing in your COF but looking at MSDS datasheet yo
(ix) Can you do the toluene steaming in the tank to obtain better result on HC & W/W cargoes?
(x) Is Methanol spraying permitted on Chemical tanker to achieve better results on WW?
(xi) What are the dangers associated with mixing incompatible cargoes in the slop tank?
(xii) What is the general alarm setting for VECs cargoes?
(xiii) Have you done Nitrogen padding? What is the requirement & precaution to be carried out Nitrogen padding?
(xiv) What precaution is exercised while loading high static electricity cargoes?
(xv) What are the precautions to be taken for loading solidifying cargoes?

OIL TANKERS :-
(i) On conventional oil tankers, under what conditions does the discharge need to be suspended ?
(ii) What is purpose of Inert gas on Oil Tankers? What safeties are provided in the IGS ?
(iii) Does provision of IGS onboard affect quality of clean products on product tankers? How do you minimise such cargo
(iv) What tests / precautions need to be taken b4 conducting COW at sea between two disports?
(v) You tanker is provided with one PV valve per tank having HP setting at 1350mm WG & vaccum setting of -300mm W
(vi) What is debottoming of tanks on Crude oil tankers, when is it carried out?
(vii) During COW operations, how do you ascertain that tank bottom remains dry while bottom cycle wash is in progress
(viii) What is purpose of ODME & how is it operated?
(ix) What is purpose of conducting & recording of cofferdam purging reports with Framo Pumpos?
(x) What precautions are required when conducting shore line displacement to ship's tank on shore request, especially
(xi) Why are drip sampling methods recommended for ship sampling at manifold ?
(xii) What is pipeline pressure surge on tankers? How is it avoided ?
(xiii) What are the inherent safeties in the design of a tank ship to avoid explosions onboard as per ISGOTT?
(xiv) If you are carrying Fuel Oil reqd to be heated in passage & delivered at a certain temp. at disport. You have a passag
(xv) In a STS operation, what checks are required regarding cago hoses in use & yokohama fenders in use to make the op

GENERAL CARGO SHIPS (BULKER/CONTAINER/ REEFER) :-

(i) Which Chapter in SOLAS dealswith bulk carrier safety general description ? (Chptr XII)
(ii) What is liquifaction/ which cargoes are prone to liquifaction ? What precautions are needed? (Concentra
(iii) What is the Grain loading criteria ?
(iv) Please describe hazards associated with carriage of Coal cargoes in bulk & how is it mitigated ?
(v) What is surface ventilation & how is it carried out ?
(vi) Is it safe to open hydraulic hatchcovers on a gearless bulk carrier in a loaded passage, especially when carrying heav
(vii) On container ships , if shore planner loads units only basis port rotation & First In last out (FILO)& it results in GM(flu
(viii) On ships with high freeboard, like container & Roro ships, how do you counter drift at pilot boarding areas/ anchora
(ix) When carrying special purpose containers like reefer containers, fantainers, tank containers, what precautions need
(x) How is weather tightness of hatchcovers tested on cargo ships ? What is the difference between gas tight / watertig
(xi) How are container lashings taken , explain bridge fittings, twist locks & bar/turnbukle lashings, how is chocoblock la
(xii) What kind of bilge pumping arrangements are available on general cargo ships & at what intervals are they tested?
(xiii) What kind of heeling pumps & heeling tanks are fitted on Roro ships not having subdivisions in cargo stowage areas
(xiv) How are stevedore damages in hold areas reported & rectified ? What care is required when using Cherry pickers &

Lines Of Reporting & Support between vessel & managers

Q1) Who does the Master report to regarding technical matters ?
Q2) How would you report an emergency ?
Q3) If the Shipowner requests some information from you directly
without involving Managers, how will you deal with it ?
Q4) Who is the DPA on our ships ? (OLD HANDS)

IMPORTANT CHECK :-
QI Were you or your ship involved in any navigational incident such as collision, allision, grounding etc.? –
QII Were youor your ship involved in any serious incident relating to any kind of environmental pollution, fire, aba
QIII Were you or your ship involved in any incident relating to violation of MARPOL? NO
olving issues?

s on the subject.

d in the event of a ODME Failure in ballast passage? If so , for how long ?

m a discharge above WL ? Why?
mitted to be discharged overboard?
nt plant, what does she need to have?

ecord book ? How do you erase

s of this equipment ?
all moving parts are working?

a situation. You find a target vessel is

ts abaft the beam such as develop a close

Open sea, your Duty officer reports

m away developing CPA 1.0nm passing

e straits east bound. You are on a NE'ly

te mast head light & appear on
away starts exhibiting green light & lookout / duty officer
not significantly changed but shows closer cpa,

dness for different ports? Do security

of much use ?
 standard ports or developing ports?
world become a safer place ?
mproving safety performance of crew onboard?
nts & implementation of Leadership / teamwork

w 2nd Officer on your requirements for passage

nder night orders for your watchkeepers?

will you supplement it with a ship/master specific

to have a deck/engine watchkeepers meeting

n is the purpose of such policy?

at you are expected to dock

& rest hour logs? Why ? Have

ght orders / precautions you will take as Master?

at sea. It is planned by ER staff to have TME take
table practice onboard your ship ? How will you follow this uip?

very important to have for good leadership?

leader & how does it help in planning & decision making?
ving such behaviour in team members helpful or it

they belong to different nationalities , languages & have

ment? Have you found anyone under alchol influence

sgnment found in a concealed compartment. ?

 her precautions, what additional preparation is needed

ice off Greenland in winters & transiting polar waters

eration? Under what circumstances will you cease

ane before use , if your ship is certified to use "personnel transfer basket"

age & you have just entered the present charter. Due to delays
hrs? How will you address stress/fatigue issues with normal

are the hazards Of over reliance on "aids to navigation" like ECDIS & RADAR/ARPA ?

und other coast ?

Were you satisfied with the outcome?

eak it up into 3 scenarios:

rt (PBG behind the breakwater), Vessel

m sector on ecdis for a tanker ship in ballast with 8m ek draft & 12 kts speed?
patch, suggest some methods of changing the drift direction with engines stopped ?

ny & what are consequences of a failure?

the observations & the inspector ? How much time
g inspection?
tween both the charters?
al BL for the cargo lift ?
verned by Hague visby rules or

mits)or makes you enter winter zone when ship

nce or response is received, what would be

m will you contact when?

of class" or ship has been given "Condition of Class"?
Class" at customary anchorage on arrival?
aworthy" mean in commercial terms & who decides
ors to bear in mind when conducting supervision?

d nationalities?

ees some young & some old in a ship's compliment?

o you enjoy most about your work ? How do you rate yourself on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest score ?
es you to join VGroup?

CH ENGR RANK :-

m safe distance from navigational hazard & position fixing frequency in Open sea for a 5 year old c, 30000MT chemical tanker & Why?

pair planning

hell / Mobil, especially towards Accident / Incident reporting

with a junior officer ? Why?

conventional ship?

rience use of compatibility chart for stowing cargoes?

but looking at MSDS datasheet you are sure of same can be carried on board? How do you go about it for loading that particular cargo?

rried out Nitrogen padding?

suspended ?

? How do you minimise such cargo contamination?

G & vaccum setting of -300mm WG & a secondary means of alarming?.At what settings will you set the alarms in CCR?

bottom cycle wash is in progress without insertying any sounding tape in the tank?
mo Pumpos?
tank on shore request, especially on completon of loading.

oard as per ISGOTT?

mp. at disport. You have a passage of 20 days, how will you plan cargo heating for the passage if you need a 5C rise in temprature.
ama fenders in use to make the operation safe?

re needed? (ConcentraShipper to certify TML & MC at shipment, Visually monitor during loading, if suspect, ask for recheck of MC, Get the
The intact stability criteria must be shown to be met throughout the passage, 3 criteria relating to moments caused
t mitigated ?

ge, especially when carrying heavy cargoes like iron ore & vessel having least freeboard ?
ast out (FILO)& it results in GM(fluid) less than 0.15m, how will you follow it up ?
ft at pilot boarding areas/ anchorages having fairly strong winds?
ontainers, what precautions need to be exercised by duty officers?
ence between gas tight / watertight / weather tight openings & how are they tested?
kle lashings, how is chocoblock lashings achieved against f&a + lateral shifting?
t what intervals are they tested? Wherte is the NRV of bilge pumping system fitted for each compartment?
bdivisions in cargo stowage areas?What requirements they need to meet?
ired when using Cherry pickers & heavy duty hammers to free solidified bulk cargoes ship fittings?

llision, grounding etc.? – NO

nvironmental pollution, fire, abandon ship or piracy etc.? NO
e highest score ?

c, 30000MT chemical tanker & Why?

ut it for loading that particular cargo?

et the alarms in CCR?

you need a 5C rise in temprature.

f suspect, ask for recheck of MC, Get the shipper to Trim the cargo, avoid ingress of water into cargo space)
ge, 3 criteria relating to moments caused by grain shift : 1) Angle of heel due to grain shift shall not exceed 12 deg & in ships built b4 1994,
deg & in ships built b4 1994, the angle at which deck edge submerges. 2)In the statical stability diagram, the net/residual area between he
et/residual area between heeling area curve & righting arm curveupto angle of heel of max diff between the ordinates of the two curves o
rdinates of the two curves or 40 deg or the angle of flooding whichever is least shall not be less than 0.075 metre radians in all conditions
tre radians in all conditions of loading. 3)The initial metacentric ht after FS correctionshall not be lass than 0.3M. Before loading grain, the
M. Before loading grain, the mastershall, if reqd by authority , demonstrate ability of the ship at all stages of a voyageto comply with the r
voyageto comply with the reqd stability criteria. After loading, the master shall ensure that ship is upright B4 proceeding on voyage)
proceeding on voyage)
QUESTION BANK (SECOND OFFICER ) :

THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE :-
SMS :-
Q1 ) What is ISM Code, its purpose & is it part of SOLAS? Is it then mandatory or optional ?
Q2) What is ISPS Code, its purpose & is it part of SOLAS? Is it then mandatory or optional ?
Q3) What role does a Designated Person Ashore (DPA) play as per SMS ?

PMS :-
Q1) What is PMS(Planned Maintainance System), does it cover only machinery or deck equipment as well?
Q2) Which bridge equipment is covered under PMS ,if any ?
Q3) An uptodate chart or ENC system compliments a ship based PMS, what does such updated PMS signify to you ?

MAJOR LEGISLATION LIKE SOLAS, COLREGS, MARPOL, ISPS / SECURITY CODE & STCW :-
Q1) Under Marpol Annex 1 compliance, what type of tank washings are permitted overboard discharge thru ODME ? If
Q2) Under Marpol Annex 2 compliance, are you permitted to discharge tank washings overboard below WL ? Which oth
Q3) Under Marpol Annex 5 compliance, which waste is permitted to be discharged overboard?Which other parameters
Q4) Under Marpol Annex 4 compliance, if vessel is not fitted with a approved treatment plant, what does she need to h
Q5) What is the full form of SOPEP & VRP ? When do these plans come into action ?
Q6) How do you erase wrong entries made in Oil recod Book & Log Books treated? Is use of eraser ink or white ink perm
what are its legal implications in a Court of law ?
Q7) After completing Administration approved ,IMO model course 4.xx Generic ecdis course, Companies require
seafarer to complete a ship type specific course b4 embarking? Is it required , why is it recommended by IMO?
Q8) What is the purpose of SOLAS ? Does it prescribe minimum or maximum of requirements towards safety?
Failure to meet SOLAS requirements, means what?
Q9) As per master's night orders, you need to maintain a minimum cpa of 2.0 nm with all traffic. As a wko you find a tar
5nm away on your stbd side on a clear night in open sea, developing a cpa of 1.6nm, what action will you take & wh
Q10) You are on bridge with your ship proceeding at sea speed in visibility of 3-4 nm in Open sea, as Duty officer you
observe a flock of fishing boats slowly appearing on your radar screen about 5 nm , not sighted as yet,lying across yo
On acquiring nearby ones as target they seem to develop cpa from 1.0nm to 0.2 nm . What actions, if any, will you i
Q11) You are on bridge of your ship in South China sea, which has just cleared Singapore straits east bound. You are on a
course & seeing traffic on radar & by sight . You suddenly sight a ship ahead of you 5nm away showing green light &
reciprocal course fine on your port bow on radar. Lookout reports the vessel ahead exhibiting green light is crossin
& coming very close, radar data has not significantly changed but shows closer cpa with the vessel exhibiting green
what action will you take ?
Q12) What was the UKC policy of your last Company ? If aware of the policy, ship shud achieve maximum UKC possible in
or try to acheive the minimum ukc in compliance with the SMS?
Q13) Do security drills help in preparing ship for security breaches & is security better in standard ports or small ports?
Is ship required to depend on own resources in small ports or standard ports for security?
Q14) What has changed under STCW 2010 amendments & how has it helped ?
Q15) What are salient features of MLC 2006, has it improved seafarer life onboard?

NAVIGATION & UKC POLICY :-

Q1) What was the policy on ENC updates & changes to passage plan on your last ship? Did you experience any difficulty
Q2) In general, If standing orders or night orders are not clear to you or do not a cover certain activity, how do you deal
Q3) If you suddenly come across a navigational light or a oil rig which is not appearing on your ecdis, how will you deal w
Q4) Which are grey areas in safe handover of watches & why ?
Q3) As a medical officer onboard, you take care of resuscitator equipoment supplying pure oxygen, when will you demo

ENGR KNOWLEDGE FOR DECK OFFICERS:-

Q1) In the event of a blackout during crirical navigation, emergency generator comes on load in 48secs, what shud duty
Q2) In open sea , on very large ships, is it prudent in fully loaded condition to alter courses slowly in open sea ? Why?
Q3) Why C/O or D/O needs to inform ER everytime a heavy duty motor or machinery is started on deck?

WORK & REST POLICY :-

Q1) How does work & rest policy of Companies help ship operations? Your comments.
Q2) How would you deal with a violation of rest hours at sea , when you are expected to dock
in the coming week & have PSC inspection & vessel Suptd visit as per next port agent's advise?
Q3) Why is Company developing a digitised record of Work & Rest hours in SS? How does it help?

UMS OPERATION :-
Q1) If your ship operating in UMS mode in Open sea, what additional checks /precautions will you carry out during night
Q2) What will you do, if a ER alarm is ringing & Engr on duty has not responded & not communicable?
Q3) What does it signify to you, if suddenly "ER manned" signal lights, acknowledged by you but no further followup fro

LEADERSHIP & TEAMWORK

Q1) In your rank, what do you consider as good attributes in a leader? How will you deal with a person in senior rank wh
Q2) In your role, where you are dealing with many persons of different nationalities/ ethnic orientation within your team
Q3) How important is good / understood communication skills onboard? How will you promote & build on it?
Q4) In your role, does "taking care of crew" means doing what the team suggests/requests most of the time? Is it impor
Q5) In your opinion what is the difference between a leader & a manager? How do you perceive your own role?
Q6) How do you go about training your mrg stn crew or carryout a pre-arrival berth meeting explaining the mrg plan ?
Q7) How would you train your lookout on things you expect him to do / attend during your watch n what holds top prior

COMPANY D & A POLICY

Q1) In your role, what will you do, if you suspect someone is working under the influence of drugs or alchol ?
Q2) You sight some unusual activity/behaviour onboard in your watch, which makes you suspect that there is breach
in D & A policy of the Company ? What course of action / redressal will you follow?
QUESTIONS ON PRACTIACL SKILLS / EXPERIENCE :
Q1) What preparations you will make on bridge b4 approaching cold regions / ice pack. What tests will you
carryout b4 arriving at ice edge?
Q2) What is the difference between seawater ice & fresh water ice ? How are they different? Does geographical positio
Q3) What is a Tsunami & how does it affect ships navigating in the open deep water at sea? Which coasts of continents
Q4) If voy orders received to carryout STS discharge operations underway at Hongkong OPL area, what standard prepara
Q5) Your ship has been on continuous STS operations with a particularly short sea passage, how will you address issues o
Q6) What does the term "Risk Assessment" mean to you as a Second Officer of the ship? How do you carry it out ?
Q7) What are permit to work systems ? Are they required ? What do you understand by the term "Stop the Job".
Q8) What are VGP Requirements if you calling US port first time on the ship ?
Q9) What does the MLC & DMLC certs signify to you, how does it help in improving living conditions onboard ?
Q10) As a Second Officer onboard , what operational & safety checks would you carryout to usher in "just culture"
Q11) Have you had a near miss / emergency situation onboard, how did you tackle it? Were you satisfied with the outcom
Q12) How will you deal with potential armed stowaways if you need to retain them on board till next port?
Q13) What is squat effect? what are its symptoms ? How will you deal with it in enclosed waters?
Q15) AS a OOW, how would you go about checking & setting a safety contour, safety depth, look ahead / alarm sector on

COMMERCIAL AWARENESS :-
Q1) Why are vetting inspections important, how does a failed inspection affect owners?
Q2) How would you deal with observation raised during such inspections? How will you close them ?
Q3) What are the main differences between Voyage Charter & Time Charter? With whom you will clarify doubts regardi
Q4) Why does a ship lodge protest for any discrepancy ? Does it assist?
Q5) What routine protests do you issue at tanker loadports ? Why?
Q6) What is your understanding of commercial term "Seaworthy ship".
Q6) Explain the following INCO terms , encountered in CP : MOLOO, MOLCO, NAABSA,
Q7) Your summer sw draft is 12.0 mts , to what draft will you load the ship if your voyage is mostly over Tropical areas?
Q7) What is the full form of P&I Club? Who are its members & who are the assured in it ?
Q8) What is the purpose of Class ? What do you understand from the term ship has been given "Condition of Class"?
Q9) What is the purpose of Noon reports ? How does it impact CP?
Q10) What is Demurrage & Dispatch in a V/C ?

MANAGEMENT, SUPERVISORY, LEADERSHIP,COACHING SKILS :-

Q1) As a second officer, how will you go about coaching, mentoring cadets in your watch on watchkeeping, carrying out
Q2) You have been assigned a deck cadet by C/Off for assisting with medical inventory? How will you use the opportuni
Q3) What is the difference between Accountabilty & Responsibility ? Which one can be delegated?
Q4) How would you deal with team conflict during critical mooring operations?
Q6) Who or what do you think makes a good trainer ?
Q7) How would you go about coaching "on the job". Is it necessary?
PERSONAL QUALITIES & REASON FOR SEAFARER INTEREST IN COMPANY :-
Q1) What are you good at ,how do you assess your strengths & weaknesses ? What do you enjoy most about your work
Q2) Why are you seeking to join VGroup? Is this your first contract, who or what inspires you to join VGroup?

THIS SECTION IS FOR ALL RECRUITS OF SENIOR RANK AND PROMOTION TO MASTER AND CH ENGR RANK :-

Safe Prosecution Of Voyage :

Q1) Please state 2 important factors you will take into account when planning a passage ?
Q2) For planning a passage on Ecdis , what parameters are to be verified & checked in persuit of a safe passage plan ?
Q3) Are you familiar with periodical tests to be carried out on Ecdis to verify its compliance with IMO/IHO requirements
Q4) Shud CE be involved in Passage Planning meetings? What's your take on it ?

Delegation & Management Of crew

Q1) Describe what is purpose of delegating a task to an officer / crew member ? What factors are to be taken into accou
Q2) What are risks & benefits of delegating tasks?
Q3) Briefly describe onboard disciplinary process & how is it useful?
Q4) What is the purpose of Appraisal & what are the challenges in conducting it?
Q5) How would you create a safe just culture amongst your team onboard?

Reporting as per VMS & Charterer requirements including defect & repair planning
Q1) If CP permits 3 days stoppage in a year for repairs & maintainance, how will you plan a one day stoppage under the
Q2) Describe the Noon position reporting system in SS ? (OLD HANDS)
Q3) Describe Work & Rest hour module used by VGroup in SS ? (OLD HANDS)
Q4) Check understanding of special reportings required by Charterers / OM - Exxon / Shell / Mobil, especially towards A

Attending Surveyors / Inspectors

Q1) How will you prepare bridge equipment & bridge systems ready for vetting inspection ? Which areas on bridge are c
Q2) In the event of a observation being raised, how can it be mitigated ?
Q3) What are the powers of a PSC Inspector? Can he detain a ship ?

Maintaining Housekeeping standards & effective repair/maintainance routines

Q1) How does good housekeeping & organised bridge help ?
Q2) What is purpose of Saturday rounds by Master & CE ?
Q3) Why is a good inventory important? What is purpose of minimum spare parts list reqmnts ?

Managing & maintaining Crew discipline & Overall Crew welfare

Q1) Give two examples of activities / equipment that will improve crew welfare onboard ?
Q2) How important do you rate is the provision of internet onboard towards crew welfare ? What are its disadvantages
Q3) What measures, if any are lacking onboard that can improve crew welfare & crew discipline ?

Commercial & Cargo related responsibilities

Q1) What overall supervision/checks is needed from deck officer or OOW towards bunkering operation?
Q2) What is the max capacity of all cargo pumps & how is it related to capacity of IGS plant ?
Q3) What is max allowed working pressure for cargo lines on a tanker & bunker line on conventional ship?

CHEMICAL TANKERS :-
(i) How do you make a stowage plan maximise the cargo intake for Parcel tankers?
(ii) What is compatibility chart? Give example in your own words based on past experience use of compatibility chart f
(iii) Have you carried any cargoes which has requirement of Antidote as per MSDS sheet?
(iv) Name the pre wash cargoes you have carried & requirement for entry in CRB?
(v) Which cargoes need inhibitor? What is requirement for carriage for inhibitor based cargoes?
(vi) What is spectrometer? Have you used the spectrometer on-board vessel & how does it help?
(vii) What is passivation? When do you require to carry out passivation?
(viii) You have been asked to load the cargo with the name not appearing in your COF but looking at MSDS datasheet yo
(ix) Can you do the toluene steaming in the tank to obtain better result on HC & W/W cargoes?
(x) Is Methanol spraying permitted on Chemical tanker to achieve better results on WW?
(xi) What are the dangers associated with mixing incompatible cargoes in the slop tank?
(xii) What is the general alarm setting for VECs cargoes?
(xiii) Have you done Nitrogen padding? What is the requirement & precaution to be carried out Nitrogen padding?
(xiv) What precaution is exercised while loading high static electricity cargoes?
(xv) What are the precautions to be taken for loading solidifying cargoes?

OIL TANKERS :-
(i) On conventional oil tankers, under what conditions does the discharge need to be suspended ?
(ii) What is purpose of Inert gas on Oil Tankers? What safeties are provided in the IGS ?
(iii) Does provision of IGS onboard affect quality of clean products on product tankers? How do you minimise such cargo
(iv) What tests / precautions need to be taken b4 conducting COW at sea between two disports?
(v) You tanker is provided with one PV valve per tank having HP setting at 1350mm WG & vaccum setting of -300mm W
(vi) What is debottoming of tanks on Crude oil tankers, when is it carried out?
(vii) During COW operations, how do you ascertain that tank bottom remains dry while bottom cycle wash is in progress
(viii) What is purpose of ODME & how is it operated?
(ix) What is purpose of conducting & recording of cofferdam purging reports with Framo Pumpos?
(x) What precautions are required when conducting shore line displacement to ship's tank on shore request, especially
(xi) Why are drip sampling methods recommended for ship sampling at manifold ?
(xii) What is pipeline pressure surge on tankers? How is it avoided ?
(xiii) What are the inherent safeties in the design of a tank ship to avoid explosions onboard as per ISGOTT?
(xiv) If you are carrying Fuel Oil reqd to be heated in passage & delivered at a certain temp. at disport. You have a passag
(xv) In a STS operation, what checks are required regarding cago hoses in use & yokohama fenders in use to make the op
(xvi) Why are low level & high level of ventilation duct openings provided in the Pumproom with remote operation of fla
GENERAL CARGO SHIPS (BULKER/CONTAINER/ REEFER) :-
(i) Which Chapter in SOLAS dealswith bulk carrier safety general description ? (Chptr XII)
(ii) What is liquifaction/ which cargoes are prone to liquifaction ? What precautions are needed? (Concentra
(iii) What is the Grain loading criteria ?
(iv) Please describe hazards associated with carriage of Coal cargoes in bulk & how is it mitigated ?
(v) What is surface ventilation & how is it carried out ?
(vi) Is it safe to open hydraulic hatchcovers on a gearless bulk carrier in a loaded passage, especially when carrying heav
(vii) On container ships , if shore planner loads units only basis port rotation & First In last out (FILO)& it results in GM(flu
(viii) On ships with high freeboard, like container & Roro ships, how do you counter drift at pilot boarding areas/ anchora
(ix) When carrying special purpose containers like reefer containers, fantainers, tank containers, what precautions need
(x) How is weather tightness of hatchcovers tested on cargo ships ? What is the difference between gas tight / watertig
(xi) How are container lashings taken , explain bridge fittings, twist locks & bar/turnbukle lashings, how is chocoblock la
(xii) What kind of bilge pumping arrangements are available on general cargo ships & at what intervals are they tested?
(xiii) What kind of heeling pumps & heeling tanks are fitted on Roro ships not having subdivisions in cargo stowage areas
(xiv) How are stevedore damages in hold areas reported & rectified ? What care is required when using Cherry pickers &

NAV QUESTIONS :-
Q1) Which compass is the primary compass of the ship ? Why? What is vetting requirement if Compass deviation exceed
Q2) What is purpose of // indexing, can it be carried out frequently ? Why do vetting inspectors want to see a regular us
Q3) Why is it recommended that on taking over watch, put all controls of radar to zero & reset the picture / controls to y
Q4) What checks are carried out by inspectors in the GMDSS log books ? Which test records need to be logged in it ?

Lines Of Reporting & Support between vessel & managers

Q1) Whom does the Master report on ship related technical matters? Cargo related commercial matters ?
Q2) How would you report an major incident / emergency onboard?
Q3) How would you report a near miss or minor incident onboard ?
Q4) Who is the DPA on our fully managed (sOLD HANDS)

SAFETY OFFICER ROLE + LSA/FFA/MRG CHECKS :-

Q1) Basis mrg arrangements made up of mrg ropes on drums for head lines / stern lines, mrg wires on drums for breast
how will you go about determining & setting BHC of the mooring winch brakes as per MEG?
Q2) What checks are required to be carried on fixed CO2 system meant to cover ER & Pumproom areas ?
Q3) What checks are required to be carried on fixed foam system meant to cover main deck & cargo tank areas ? How a
How will you train crew on use of portable foam applicators?
Q4) What checks are required on fixed DCP system & water mist system located in ER to ensure their smooth operation
Q5) What periodical checks & tests need to be carried out on Emergency Fire Pump ?
Q6) How will you determine if the mrg line on drum is to be reeled out from below the drum or above the drum as per M
Q7) What is the purpose of locator bolt below the brake band of the winch ? What is purpose of steel pawl under the an
Q8) How would you inspect brake linings of windlasses & mrg winches ?

IMPORTANT CHECK :-
QI Were you or your ship involved in any navigational incident such as collision, allision, grounding etc.? –
QII Were youor your ship involved in any serious incident relating to any kind of environmental pollution, fire, aba
QIII Were you or your ship involved in any incident relating to violation of MARPOL? NO
 equipment as well?

updated PMS signify to you ?

rboard discharge thru ODME ? If so , for how long ?

overboard below WL ? Which other parameters need to be met ? Why?
erboard?Which other parameters need to be met ?
nt plant, what does she need to have to trade?

se of eraser ink or white ink permitted-

ourse, Companies require

is it recommended by IMO?
ements towards safety?

all traffic. As a wko you find a target vessel

m, what action will you take & why?
Open sea, as Duty officer you
, not sighted as yet,lying across your path moving randomly .
m . What actions, if any, will you initiate ?
e straits east bound. You are on a NE'ly
5nm away showing green light & appear on
ad exhibiting green light is crossing & passing ahead
a with the vessel exhibiting green light ?

achieve maximum UKC possible in the passage

 standard ports or small ports?

Did you experience any difficulty in implementing it ?

certain activity, how do you deal with it?
on your ecdis, how will you deal with it ?

pure oxygen, when will you demonstrate its operation to the crew after joining?

n load in 48secs, what shud duty officer ensure to avert emergency?

rses slowly in open sea ? Why?
s started on deck?

ent's advise?

ons will you carry out during night watches as OOW?

communicable?
y you but no further followup from ER at night?

al with a person in senior rank who does not exhibit them?

thnic orientation within your team, how would you go about building teamwork?
promote & build on it?
ests most of the time? Is it important for crew leader to be popular in order to motivate the crew about tasks?
u perceive your own role?
eeting explaining the mrg plan ?
your watch n what holds top priority for you ?

nce of drugs or alchol ?

ou suspect that there is breach
 . What tests will you

fferent? Does geographical position & calender month has an impact on the type of ice encountered?
sea? Which coasts of continents are affected by Tsunami & why?
g OPL area, what standard preparations will you carryout onboard?
age, how will you address issues of fatigue in your team ?
p? How do you carry it out ?
y the term "Stop the Job".

ing conditions onboard ?

ut to usher in "just culture"
Were you satisfied with the outcome?
board till next port?

pth, look ahead / alarm sector on ecdis for a tanker ship in ballast with 8m ek draft & 12 kts speed?

u close them ?
om you will clarify doubts regarding Voy orders ?

ge is mostly over Tropical areas? Where will you find this information?

een given "Condition of Class"?

ch on watchkeeping, carrying out chart updates?

? How will you use the opportunity ?
e delegated?
o you enjoy most about your work ? How do you rate yourself on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest score ?
es you to join VGroup?

CH ENGR RANK :-

persuit of a safe passage plan ?

ance with IMO/IHO requirements ?

factors are to be taken into account for delegating?

pair planning
an a one day stoppage under the clause & seek permission from stakeholders ?

hell / Mobil, especially towards Accident / Incident reporting

tion ? Which areas on bridge are closely checked out?

 are ? What are its disadvantages ?

kering operation?

conventional ship?

rience use of compatibility chart for stowing cargoes?

but looking at MSDS datasheet you are sure of same can be carried on board? How do you go about it for loading that particular cargo?

rried out Nitrogen padding?

suspended ?

? How do you minimise such cargo contamination?

G & vaccum setting of -300mm WG & a secondary means of alarming?.At what settings will you set the alarms in CCR?

bottom cycle wash is in progress without insertying any sounding tape in the tank?

mo Pumpos?
tank on shore request, especially on completon of loading.

oard as per ISGOTT?

mp. at disport. You have a passage of 20 days, how will you plan cargo heating for the passage if you need a 5C rise in temprature.
ama fenders in use to make the operation safe?
oom with remote operation of flaps? Why?
re needed? (ConcentraShipper to certify TML & MC at shipment, Visually monitor during loading, if suspect, ask for recheck of MC, Get the
The intact stability criteria must be shown to be met throughout the passage, 3 criteria relating to moments caused
t mitigated ?

ge, especially when carrying heavy cargoes like iron ore & vessel having least freeboard ?
ast out (FILO)& it results in GM(fluid) less than 0.15m, how will you follow it up ?
ft at pilot boarding areas/ anchorages having fairly strong winds?
ontainers, what precautions need to be exercised by duty officers?
ence between gas tight / watertight / weather tight openings & how are they tested?
kle lashings, how is chocoblock lashings achieved against f&a + lateral shifting?
t what intervals are they tested? Wherte is the NRV of bilge pumping system fitted for each compartment?
bdivisions in cargo stowage areas?What requirements they need to meet?
ired when using Cherry pickers & heavy duty hammers to free solidified bulk cargoes ship fittings?

ment if Compass deviation exceeds 5deg

nspectors want to see a regular use of it ?
& reset the picture / controls to your liking?
cords need to be logged in it ?

mmercial matters ?

s, mrg wires on drums for breast lines & springs,

Pumproom areas ?
deck & cargo tank areas ? How are they to be set up during cargo ops?

to ensure their smooth operation in emergency?

drum or above the drum as per MEG?

urpose of steel pawl under the anchor winch just forward of spurling pipe?

llision, grounding etc.? – NO

nvironmental pollution, fire, abandon ship or piracy etc.? NO
e highest score ?
ut it for loading that particular cargo?

et the alarms in CCR?

you need a 5C rise in temprature.

f suspect, ask for recheck of MC, Get the shipper to Trim the cargo, avoid ingress of water into cargo space)
ge, 3 criteria relating to moments caused by grain shift : 1) Angle of heel due to grain shift shall not exceed 12 deg & in ships built b4 1994,
deg & in ships built b4 1994, the angle at which deck edge submerges. 2)In the statical stability diagram, the net/residual area between he
et/residual area between heeling area curve & righting arm curveupto angle of heel of max diff between the ordinates of the two curves o
rdinates of the two curves or 40 deg or the angle of flooding whichever is least shall not be less than 0.075 metre radians in all conditions
tre radians in all conditions of loading. 3)The initial metacentric ht after FS correctionshall not be lass than 0.3M. Before loading grain, the
M. Before loading grain, the mastershall, if reqd by authority , demonstrate ability of the ship at all stages of a voyageto comply with the r
voyageto comply with the reqd stability criteria. After loading, the master shall ensure that ship is upright B4 proceeding on voyage)
proceeding on voyage)
QUESTION BANK (THIRD OFFICER ) :

THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE :-
SMS :-
Q1 ) What is ISM Code, its purpose & is it part of SOLAS? Is it then mandatory or optional ?
Q2) What is ISPS Code, its purpose & is it part of SOLAS? Is it then mandatory or optional ?
Q3) What role does a Designated Person Ashore (DPA) play as per SMS ?

PMS :-
Q1) What is PMS(Planned Maintainance System), does it cover only machinery or deck equipment as well?
Q2) Which LSA/FFA equipment is covered under PMS ,if any ?
Q3) What does up to date PMS system & updated LSA/FFA records indicate to you ?

MAJOR LEGISLATION LIKE SOLAS, COLREGS, MARPOL, ISPS / SECURITY CODE & STCW :-
Q1) Under Marpol Annex 1 compliance, what type of tank washings are permitted for overboard discharge thru ODME ?
Q2) Under Marpol Annex 2 compliance, are you permitted to discharge tank washings overboard below WL ? Which oth
Q3) Under Marpol Annex 5 compliance, how is garbage segregated onboard? Which garbage can be incinerated onboar
Q4) Under Marpol Annex 4 compliance, if vessel is not fitted with a approved treatment plant, what does she need to h
Q5) What is the full form of SOPEP & VRP ? When do these plans come into action ? How is port contact list updated in
Q6) How do you erase wrong entries made in Oil recod Book & Log Books treated? Is use of eraser ink or white ink perm
what are its legal implications in a Court of law ?
Q7) After completing Administration approved ,IMO model course 1.27 Generic ecdis course, Companies require
seafarer to complete a ship type specific course b4 embarking? Is it required , why is it recommended by IMO?
Q8) What is the purpose of SOLAS ? Does it prescribe minimum or maximum of requirements towards safety?
Failure to meet SOLAS requirements, means what?
Q9) As per master's night orders, you need to maintain a minimum cpa of 2.0 nm with all traffic. As a wko you find a tar
5nm away on your stbd side on a clear night in open sea, developing a cpa of 1.6nm, what action will you take & wh
Q10) You are on bridge with your ship proceeding at sea speed in visibility of 3-4 nm in Open sea, as Duty officer you
observe a flock of fishing boats slowly appearing on your radar screen about 5 nm , not sighted as yet,lying across yo
On acquiring nearby ones as target they seem to develop cpa from 1.0nm to 0.2 nm . What actions, if any, will you i
Q11) You are on bridge of your ship in South China sea, which has just cleared Singapore straits east bound. You are on a
course & seeing traffic on radar & by sight . You suddenly sight a ship ahead of you 5nm away showing green light &
reciprocal course fine on your port bow on radar. Lookout reports the vessel ahead exhibiting green light is crossin
& coming very close, radar data has not significantly changed but shows closer cpa with the vessel exhibiting green
what action will you take ?
Q12) What was the UKC policy of your last Company ? If aware of the policy, ship shud achieve maximum UKC possible in
or try to acheive the minimum ukc in compliance with the SMS?
Q13) Do security drills help in preparing ship for security breaches & is security better in standard ports or small ports?
Is ship required to depend on own resources in small ports or standard ports for security?
Q14) What has changed under STCW 2010 amendments & how has it helped ?
Q15) What are salient features of MLC 2006, has it improved seafarer life onboard?

NAVIGATION & UKC POLICY :-

Q1) What was the policy on ENC updates & changes to passage plan on your last ship? Did you experience any difficulty
Q2) In general, If standing orders or night orders are not clear to you or do not a cover certain activity, how do you deal
Q3) If you suddenly come across a navigational light or a oil rig which is not appearing on your ecdis, how will you deal w
Q4) Which are grey areas in safe handover of watches & why ?
Q5) As a WKO, If you keep getting a echo on radar, where none is expected, how will you deal with the situation?

ENGR KNOWLEDGE FOR DECK OFFICERS:-

Q1) In the case of fully loaded VLCC in S'Pore anchorage, is it recommended to give strong helm & engine orders while t
Q2) In open sea , on very large ships, is it prudent in fully loaded condition to alter courses slowly in open sea ? Why?
Q3) Why C/O or D/O needs to inform ER everytime a heavy duty motor or machinery is started on deck?
Q4) In a Master/Pilot exchange what essential ship handling features need to discussed / signed off?

WORK & REST POLICY :-

Q1) How does work & rest policy of Companies help ship operations? Your comments.
Q2) How would you deal with a violation of rest hours at sea , when you are expected to dock
in the coming week & have PSC inspection & vessel Suptd visit as per next port agent's advise?
Q3) Why is Company developing a digitised record of Work & Rest hours in SS? How does it help?

UMS OPERATION :-
Q1) If your ship operating in UMS mode in Open sea, what additional checks /precautions will you carry out during night
Q2) What will you do, if a ER alarm is ringing & Engr on duty has not responded & not communicable?
Q3) What does it signify to you, if suddenly "ER manned" signal lights, acknowledged by you but no further followup fro

LEADERSHIP & TEAMWORK

Q1) In your rank, what do you consider as good attributes in a leader? How will you deal with a person in senior rank wh
Q2) In your role, where you are dealing with many persons of different nationalities/ ethnic orientation within your team
Q3) How important is good / understood communication skills onboard? How will you promote & build on it?
Q4) In your role, does "taking care of crew" means doing what the team suggests/requests most of the time? Is it impor
Q5) In your opinion what is the difference between a leader & a manager? How do you perceive your own role?
Q6) How do you go about training your mrg stn crew or carryout a pre-arrival berth meeting explaining the mrg plan ?
Q7) How would you train your lookout on things you expect him to do / attend during your watch n what holds top prior

COMPANY D & A POLICY

Q1) In your role, what will you do, if you suspect someone is working under the influence of drugs or alchol ?
Q2) You sight some unusual activity/behaviour onboard in your watch, which makes you suspect that there is breach
in D & A policy of the Company ? What course of action / redressal will you follow?
QUESTIONS ON PRACTIACL SKILLS / EXPERIENCE :
Q1) What preparations you will make for maintaining your LSA/FFA gear b4 approaching cold regions / ice pack. What ch
carryout b4 arriving at ice edge?
Q2) What is the difference between seawater ice & fresh water ice ? How are they different? Does geographical positio
Q3) What is a Tsunami & how does it affect ships navigating in the open deep water at sea? Which coasts of continents
Q4) If voy orders received to carryout STS discharge operations underway at Hongkong OPL area, what LSA/FFA gear pre
Q5) Your ship has been on continuous STS operations with a particularly short sea passage, how will you address issues o
Q6) What does the term "Risk Assessment" mean to you as a Third Officer of the ship? How do you carry it out ?
Q7) What are permit to work systems ? Are they required ? What do you understand by the term "Stop the Job". At wha
Q8) What are VGP Requirements if you calling US port first time on the ship ?
Q9) What does the MLC & DMLC certs signify to you, how does it help in improving living conditions onboard ?
Q10) As a Third Officer onboard , what operational & safety checks would you carryout to usher in "just culture"
Q11) Have you had a near miss / emergency situation onboard, how did you tackle it? Were you satisfied with the outcom
Q12) How will you deal with potential armed stowaways if you need to retain them on board till next port?
Q13) What is squat effect? what are its symptoms ? How will you deal with it in enclosed waters?
Q15) AS a OOW, how would you go about checking & setting a safety contour, safety depth, look ahead / alarm sector on

COMMERCIAL AWARENESS :-
Q1) Why are vetting inspections important, how does a failed inspection affect owners?
Q2) How would you deal with observation raised during such inspections? How will you close them ?
Q3) What are the main differences between Voyage Charter & Time Charter? With whom you will clarify doubts regardi
Q4) Why does a ship lodge protest for any discrepancy ? Does it assist?
Q5) What routine protests do you issue at tanker loadports ? Why?
Q6) What is your understanding of commercial term "Seaworthy ship".
Q6) Explain the following INCO terms , encountered in CP : MOLOO, MOLCO, NAABSA,
Q7) Your summer sw draft is 12.0 mts , to what draft will you load the ship if your voyage is mostly over Tropical areas?
Q7) What is the full form of P&I Club? Who are its members & who are the assured in it ?
Q8) What is the purpose of Class ? What do you understand from the term ship has been given "Condition of Class"?
Q9) What is the purpose of Noon reports ? How does it impact CP?
Q10) What is Demurrage & Dispatch in a V/C ?
Q11) How is offhire generally calculated on a T/C ship ?

MANAGEMENT, SUPERVISORY, LEADERSHIP,COACHING SKILS :-

Q1) As a third officer, how will you go about coaching, mentoring cadets in your watch on watchkeeping, carrying out m
Q2) You have been assigned a deck cadet by C/Off for assisting with LSA/FFA gear maintainance? How will you use the o
Q3) What is the difference between Accountabilty & Responsibility ? Which one can be delegated?
Q4) How would you deal with team conflict during critical mooring operations?
Q6) Who or what do you think makes a good trainer ?
Q7) How would you go about coaching "on the job". Is it necessary?
PERSONAL QUALITIES & REASON FOR SEAFARER INTEREST IN COMPANY :-
Q1) What are you good at ,how do you assess your strengths & weaknesses ? What do you enjoy most about your work
Q2) Why are you seeking to join VGroup? Is this your first contract, who or what inspires you to join VGroup?

THIS SECTION IS FOR ALL RECRUITS OF SENIOR RANK AND PROMOTION TO MASTER AND CH ENGR RANK :-

Safe Prosecution Of Voyage :

Q1) Please state 2 important factors you will take into account when planning a passage ?
Q2) For planning a passage on Ecdis , what parameters are to be verified & checked in persuit of a safe passage plan ?
Q3) Are you familiar with periodical tests to be carried out on Ecdis to verify its compliance with IMO/IHO requirements
Q4) Shud CE be involved in Passage Planning meetings? What's your take on it ?

Delegation & Management Of crew

Q1) Describe what is purpose of delegating a task to an officer / crew member ? What factors are to be taken into accou
Q2) What are risks & benefits of delegating tasks?
Q3) Briefly describe onboard disciplinary process & how is it useful?
Q4) What is the purpose of Appraisal & what are the challenges in conducting it?
Q5) How would you create a safe just culture amongst your team onboard?

Reporting as per VMS & Charterer requirements including defect & repair planning
Q1) If CP permits 3 days stoppage in a year for repairs & maintainance, how will you plan a one day stoppage under the
Q2) Describe the Noon position reporting system in SS ? (OLD HANDS)
Q3) Describe Work & Rest hour module used by VGroup in SS ? (OLD HANDS)
Q4) Check understanding of special reportings required by Charterers / OM - Exxon / Shell / Mobil, especially towards A

Attending Surveyors / Inspectors

Q1) How will you prepare bridge equipment & bridge systems ready for vetting inspection ? Which areas on bridge are c
Q2) In the event of a observation being raised, how can it be mitigated ?
Q3) What are the powers of a PSC Inspector? Can he detain a ship ?

Maintaining Housekeeping standards & effective repair/maintainance routines

Q1) How does good housekeeping & organised bridge help ?
Q2) What is purpose of Saturday rounds by Master & CE ?
Q3) Why is a good inventory important? What is purpose of minimum spare parts list reqmnts ?

Managing & maintaining Crew discipline & Overall Crew welfare

Q1) Give two examples of activities / equipment that will improve crew welfare onboard ?
Q2) How important do you rate is the provision of internet onboard towards crew welfare ? What are its disadvantages
Q3) What measures, if any are lacking onboard that can improve crew welfare & crew discipline ?

Commercial & Cargo related responsibilities

Q1) What overall supervision/checks is needed from deck officer or OOW towards bunkering operation?
Q2) What is the max capacity of all cargo pumps & how is it related to capacity of IGS plant ?
Q3) What is max allowed working pressure for cargo lines on a tanker & bunker line on conventional ship?

CHEMICAL TANKERS :-
(i) How do you make a stowage plan maximise the cargo intake for Parcel tankers?
(ii) What is compatibility chart? Give example in your own words based on past experience use of compatibility chart f
(iii) Have you carried any cargoes which has requirement of Antidote as per MSDS sheet?
(iv) Name the pre wash cargoes you have carried & requirement for entry in CRB?
(v) Which cargoes need inhibitor? What is requirement for carriage for inhibitor based cargoes?
(vi) What is spectrometer? Have you used the spectrometer on-board vessel & how does it help?
(vii) What is passivation? When do you require to carry out passivation?
(viii) You have been asked to load the cargo with the name not appearing in your COF but looking at MSDS datasheet yo
(ix) Can you do the toluene steaming in the tank to obtain better result on HC & W/W cargoes?
(x) Is Methanol spraying permitted on Chemical tanker to achieve better results on WW?
(xi) What are the dangers associated with mixing incompatible cargoes in the slop tank?
(xii) What is the general alarm setting for VECs cargoes?
(xiii) Have you done Nitrogen padding? What is the requirement & precaution to be carried out Nitrogen padding?
(xiv) What precaution is exercised while loading high static electricity cargoes?
(xv) What are the precautions to be taken for loading solidifying cargoes?

OIL TANKERS :-
(i) On conventional oil tankers, under what conditions does the discharge need to be suspended ?
(ii) What is purpose of Inert gas on Oil Tankers? What safeties are provided in the IGS ?
(iii) Does provision of IGS onboard affect quality of clean products on product tankers? How do you minimise such cargo
(iv) What tests / precautions need to be taken b4 conducting COW at sea between two disports?
(v) You tanker is provided with one PV valve per tank having HP setting at 1350mm WG & vaccum setting of -300mm W
(vi) What is debottoming of tanks on Crude oil tankers, when is it carried out?
(vii) During COW operations, how do you ascertain that tank bottom remains dry while bottom cycle wash is in progress
(viii) What is purpose of ODME & how is it operated?
(ix) What is purpose of conducting & recording of cofferdam purging reports with Framo Pumpos?
(x) What precautions are required when conducting shore line displacement to ship's tank on shore request, especially
(xi) Why are drip sampling methods recommended for ship sampling at manifold ?
(xii) What is pipeline pressure surge on tankers? How is it avoided ?
(xiii) What are the inherent safeties in the design of a tank ship to avoid explosions onboard as per ISGOTT?
(xiv) If you are carrying Fuel Oil reqd to be heated in passage & delivered at a certain temp. at disport. You have a passag
(xv) In a STS operation, what checks are required regarding cago hoses in use & yokohama fenders in use to make the op
(xvi) Why are low level & high level of ventilation duct openings provided in the Pumproom with remote operation of fla
GENERAL CARGO SHIPS (BULKER/CONTAINER/ REEFER) :-
(i) Which Chapter in SOLAS dealswith bulk carrier safety general description ? (Chptr XII)
(ii) What is liquifaction/ which cargoes are prone to liquifaction ? What precautions are needed? (Concentrates)
(iii) What is the Grain loading criteria ?
(iv) Please describe hazards associated with carriage of Coal cargoes in bulk & how is it mitigated ?
(v) What is surface ventilation & how is it carried out ?
(vi) Is it safe to open hydraulic hatchcovers on a gearless bulk carrier in a loaded passage, especially when carrying heav
(vii) On container ships , if shore planner loads units only basis port rotation & First In last out (FILO)& it results in GM(flu
(viii) On ships with high freeboard, like container & Roro ships, how do you counter drift at pilot boarding areas/ anchora
(ix) When carrying special purpose containers like reefer containers, fantainers, tank containers, what precautions need
(x) How is weather tightness of hatchcovers tested on cargo ships ? What is the difference between gas tight / watertig
(xi) How are container lashings taken , explain bridge fittings, twist locks & bar/turnbukle lashings, how is chocoblock la
(xii) What kind of bilge pumping arrangements are available on general cargo ships & at what intervals are they tested?
(xiii) What kind of heeling pumps & heeling tanks are fitted on Roro ships not having subdivisions in cargo stowage areas
(xiv) How are stevedore damages in hold areas reported & rectified ? What care is required when using Cherry pickers &

NAV QUESTIONS :-
Q1) Which compass is the primary compass of the ship ? Why? What is vetting requirement if Compass deviation exceed
Q2) What is purpose of // indexing, can it be carried out frequently ? Why do vetting inspectors want to see a regular us
Q3) Why is it recommended that on taking over watch, put all controls of radar to zero & reset the picture / controls to y
Q4) What checks are carried out by inspectors in the GMDSS log books ? Which test records need to be logged in it ?

SMALL SAFETY GEAR MAINTAINANCE :-

Q1) You have enclosed lifeboats fitted onboard provided with recovery strops, hanging off pendants & FPD (Fall Preven
Q2) How would you test Stern launch Free fall L/B at 3 monthly intervals? How wud you test them in water?
Q3) What tests are carried out for SART's & EPIRB onboard?
Q4) What checks are carried out for SCBA sets , EEBD's, Immersion suits onboard?

Lines Of Reporting & Support between vessel & managers

Q1) Whom does the Master report on ship related technical matters? Cargo related commercial matters ?
Q2) How would you report an major incident / emergency onboard?
Q3) How would you report a near miss or minor incident onboard ?
Q4) Who is the DPA on our fully managed (sOLD HANDS)

SAFETY OFFICER ROLE + LSA/FFA/MRG CHECKS :-

Q1) Basis mrg arrangements made up of mrg ropes on drums for head lines / stern lines, mrg wires on drums for breast
how will you go about determining & setting BHC of the mooring winch brakes as per MEG?
Q2) What checks are required to be carried on fixed CO2 system meant to cover ER & Pumproom areas ?
Q3) What checks are required to be carried on fixed foam system meant to cover main deck & cargo tank areas ? How a
How will you train crew on use of portable foam applicators?
Q4) What checks are required on fixed DCP system & water mist system located in ER to ensure their smooth operation
Q5) What periodical checks & tests need to be carried out on Emergency Fire Pump ?
Q6) How will you determine if the mrg line on drum is to be reeled out from below the drum or above the drum as per M
Q7) What is the purpose of locator bolt below the brake band of the winch ? What is purpose of steel pawl under the an
Q8) How would you inspect brake linings of windlasses & mrg winches ?

IMPORTANT CHECK :-
QI Were you or your ship involved in any navigational incident such as collision, allision, grounding etc.? –
QII Were youor your ship involved in any serious incident relating to any kind of environmental pollution, fire, aba
QIII Were you or your ship involved in any incident relating to violation of MARPOL? NO
 equipment as well?

overboard discharge thru ODME ? If so , for how long ?

overboard below WL ? Which other parameters need to be met ? Why?
arbage can be incinerated onboard , if vsl fitted with one?
nt plant, what does she need to have to trade?
ow is port contact list updated in these plans?
se of eraser ink or white ink permitted-

ourse, Companies require

is it recommended by IMO?
ements towards safety?

all traffic. As a wko you find a target vessel

m, what action will you take & why?
Open sea, as Duty officer you
, not sighted as yet,lying across your path moving randomly .
m . What actions, if any, will you initiate ?
e straits east bound. You are on a NE'ly
5nm away showing green light & appear on
ad exhibiting green light is crossing & passing ahead
a with the vessel exhibiting green light ?

achieve maximum UKC possible in the passage

standard ports or small ports?

 Did you experience any difficulty in implementing it ?
certain activity, how do you deal with it?
on your ecdis, how will you deal with it ?

you deal with the situation?

ong helm & engine orders while the momentum still to develop for departing from anchorage ?
rses slowly in open sea ? Why?
s started on deck?
d / signed off?

ent's advise?

ons will you carry out during night watches as OOW?

communicable?
y you but no further followup from ER at night?

al with a person in senior rank who does not exhibit them?

thnic orientation within your team, how would you go about building teamwork?
promote & build on it?
ests most of the time? Is it important for crew leader to be popular in order to motivate the crew about tasks?
u perceive your own role?
eeting explaining the mrg plan ?
your watch n what holds top priority for you ?

nce of drugs or alchol ?

ou suspect that there is breach
ng cold regions / ice pack. What checks will you

fferent? Does geographical position & calender month has an impact on the type of ice encountered?
sea? Which coasts of continents are affected by Tsunami & why?
g OPL area, what LSA/FFA gear preparations will you carryout onboard?
age, how will you address issues of fatigue in your team ?
? How do you carry it out ?
y the term "Stop the Job". At what intervals do you calibrate/test portable Gas detectors ?

ing conditions onboard ?

to usher in "just culture"
Were you satisfied with the outcome?
board till next port?

pth, look ahead / alarm sector on ecdis for a tanker ship in ballast with 8m ek draft & 12 kts speed?

u close them ?
om you will clarify doubts regarding Voy orders ?

ge is mostly over Tropical areas? Where will you find this information?

een given "Condition of Class"?

on watchkeeping, carrying out maintainance on small LSA/FFA equipment ?

ntainance? How will you use the opportunity to train him ?
e delegated?
o you enjoy most about your work ? How do you rate yourself on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest score ?
es you to join VGroup?

CH ENGR RANK :-

persuit of a safe passage plan ?

ance with IMO/IHO requirements ?

factors are to be taken into account for delegating?

pair planning
an a one day stoppage under the clause & seek permission from stakeholders ?

hell / Mobil, especially towards Accident / Incident reporting

tion ? Which areas on bridge are closely checked out?

 are ? What are its disadvantages ?

kering operation?

conventional ship?

rience use of compatibility chart for stowing cargoes?

but looking at MSDS datasheet you are sure of same can be carried on board? How do you go about it for loading that particular cargo?

rried out Nitrogen padding?

suspended ?

? How do you minimise such cargo contamination?

G & vaccum setting of -300mm WG & a secondary means of alarming?.At what settings will you set the alarms in CCR?

bottom cycle wash is in progress without insertying any sounding tape in the tank?

mo Pumpos?
tank on shore request, especially on completon of loading.

oard as per ISGOTT?

mp. at disport. You have a passage of 20 days, how will you plan cargo heating for the passage if you need a 5C rise in temprature.
ama fenders in use to make the operation safe?
oom with remote operation of flaps? Why?
re needed? (Concentrates)

t mitigated ?

ge, especially when carrying heavy cargoes like iron ore & vessel having least freeboard ?
ast out (FILO)& it results in GM(fluid) less than 0.15m, how will you follow it up ?
ft at pilot boarding areas/ anchorages having fairly strong winds?
ontainers, what precautions need to be exercised by duty officers?
ence between gas tight / watertight / weather tight openings & how are they tested?
kle lashings, how is chocoblock lashings achieved against f&a + lateral shifting?
t what intervals are they tested? Wherte is the NRV of bilge pumping system fitted for each compartment?
bdivisions in cargo stowage areas?What requirements they need to meet?
ired when using Cherry pickers & heavy duty hammers to free solidified bulk cargoes ship fittings?

ment if Compass deviation exceeds 5deg

nspectors want to see a regular use of it ?
& reset the picture / controls to your liking?
cords need to be logged in it ?

g off pendants & FPD (Fall Prevention Device) ? How are they used?
u test them in water?

mmercial matters ?

s, mrg wires on drums for breast lines & springs,

Pumproom areas ?
deck & cargo tank areas ? How are they to be set up during cargo ops?

to ensure their smooth operation in emergency?

 drum or above the drum as per MEG?
urpose of steel pawl under the anchor winch just forward of spurling pipe?

llision, grounding etc.? – NO

nvironmental pollution, fire, abandon ship or piracy etc.? NO
e highest score ?
ut it for loading that particular cargo?

et the alarms in CCR?

you need a 5C rise in temprature.