CAPT. K. K.

Sharma

SET- I
1. Diff b/w analysis and synoptic weather charts, or are they same?

Ans. They are same.

2. In TSS, pilot position on the other side. Strong current. How to approach?

Ans. Head at right angle to general direction flow for that lane, while allowing for
current.

3. Situation as above. But instead of current. Shoals on both sides of pilot station,
approach?

Ans. Head at right angle to general direction flow for that lane in line with the pilot
boarding ground.

SET-II

1. Anchoring situation head on situation (he asked about rule 17) air cushion v/l card
and why is there a yellow light?

Ans. Yellow light indicates the vessel is severely affected by the wind.

2. One buoy. What lights will a pushing vessel display, lights pushing as a compact
unit, lights of PDV more than 50 m in length?

Ans. Pushing vessels: 2 Masthead lights, second masthead light (as per length), sidelights
and stern light.

Vessel pushing ahead as compact unit: Masthead light, second masthead light (as per
length), sidelights and stern light.

PDV more than 50 m in length: Masthead light, second masthead light, sidelights and
stern light.

3. Sailing vessel situations all possible situations for SV with models.

4. TSS crossing with pilot stn on the other corner a few more. (no ROR cards or RV)

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

5. Conformal projection.

Ans. Conformal projection a projection that preserves the correct shapes of small areas.
In a conformal projection, graticule lines intersect at 90-degree angles, and at any point
on the map the scale is the same in all directions.

6. HSA (horizontal sextant angle)?

Ans. Horizontal Sextant Angle is the horizontal angle at the observer contained between
the two terrestrial objects and is used to obtain position circle.

7. VSA?

Ans. Vertical sextant angle is the vertical angle at the observer contained between
bottom and top of the terrestrial object and is used to measure distance off the object.

8. Buoyage card, trawler card, grounding card.

9. RV situations (he gave me a situation that u listen fog signal 2 miles astern
sometimes u can listen sometimes it is coming on radar ,sometimes in blind sector,
i told that I’ll alter course to port and keep clear he told me “why are you doing
this” so I explained that if that vessel is seeing me on radar she will not alter course
to port as I am fwd of her beam he was not satisfied, he told me quote rule 6 ,i did
it and finally after 10 minutes of discussion i finally said if u insist i will increase
speed so that was the answer.

10. He gave me a ship just 100 m ahead of me and action when i come for watch in the
morning i said i will prepare for imminent collision coz at least 1 cable is required
before ship will respond to helm .he was not satisfied but he knew i was right so he
made the distance to 300 metres so i said alter to port, he was satisfied. So it’s
better to stick on our answers.

11. Flood tide and ebb tide.

Ans. Flood Tide: The incoming or rising tide in a port occurring between the time tides is
lowest and the time tide is highest.

Ebb Tide: The outgoing or falling tide in a port occurring between the time tides is
highest and lowest.

12. Mean high water spring and neap

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

Ans. Mean High Water Spring: It is the average height, throughout the year, of two
successive high water during 24 hrs when the range of tide is highest.

Mean High Water Neap: It is the average height, throughout the year, of two successive
high water during 24 hrs when the range of tide is least.

13. Overtaking in narrow channel in RV ( i told I’ll take help of VTS he was happy)

SET-III

1. Went straight to theory about Equinoxes and Solstice.

Ans. Equinoxes: Vernal equinox or first point of Aries is the point where ecliptic and
equinoctial meet when the sun in moving from south to north along the ecliptic.

Autumnal equinox or first point of Libra is the point where ecliptic and
equinoctial meet when the sun in moving from north to south along the ecliptic.

Solstice: Summer solstice is a point on the ecliptic when the sun’s declination is
23.5° N (maximum north).

Winter solstice is a point on the ecliptic when the sun’s declination is

23.5° S (maximum south).

2. Conventional buyoage system

3. TSS cross and join pilot situation

4. Month when earth and sun are closest?

Ans. Earth and sun are closest in the month of January.

5. What is emergency wreck marking buoy?

Ans. The emergency wreck-marking buoy is designed to provide high visual and radio aid
to navigation recognition. It should be placed as close to the wreck as possible, or in a
pattern around the wreck, and within any other marks that may be subsequently
deployed. The emergency wreck marking buoy should be maintained in position until:

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

• The wreck is well known and has been promulgated in nautical publications;

• The wreck has been fully surveyed and exact details such as position and least depth
above the wreck are known;

• A permanent form of marking of the wreck has been carried out.

4.1 Characteristics the buoy has the following characteristics:

• A pillar or spar buoy, with size dependant on location.

• Coloured in equal number and dimensions of blue and yellow vertical stripes
(minimum of 4 stripes and maximum of 8 stripes).

• Fitted with an alternating blue* and yellow flashing light with a nominal range of 4
nautical miles (authorities may wish to alter the range depending on local conditions)
where the blue and yellow 1 second flashes are alternated with an interval of 0.5
seconds. Bu1.0s + 0.5s + Y1.0s + 0.5s = 3.0s

• If multiple buoys are deployed then the lights should be synchronised.

• Consideration should be given to the use of a racon Morse code “D” and/or AIS
transponder.

• The top mark, if fitted, is to be a standing/upright yellow cross.

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

6. Submarine buoy and action?

Ans. A submarine buoy is used by the submarine when it is in grave danger. It has a
message written on it “SOS” and “Finder inform navy, coastguard or nearest police
station”. The Dia of the buoy is 72 cms and depth is 90 cms, with a minimum freeboard
of 15 cms. It has a white light which is flashing every 2 s for 48 hours.

7. Target vessel on the fine port bow and crossing. Dist 10 miles. CPA 0.0 and TCPA 10
min. Action. I answered since the distance is too much a/co any where no it was
wrong a/co to stbd and don’t forget to answer 1 short blast even if u r 10 miles
away.

8. Formation of seasons.

Ans. It takes place due to change of declination of sun.

Summer Solstice (21st June) to Autumnal Equinox (22nd Sep): Northern Summer and
Southern Winter.

Autumnal Equinox (22nd Sep) to Winter Solstice (21st Dec): Northern Autumn and
Southern Spring.

Winter Solstice (21st Dec) to Vernal Equinox (20th Mar): Northern Winter and Southern
Summer.

Vernal Equinox (20th Mar) to Summer Solstice (21st June): Northern Spring and Southern
Autumn.

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

9. Rate of ingress of water through a hole underwater if the area of hole is a and
depth below water is d - 3 x a x √d
10. Gyro compass
11. Sights and 'c' correction?

Ans. Morning Sight-

1. First we need to choose suitable stars which can be found using the Star finder.

2. For morning twilight find out LMT Nautical Twilight apply LIT to get GMT
and ZT to get SMT.

3. Now apply run to last known position to get DR Lat and Long from current
SMT to the SMT obtained.

4. Now from almanac get GHA Aries and apply longitude to get LHA Aries.
From DR Lat and LHA Aries go to star finder and using the correct template closest to DR Lat
choose 3-4 stars.

5. Criteria for choosing the stars should be as follows

i) Angular separation should be as close as possible to 90°.

ii) Chosen stars magnitude should be low i.e. they should be bright.

i) Altitude should be between 20°-70°.

1. Now for morning sight start with the stars on eastern horizon as they will disappear
from horizon first, take the altitude and azimuth note down the time for all the stars,
2. Use 3 stars for plotting purpose. Apply run to the obtained PL using Intercept to
nearest hour. Point of intersection of the PL’s would be your position.

Morning Long By Chron-

1. From Morning sight fix obtain DR for 0830 Hrs.

2. At 0830 Hrs get the sextant altitude and calculate Obs Long and get the PL.

3. Long by Chron is preferred in morning because,

4. 1. It is easier to get longitude at noon with C correction no need of plotting.
5. 2. Accuracy of fix increased with PL observed with Long by Chron the
angle of cut is as close to 90°.
6. 3. In morning the altitude is changing quite fast as compared to Azimuth
and in the formula of intercept this fast change of altitude can cause error in
calculation of TZD and hence error in intercept whereas in the long by Chron the
T.Alt is in numerator so a small error does not affect the accuracy of fix a lot.

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

Noon Sight- 1. Get the LMT Merpass from daily pages of Almanac; calculate DR Position
from LMT obtained. Apply LIT to it get the GMT and then apply ZT and get SMT, now
apply run and get DR Position for the SMT now take this DR Long and apply LIT from this
long to LMT get GMT apply ZT and get SMT. Repeat this process twice so as to get more
accurate LMT Merpass, this process is called Iteration.

2. Calculate DR for merpass from morning Obs long and DR lat.

3. 10 minutes before set the sextant with sun on the horizon, keep bringing the sun
down as it goes up.

1. The moment when sun stops going up and starts going down note the time and the
highest altitude obtained will be the merpass altitude.

2. Using this altitude calculate MZD and observed lat and apply ‘C’ correction and
obtain longitude for noon observation.

Evening sight- 1. First we need to choose suitable stars which can be found using the
Star finder.

2. For evening twilight find out LMT Civil Twilight apply LIT to get GMT and ZT
to get SMT.

3. Now apply run to last known position to get DR Lat and Long from current
SMT to the SMT obtained.

4. Now from almanac get GHA Aries and apply longitude to get LHA Aries.
From DR Lat and LHA Aries go to star finder and using the correct template closest to DR Lat
choose 3-4 stars.

5. Criteria for choosing the stars should be as follows

i) Angular separation should be as close as possible to 90°.

ii) Chosen stars magnitude should be low i.e. they should be bright.

ii) Altitude should be between 20°-70°.

7. Now for evening sight we will have to set the sextant at obtained altitude and
azimuth from star finder for stars on eastern horizon as the eastern horizon will
disappear first.

8. Use 3 stars for plotting purpose. Apply run to the obtained PL using Intercept to
nearest hour. Point of intersection of the PL’s would be your position.

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

C is nothing but obtained from C obtained while calculation of azimuth using ABC.
Longitude correction= D’lat (DR Lat ~ Observed Lat) x C. Use of the C correction is that
we can get the observed long at noon position without the need of plotting, as generally
at sea we use small scale charts it would be difficult to plot the position also it saves
time.

Long corr’n

Obs’ Lat

C D’lat

DR Lat

DR Long

12. Formulae for squat?

Ans. Squat Full Formula= Cb x V2.08 x S0.81/20

Open Waters= Cb x V2 / 100

Confined Waters= Cb x V2 / 50

13. A situation where ship has to anchor in congested anchorage, then close quarter
situation with another vessel, then as you are dropping anchor port control tells to
heave up and come for anchorage- never come from inside but take a route from
south of anchored vessels, when close quarters situation develops with another
vessel, give hard starboard and full ahead on engines do not give astern, finally drop
the anchor on the side which u want to turn.

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

14. TSS crossing situation, with 4 knot current - cross the TSS at 90 degrees and allow
for current.
15. Ex meridian limit thumb rule when lat and declination given.

Ans. Declination and latitude, same name subtract and different name add this will give
us approximate meridian limit.

16. Routeing charts & wind rose.

Ans. Routing Charts- Wind Rose, Currents, Dew Point Temperature, load line zones,
Seawater temperature, Isobars, Ice limits, Fog information, Routes and distances
between major Ports around the worlds.

It indicates wind prevailing in the area observed over a period of time. It contains three
values inside,

I) total no of observations

II) Total no of variable winds in the observation

III) Total no of calms i.e. during which no wind was present.

17. Draw Baltic moor and Mediterranean moor and when you use them.

Ans. Baltic Moor, It is used in Baltic Sea ports where strong onshore winds are present.

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

There is a preparatory process to be undertaken before venturing for the Baltic moor.

– At first a 30 mm wire is passed from the poop deck on the offshore side from the outside
of the hull and clear of any protrusions like the gangway, the pilot ladder etc.

– The anchor is cockbilled, i.e., released a little from the hawse pipe before finally letting it
go, and a man is lowered with a bosun’s chair (a seat suspended from the ship to perform
any work outside the ship’s hull) to tie up the wire to the anchor with a shackle at about the
ganger’s length.

– The other end of the wire is taken ‘on turn’ upon a mooring winch through a bight.

– When the ship is abreast of the berth and falling on it rapidly, the anchor is dropped
keeping trickle headway so that the anchor holds.

– When the anchor is snubbed, the wire from the stern that goes in with the anchor gets
taught and effectively holds the fall of the stern.

– The anchor chain is then slowly payed off and simultaneously the wire from the stern,
while the on-shore wind pushes the vessel horizontally to the berth.

– As soon as the vessel is close -springs, head and stern lines are passed ashore with the
heaving lines and the scope of the anchor adjusted accordingly so as to bring the ship slowly
alongside the berth.

– Normally the anchor is dropped 70-100 feet off the berth depending on the wind force
and the tonnage of the vessel.

Mediterranean Moor, it is used in North African ports in Mediterranean where enough

facilities are not available and requires a large number of ship’s to be moored to a single
ship.

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CAPT. K. K. Sharma

Prepared By- Abhishek Jha

 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

At first the place where the ship’s stern is to be brought alongside is located. A firsthand
knowledge of the shore line is required, like if there is a protrusion or not at the underwater
section or the bed is shallow or shoaled. In that case the stern first approach is aborted and
the bow first approach is tried. For a vessel having normal right handed propeller the wharf
is best kept on the port side and the distance is kept more than seven ships length.

The ship is at first kept parallel to the berth and then it is brought astern. The point of
berthing is now generally abeam. All through the astern movement the rudder is kept to
hard over port so as to get the maximum canting effect. As the ship falls astern, the bow will
naturally cant to starboard due to transverse thrust. The Starboard anchor is dropped in
such a way so that the scope (it’s the ratio of the length of the anchor rode and the vertical
distance from the bow of the vessel to the bottom of the water or the bed) is 7:1 (approx).
So if the sea bed is 10 m down from the bow, a distance of 70 m is required. Smaller crafts
with shorter anchor chain will try to make this distance as much as practicable.

The chain is let to fall free so that the anchor digs at the sea bed in the first attempt. It is
ensured that there is no snag in the rode (it’s the length of the anchor line or chain) and that
there is enough length of the chain to reach the berth. The anchor must be dropped away
from the other anchor lines or the lazy lines, which are used to retrieve heavy pre
embedded bow lines substituting the anchor. Otherwise fouling of the anchor chains or
these lines can be quite a cumbersome affair during sailing.

Meanwhile hand fenders are arranged along the sides to protect the hull of the ship/boats
on a windy day from colliding with the other crafts that are docked already. The vessel is
slowly brought astern keeping in mind that the wind is not on- shore. Otherwise the fall
cannot be restricted. Off shore winds are of great help as they dampen the stern board
movement and the vessel will have a tendency to stop without much use of the ahead
movements on the telegraph.

When the wind is athwart, the first line ashore will be the one from the windward side. In
this case if the wind pushes the starboard hull the starboard quarter line is to be sent ashore
first. Then the other rope from the opposite end is thrown ashore and ensured that both the
lines are” doubled up” i.e., the lines are made to take a turn on the shore bollard and are
sent on board. This helps the crew while hauling out as only casting one end of the line from
on board the line can be retrieved with the winch without any shore assistance. On a windy
day the first shoreline is sent ashore by a small motorboat or a dingy so that the vessel can

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

be warped in with the help of its winches. While hauling in if the bow swings corrective
counter measures are taken with short kicks of forward movements and necessary helm or
holding the anchor a bit, as the case may be. The lines ashore are fast in such a way that the
angle between them is wide enough to restrict any swing of the stern due to any surge in
the wave or wind. It is best to set another pair of lines across the stern to the shore.

The boarding ramp is employed for the crew to step out from the stern. Also cars and trucks
loaded in the car carriers can be loaded or unloaded.

18. What is hanging of anchor?

Ans. Hanging off anchor is disconnecting the hook from the anchor cable so that the
cable can be used for towing or mooring purposes.

19. What is breeches buoy?

Ans.

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

A breeches buoy is a crude rope-based rescue device used to extract people from
wrecked vessels, or to transfer people from one location to another in situations of
danger. The device resembles a round emergency personal flotation device with a leg
harness attached. It is similar to a zip line. The breeches buoy was usually deployed from
either ship to ship, or ship to shore using a rocket, kite system, or a Lyle gun, and
allowed single person evacuations. A line is attached to the ship, and the person being
rescued is pulled to shore in the breeches buoy which rides the line similar to a zip line.

SET-IV
1. U r going to drop anchor but port calls u ask u to proceed to pilot boarding ground.
Action. Anything related with dredging anchor or what?

Ans. He expects you to tell him that you will use anchor to turn the vessel.

2. What is submarine buoy and action on sighting?

Ans. Used by submarines to indicate they are in distress. Notify coastal states, nearest
polices station, Navy or coastguard and master upon sighting as the submarine is in
grave danger.

3. What is short turn manoeuvring?

Ans. Dropping the anchor on the side you want to turn and then using engine and helm
to turn the vessel. The hawse pipe will work as a Pivot point in his case.

4. Total no. Of routing charts?

Ans. 84. Full sea area divided into 7 parts with 12 charts each for every month. 2 new
areas Malacca strait to Marshall Islands and Caribbean Sea area.

SET-V
As soon as i sat down Capt. K.K. Sharma started shooting cards about 25-30 cards,

But he gave me good enough time to answer them all

1. Various light finally down to towing light, what are the lights called as.

Ans. Forward Masthead light, second masthead light, aft masthead light, side lights,
stern light and towing light.

2. Then moved on to vertical spacing of lights as per annex 1, spacing of lights of two
lights?

Ans. NLT 4.5 m.

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

3. What is the size of the shapes and distance between the two shapes?

Ans. 1.5 m.

4. What lights will pushing vessel display

Ans. Forward Masthead light, second masthead light, aft masthead light (as per length),
side lights and stern light

5. Lights for dredger at anchor?

Ans. Three all round lights Red-White-Red, two all round green light to indicate side on
which it is safe to pass and two all round red light to indicate side on which obstruction
exists.

6. Emergency wreck marking buoy?

Ans. Ans. The emergency wreck-marking buoy is designed to provide high visual and
radio aid to navigation recognition. It should be placed as close to the wreck as possible,
or in a pattern around the wreck, and within any other marks that may be subsequently
deployed. The emergency wreck marking buoy should be maintained in position until:

• The wreck is well known and has been promulgated in nautical publications;

• The wreck has been fully surveyed and exact details such as position and least depth
above the wreck are known;

• A permanent form of marking of the wreck has been carried out.

4.1 Characteristics the buoy has the following characteristics:

• A pillar or spar buoy, with size dependant on location.

• Coloured in equal number and dimensions of blue and yellow vertical stripes
(minimum of 4 stripes and maximum of 8 stripes).

• Fitted with an alternating blue* and yellow flashing light with a nominal range of 4
nautical miles (authorities may wish to alter the range depending on local conditions)
where the blue and yellow 1 second flashes are alternated with an interval of 0.5
seconds. Bu1.0s + 0.5s + Y1.0s + 0.5s = 3.0s

• If multiple buoys are deployed then the lights should be synchronised.

• Consideration should be given to the use of a racon Morse code “D” and/or AIS
transponder.

• The top mark, if fitted, is to be a standing/upright yellow cross.

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

7. Then back to cards, shooting all cardinal and preferred channel marks. Waiting for
me to make a mistake, finally he found special water mark, asked me where it is
used?

Ans. Special marks are used to indicate ODAS, in TSS where conventional markings may
be confusing, spoil ground marks, military exercise marks, cable or pipeline marks and
recreational zone marks.

8. How many routing charts in the world, i told him 84 but then i saw him thinking, So
i told him about two new areas added

9. What is priming and lagging of tide? I had no idea about it, second remark.

Ans. Priming and lagging of time is basically variation in time of arrival of tides in a port
i.e. before and after the merpass of the moon. The variation is caused due to interaction
of gravitational effect of sun and moon which varies in different periods.

Priming of tide: It is the phenomenon where the high tide occurs before the moon
passes the local meridian and it occurs in the first and the third phase of the moon cycle
that is from new moon to first quarter and full moon to third quarter.

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

Lagging of tide: It is the phenomenon where the high tide occurs after the moon passes
the local meridian and it occurs in the second and the fourth phase of the moon cycle
that is from first quarter to full moon and third quarter to new moon.

10. When is the earth closest to sun?

Ans. January.

SET-VI

1) When s sun closest to earth

Ans. January

2) 30 cards no situation

3) Day signal cards

4) Lighthouse height is given from what level?

Ans. MHWS

5) Priming n lagging of tide?

Ans. Priming and lagging of time is basically variation in time of arrival of tides in a port
i.e. before and after the merpass of the moon. The variation is caused due to interaction
of gravitational effect of sun and moon which varies in different periods.

Priming of tide: It is the phenomenon where the high tide occurs before the moon
passes the local meridian and it occurs in the first and the third phase of the moon
cycle that is from new moon to first quarter and full moon to third quarter.
Lagging of tide: It is the phenomenon where the high tide occurs after the moon
passes the local meridian and it occurs in the second and the fourth phase of the
moon cycle that is from first quarter to full moon and third quarter to new moon.

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

6) Leap second.

Ans. A leap second is a one-second adjustment that is occasionally applied to

Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) in order to keep its time of day close to the mean
solar time, or UT1.

7) Hygrometer.

Ans. It is used to measure relative humidity and dew point of atmosphere.

8) Arc of side lights?

Ans. 112.5° i.e. from right forward to 22.5° abaft the beam on either side.

9) Annex of ROR.

Ans. Annex 1: Lights and shapes

Annex 2: Fishing vessels fishing in close proximity.

Annex 3: Sound signalling appliance

Annex 4: Distress signals.

10) Heeling error.

Ans. It is the effect of heeling on deviation of magnetic compass.

11) Routeing charts how many.

Ans. 84.

12) Where is special water mark used?

Ans. Special marks are used to indicate ODAS, in TSS where conventional markings may
be confusing, spoil ground marks, military exercise marks, cable or pipeline marks and
recreational zone marks.

13) Spacing between lights?

Ans. As per annex 1.

14) Again cards all types about 15.

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

15) Purse seine gear lights pattern.

Ans. Two all round yellow light, flashing alternately, every second with equal light and
occultation duration.

16) Parallax of altitude.

Ans. It is the angle at the body centre contained between the observer and the centre of
the earth.

17) SW and NE monsoon.

Ans. SW monsoon occurs when due to summer there is a low formed over the Thar
Desert in India, this low is quite low as compared to equatorial winds. So the trade winds
coming from south of the equator are attracted towards this low and bring lots of rain
along with it.

NE monsoon occurs during winters when a high is formed over Siberia and it is quite
high as compared to equatorial belt so NE wind flows from Siberia and is called as NE
monsoon.

18) Routeing charts what info they give?

Ans. Routing Charts- Wind Rose, Currents, Dew Point Temperature, load line zones,
Seawater temperature, Isobars, Ice limits, Fog information, Routes and distances
between major Ports around the worlds.

19) Mile marker?

Ans. Used for calibration of Doppler log.

SET-V

1. ROR cards ( fishing, trawler, towing/pushing, NUC, aground, CBD, ram, air
cushion, preferred channel marks)

2. Purpose of yellow flashing light for air cushion vessel.

Ans. To indicate she is severely restricted due to wind.

3. Characteristic of towing light, NUC light, masthead light in towing vessel.

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

4. What all light will trawler show when not under command, (normal NUC lights),
how to distinguish with trawler not under command and when her net fast
upon obstruction ( in this case trawler will show all round green and white light
with two all around red light)

5. Light shown by dredger at anchor and pushing vessel.

Ans. Ans. Three all round lights Red-White-Red, two all round green light to indicate
side on which it is safe to pass and two all round red light to indicate side on which
obstruction exists.

Pushing vessels: 2 Masthead lights, second masthead light (as per length), sidelights
and stern light.

6. S.V. situation, crossing situation in TSS with current.

7. Anchoring in congested water how will you proceed to your anchoring position?

Ans. Pass south of all anchored vessel.

8. While approaching in above case you find there is risk of collision with
anchored vessel what is your action.

Ans. Use ahead engine and hard starboard

9. When you reached at your anchoring position and port control tells you do not
drop anchor and proceed to pilot boarding ground, how will you proceed
to pilot boarding ground (pbg lies astern of you)
Ans. Basically he wants to listen by use of dredging anchor I will turn the vessel
around.

10. What is wind fetch?

Ans. It is the distance travelled by the wind from shore to the obstruction, it is useful
in understanding the effect of wind on the sea surface.

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

11. ATT tables, area covered under Vol- 1, 2 & 3.

Ans.

12. Total numbers of routeing charts?

Ans. 84

13. Height of light house measured from which reference (MHWS), where to find
MHWS.

Ans. Admiralty tide tables.

14. When earth comes closer to sun.

Ans. 4th or 5th Jan.

15. What is submarine buoy, action when you see this?

Ans. A submarine buoy is used by the submarine when it is in grave danger. It has a
message written on it “SOS” and “Finder inform navy, coastguard or nearest police
station”. The Dia of the buoy is 72 cms and depth is 90 cms, with a minimum freeboard
of 15 cms. It has a white light which is flashing every 2 s for 48 hours.

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

Notify coastal states, nearest polices station, Navy or coastguard and master upon
sighting as the submarine is in grave danger.

16. Horizontal sectors of navigational lights.

Ans. The intensity of light of the sidelights in forward direction 1-3° outside
prescribed limit to reduce to reach practical cut off.
Masthead lights & sidelights 22.5° abaft the beam and Sternlight should display
minimum required intensity 5° within the prescribed limit and 50% of minimum
required intensity within 5° to the prescribed limit and to reduce to reach practical
cut off 5° outside the prescribed limits.

17. Cold current and warm current, which type of weather will be there when these
two currents meets.

Ans. Cold currents are those whose temperature is colder than the waters
surrounding and warm currents are warmer than the water present in the area.
When the two meet advection fog can be expected.

18. Coriolis force.

Ans. It is the deflecting force which causes the wind to deflect to right when
travelling from HP to LP in NH and to left in SH.

19. Buys ballot’s law.

Ans. Face the true wind and area of low pressure will be on your right in NH and to
left in SH.

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20. What is isobar?

Ans. A line joining the places with same atmospheric pressure.

21. Benguela current?

Ans. It’s a type of upwelling current.

22. What is path and track of TRS?

Ans. In NH WNW initially and turn Northwards towards permanent high near 30° N
and the recurve to NE when meets Westerly’s. In SH WSW initially and turn
Southwards towards permanent high near 30° S and the recurve to SE when meets
Westerly’s.

23. Why advance quadrant of dangerous semicircle is called dangerous quadrant.

Ans. There are 3 reasons for it to be called dangerous quadrant.

1. The TRS is expected to recurve towards that direction.

2. The winds in dangerous quadrant are such that they push the vessel in the
direct path of the storm.

3. The wave heights encountered in this quadrant are greatest.

24. Short turn manoeuvring.

Ans. Turning with the help of anchor.

25. Difference between dragging of anchor and dredging anchor.

Ans. Dragging of anchor means when instead of holding the ground anchor is being
dragged along the sea bottom and dredging anchor is intentionally dragging the
anchor along the sea bottom to improve manoeuvrability and controlling the speed
of the vessel.

SET-VI
1. What is a submarine boy and action when you see it?

Ans. A submarine buoy is used by the submarine when it is in grave danger. It has a
message written on it “SOS” and “Finder inform navy, coastguard or nearest police
station”. The Dia of the buoy is 72 cms and depth is 90 cms, with a minimum freeboard
of 15 cms. It has a white light which is flashing every 2 s for 48 hours.

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Notify coastal states, nearest polices station, Navy or coastguard and master upon
sighting as the submarine is in grave danger.

2. In which month earth is closest to sun and farthest.

Ans. Closest in January and farthest in July.

3. Colregs situation. Own vessel in TSS. R.V. Radar in operational fog signal heard
right astern n frequency increasing. Action.

Ans. With signal right astern and intensity increasing close quarter situation exists
and being in TSS we don’t have too much sea room, but in this case we can either go
to inshore traffic zone as per rule 10 (d) (ii) or the separation zone as per 10 (e) to
avoid immediate danger. My alteration will depend on the sea room available in the
vicinity.

4. What is separation zone, and can we enter in separation zone.

(He wanted to hear that in above ROR. Situation action is that we alter course
and enter separation zone)

5. NUC vessel overtaking. Action?

Ans. Determine ROC, if yes it’s her responsibility to keep clear, but since she is NUC
she can’t keep clear, so I will take action and go as per rule 17 (a) (ii) and alter course
away from NUC and take a round turn.

6. Showed me cards and asked day signals of those cards in night situation.

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

7. Showed me air cushion vsl light and asked why yellow light is fitted?

Ans. To indicate that the vessel is severely restricted by the wind.

8. Showed me fishing vsl using purse seining between cards and asked me are the
two yellow light are flashing or not and whether they flashing together or one
after other.

Ans. They are flashing alternately.

9. Showed me two white lights (that is partially submerged object towed) and
asked what all light n day signal it will show. He asked will dracons also show
same lights. If no then what light will it show?

Ans. Day signal: a diamond shape at the after end and a diamond shape in forward
end if length exceeds 200 m.
Lights: Breadth less than 25 m then all round white lights at the extremities.
Breadth more than 25 m then additional 2 all round white lights at the
extremities of the breadth.
If length is more than 100 m then one light in the middle so that the distance
between any two lights is not more than 100 m.
Dracons will not show these lights they will show an all round light at the after end
only.

10. What are dracons?

Ans. Dracons are large cylindrical rubber tubes which were used to carry oil, they are
obsolete now.

11. What all light will be displayed by a towing vessel pushing ahead but not as a
composite unit?

Ans. Pushing vessels: 2 Masthead lights, second masthead light (as per length),
sidelights and stern light.

12. What are the lights shown by vessel towing and vessel being towed sideways?

Ans. Towing vessel: 2-3 Masthead lights, aft masthead light (as per length),
sidelights, stern light and towing lights.
Towed alongside: Sidelights at forward end and Sternlight.

13. He drew wind direction on a paper n asked 5 -6 situations on sailing vessel.

Asking which vsl will keep clear of other.

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14. What is ranging of cable?

Ans. Laying out cable, grit blasting it, checking its condition and dimensions &
marking the cable in dry dock.

15. How will u turn the vessel in following heavy seas and at what position will u
start to execute it whether at crest or at trough or rising on the crest.

Ans. 1. Note down the time period of waves, we need to have maximum time to
execute the turn.
2. When the vessel reaches the rising crest start the turn.
3. Increase speed to increase the ROT as ROT=V/R.

SET-VII
1. No card. light of dredger, trawler, fishing v/l, PDV

2. Vertical and horizontal sectors of lights cut of limits.

Ans. Vertical sector of lights, for vessel other than S.V: 5° above and below the horizontal
minimum required intensity and 60% of minimum required intensity 7.5° above and below
the horizontal
For S.V: 5° above and below the horizontal minimum required intensity and 50% of
minimum required intensity 25° above and below the horizontal
Horizontal sector of lights, the intensity of light of the sidelights in forward direction 1-3°
outside prescribed limit to reduce to reach practical cut off.
Masthead lights & sidelights 22.5° abaft the beam and Sternlight should display minimum
required intensity 5° within the prescribed limit and 50% of minimum required intensity
within 5° to the prescribed limit and to reduce to reach practical cut off 5° outside the
prescribed limits.

3. HSA (horizontal sextant angle)?

Ans. Horizontal Sextant Angle is the horizontal angle at the observer contained between
the two terrestrial objects and is used to obtain position circle.

4. VSA?

Ans. Vertical sextant angle is the vertical angle at the observer contained between
bottom and top of the terrestrial object and is used to measure distance off the object.

5. Sailing vessel situations

6. Pd v/l in crossing situation. 10' away, CPA 0, action- watch for it taking bearing, then
1 short blast and alter to stbd. Now v/l only 2 cables when u came on watch,

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I said i will assist other OOW and prepare for collision, Other OOW fainted,
2 short blasts alter to port as per rule 2 and 17(b). Very good.

7. Slow speed control.

Ans. Proceeding at slow speed to ensure that we will not lose control of the vessel for a
long period, actually by proceeding at slow speed we reduce the requirement of astern
propulsion for prolonged period.

8. Janus configuration.

Ans. Used in Doppler log to counteract the vertical component of speed produced due to
vertical movement of the ship. It consists of two transducers ach sending signal in its
direction i.e. fwd and aft. V = C (fRf - fRa)/4 ft Cos α

9. GPS calculates course and speed-- if yes than how?

Ans. By the principle of Doppler shift.

10. Draw waypoints and passage plan for anchoring--- keep south of all v/l,
You not able to control drift and 1 cable at stern of other v/l and you are on dead
slow ahead--- go up to hard port and half ahead.

11. U have to turn VLCC in 1 cable as slow patches after that?

Ans. Drop anchor till seabed the side u want to turn and hard over and kick ahead.

12. Errors of mercury barometer.

Ans. 1. Height error.

2. Latitude error.
3. Temperature error.
4. Index error.
5. Capillarity error.
6. Capacity error.
7. Pumping error.
8. Parallax error.

13. Parametric, synchronous rolling, parameters depends on and precautions.

Pooping and broaching and differences.

Ans. Synchronous rolling motion Large rolling motions may be excited when the natural
rolling period of a ship coincides with the encounter wave period. In case of navigation in
following and quartering seas this may happen when the transverse stability of the ship is
marginal and therefore the natural roll period becomes longer. It’s more pronounced in
beam seas Parametric rolling When the rolling period is equal to or twice the wave

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encounter period. When the crest is in amidships the ship rolls the maximum n also the gm
is reduced to minimum. The most dangerous is when the ship pitches twice for every roll.
When the vessel pitches into the crest the buoyancy increases and pushes the ship on to
other side causing violent roll, n this coupled with reduced gm when the crest is amidships,
can cause the ship to capsize. Action. Ship speed and course should be reduced in such a
way that the above condition is not met. For ship's loading condition with high GMs, i.e.
shorter natural roll period say around 10 second, the waves that could cause the pitching
period around 5 seconds are usually not very high and therefore unlikely to initiate
parametric rolling in head/stern seas. However, the synchronous roll may occur in beam
seas. So the way to reduce the roll is by heading into the sea. For ship's loading conditions
with low GMs, i.e. long natural roll periods, parametric roll in head/stern seas of
moderately high sea state is likely. But synchronous roll in beam seas is unlikely. Containers
are more prone for parametric rolling
Pooping is the term used to describe the seas breaking over the stern of the vessel. This
can also be dangerous particularly for an open decked vessel. Large amounts of water can
quickly flood the vessel, causing additional problems.

Broaching:- when a steep following sea causes the vessel to ‘surf’ forwards controllably,
the bow tends to ‘dig’ into the wave ahead, decelerating the vessel rapidly. The forces on
the stern will cause the stern to swing violently to the left or right and the vessel will come
to rest broadside to the waves. A rapid “broaching” may cause a capsize.

Set-viii

1) Carriage of ECDIS?

Ans.

2) What is ENC, SENC, difference between ECDIS & ENC, headquarter for IHO.

Ans. ENC: It is a computer generated chart, and contain various layers of information.
SENC: All ECDIS manufacturers have different graphic layouts and hardware. But
there’s one thing they all have in common; they all read and use S-57 ENC chart format and
transfer it into their own SENC format - System Electronic Navigation Chart format. This
means when an ENC chart is loaded into the system, it becomes a SENC chart .
ECDIS can utilize either ENC or RNC. Headquarter for IHO is IHB located in Monaco.

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3) Wreck buoy in detail?

Ans. The emergency wreck-marking buoy is designed to provide high visual and radio aid
to navigation recognition. It should be placed as close to the wreck as possible, or in a
pattern around the wreck, and within any other marks that may be subsequently
deployed. The emergency wreck marking buoy should be maintained in position until:

• The wreck is well known and has been promulgated in nautical publications;

• The wreck has been fully surveyed and exact details such as position and least depth
above the wreck are known;

• A permanent form of marking of the wreck has been carried out.

4.1 Characteristics the buoy has the following characteristics:

• A pillar or spar buoy, with size dependant on location.

• Coloured in equal number and dimensions of blue and yellow vertical stripes
(minimum of 4 stripes and maximum of 8 stripes).

• Fitted with an alternating blue* and yellow flashing light with a nominal range of 4
nautical miles (authorities may wish to alter the range depending on local conditions)
where the blue and yellow 1 second flashes are alternated with an interval of 0.5
seconds. Bu1.0s + 0.5s + Y1.0s + 0.5s = 3.0s

• If multiple buoys are deployed then the lights should be synchronised.

• Consideration should be given to the use of a racon Morse code “D” and/or AIS
transponder.

• The top mark, if fitted, is to be a standing/upright yellow cross.

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4) ETA requirement for cargo vsl. ETA requirement for tankers.

Ans. Ships other than tankers should have an ETB which should contain:

1. Drawing of the layout of forward and aft towing arrangement.

2. List of spares and equipments to be used for towing.
3. Communication Procedures.
4. Towing connections and procedures.

Requirement for the ETB was of 3 such booklets with each copy placed at a specific
location (Bridge, Ships office & Forecastle) with one copy in Company office which could
be utilised by them in case of emergency.

Tankers, constructed before 01st July 2002,

1. Aft ETA should be capable of being deployed within 15 minutes.

2. Fwd ETA should be capable of being deployed within 60 minutes.
3. It should be possible to pick up the towing pennant manually without use of ship’s
power.
4. All the equipments to be clearly marked and to be visible in night.
5. All the equipment should be properly maintained.

Tankers, constructed after 01st July 2002,

1. ETA should be capable of rapid deployment.

2. At least one ETA shall be pre rigged for rapid deployment without use of ships main
power.
3. The strength of the ETA should be sufficient considering the size of the ship.

5) Working of echo sounder. Errors.

Ans. Echo sounder sends acoustic waves through water and measures the propagation time
and the depth is calculated by the formula, depth = v x t/2.
1. Velocity of propagation of acoustic waves

2. Stylus speed error

3. Pythagoras error

4. Multipath Error

5. Thermal layers formed

6. Zero line adjustment error

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6) Speed log. Bottom track.

Water track. Ground speed. Water speed. Collision avoidance which one to use.

Ans. Use Speed over water for collision avoidance.

7) Pilot pickup. Cross TSS. Current 4 knots. Show on paper

8) 3-4 random ROR cards.

9) Dredger at anchor. Lights. Trawler at anchor lights. Fog signal for pilot vsl at anchor.

Ans. Dredger at anchor Lights: Three all round lights Red-White-Red, two all round green
light to indicate side on which it is safe to pass and two all round red light to indicate side on
which obstruction exists.

Trawler at anchor lights: Two all round lights upper green and lower white and a
masthead light abaft of higher than the green light a vessel of less than 50 m is not obliged
to show the masthead light.
Fog signal for pilot vsl at anchor: Rapid ringing of bell for 5 sec in forward part and if
more than 100 m in length Rapid ringing of gong for 5 sec in after part followed by 4 rapid
short blasts every 1 min.

10) Synoptic charts and Prognosis charts.

Ans. Synopsis Chart is actual analysis of the weather observed, whereas prognosis charts
is prediction of the weather.

11) Trial manoeuvre. In details. How it helps in collision avoidance. Which speed to
feed in ARPA. (He put one remark. Insisting on ground speed for collision
avoidance. Didn't agree for water speed.)

Ans. Trial manoeuvre function is provided in all the Radars for calculating effectiveness
of the action, it will give me the CPA after I have taken the desired action. Speed over
water is used for collision avoidance I don’t know what was the confusion here, SOW is
used simply because using SOG will change the aspect of the vessel when ARPA is
calculating.

12) TRS but in brief.

13) How will you calculate sight.

Ans. Morning Sight-

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1. First we need to choose suitable stars which can be found using the Star finder.

2. For morning twilight find out LMT Nautical Twilight apply LIT to get GMT
and ZT to get SMT.

3. Now apply run to last known position to get DR Lat and Long from current
SMT to the SMT obtained.

4. Now from almanac get GHA Aries and apply longitude to get LHA Aries.
From DR Lat and LHA Aries go to star finder and using the correct template closest to DR Lat
choose 3-4 stars.

5. Criteria for choosing the stars should be as follows

i) Angular separation should be as close as possible to 90°.

ii) Chosen stars magnitude should be low i.e. they should be bright.

iii) Altitude should be between 20°-70°.

3. Now for morning sight start with the stars on eastern horizon as they will disappear
from horizon first, take the altitude and azimuth note down the time for all the stars,
4. Use 3 stars for plotting purpose. Apply run to the obtained PL using Intercept to
nearest hour. Point of intersection of the PL’s would be your position.

Morning Long By Chron-

9. From Morning sight fix obtain DR for 0830 Hrs.

10. At 0830 Hrs get the sextant altitude and calculate Obs Long and get the PL.

11. Long by Chron is preferred in morning because,

12. 1. It is easier to get longitude at noon with C correction no need of plotting.
13. 2. Accuracy of fix increased with PL observed with Long by Chron the
angle of cut is as close to 90°.
14. 3. In morning the altitude is changing quite fast as compared to Azimuth
and in the formula of intercept this fast change of altitude can cause error in
calculation of TZD and hence error in intercept whereas in the long by Chron the
T.Alt is in numerator so a small error does not affect the accuracy of fix a lot.

Noon Sight- 1. Get the LMT Merpass from daily pages of Almanac; calculate DR Position
from LMT obtained. Apply LIT to it get the GMT and then apply ZT and get SMT, now
apply run and get DR Position for the SMT now take this DR Long and apply LIT from this
long to LMT get GMT apply ZT and get SMT. Repeat this process twice so as to get more
accurate LMT Merpass, this process is called Iteration.

2. Calculate DR for merpass from morning Obs long and DR lat.

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3. 10 minutes before set the sextant with sun on the horizon, keep bringing the sun
down as it goes up.

3. The moment when sun stops going up and starts going down note the time and the
highest altitude obtained will be the merpass altitude.

4. Using this altitude calculate MZD and observed lat and apply ‘C’ correction and
obtain longitude for noon observation.

Evening sight- 1. First we need to choose suitable stars which can be found using the
Star finder.

2. For evening twilight find out LMT Civil Twilight apply LIT to get GMT and ZT
to get SMT.

3. Now apply run to last known position to get DR Lat and Long from current
SMT to the SMT obtained.

4. Now from almanac get GHA Aries and apply longitude to get LHA Aries.
From DR Lat and LHA Aries go to star finder and using the correct template closest to DR Lat
choose 3-4 stars.

5. Criteria for choosing the stars should be as follows

i) Angular separation should be as close as possible to 90°.

ii) Chosen stars magnitude should be low i.e. they should be bright.

iv) Altitude should be between 20°-70°.

15. Now for evening sight we will have to set the sextant at obtained altitude and
azimuth from star finder for stars on eastern horizon as the eastern horizon will
disappear first.

16. Use 3 stars for plotting purpose. Apply run to the obtained PL using Intercept to
nearest hour. Point of intersection of the PL’s would be your position.

14) How to use star finder?

Ans. Star finder is used to choose suitable stars for celestial observations and for
identifying stars.

1. For morning twilight find out LMT Nautical Twilight and for evening twilight
find out LMT Civil Twilight apply LIT to get GMT and ZT to get SMT.

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

2. Now apply run to last known position to get DR Lat and Long from current
SMT to the SMT obtained.

3. Now from almanac get GHA Aries and apply longitude to get LHA Aries.
From DR Lat and LHA Aries go to star finder and using the correct template closest to DR Lat
choose 3-4 stars.

4. Criteria for choosing the stars should be as follows

i) Angular separation should be as close as possible to 90°.

ii) Chosen stars magnitude should be low i.e. they should be bright.

iii)Altitude should be between 20°-70°.

For identifying stars just get the azimuth of star and calculate LHA Aries and latitude is
known so use suitable template and put the pointer on LHA Aries and using the azimuth find
the star.

15) How to find planets using star finder.

Ans. Same way as for stars.

SET-IX

1. When is the earth closest to sun?

Ans. 4th or 5th January.

2. Formation of seasons?

Ans. It takes place due to change of declination of sun.

Summer Solstice (21st June) to Autumnal Equinox (22nd Sep): Northern Summer and
Southern Winter.

Autumnal Equinox (22nd Sep) to Winter Solstice (21st Dec): Northern Autumn and
Southern Spring.

Winter Solstice (21st Dec) to Vernal Equinox (20th Mar): Northern Winter and Southern
Summer.

Vernal Equinox (20th Mar) to Summer Solstice (21st June): Northern Spring and Southern
Autumn.

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

3. Pilot vessel underway light and towing alongside and pushing ahead light?

Ans. Pilot vessel underway: Two all round lights, lower red and upper white, sidelights and
Sternlight.

Pushing vessels: 2 Masthead lights, second masthead light (as per length), sidelights and
stern light.

4. Rate of ingress of water through a hole underwater if the area of hole is a and d
epth below water is d?

Ans. 3 a √d

SET-X

1) Anchoring -
lot of vessels already anchored; make a passage plan for anchoring and
how will you anchor. (did tell him using slow speed control)

Ans. Proceed south of all the anchored vessel.

2) What is slow speed control method?

Ans. Proceeding at slow speed to ensure that we will not lose control of the vessel
for a long period, actually by proceeding at slow speed we reduce the requirement
of astern propulsion for prolonged period.

3) Before you could drop VTS told you

to proceed for the pilot stn which was somewhere around stbd
quarter. Hardly any sea room to turn.

Ans. Use anchor to turn the vessel drop the anchor on the side you want to
turn.

4) Diff b/w dredging and dragging of anchor?

Ans. Dragging of anchor means when instead of holding the ground anchor is being
dragged along the sea bottom and dredging anchor is intentionally dragging the
anchor along the sea bottom to improve manoeuvrability and controlling the speed
of the vessel.

5) Drying heights?

Ans. The height of seabed over the chart datum i.e. the lowest astronomical tide.

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6) Flood tide & ebb tide?

Ans. Flood Tide: The incoming or rising tide in a port occurring between the time
tides is lowest and the time tide is highest.

Ebb Tide: The outgoing or falling tide in a port occurring between the time tides is
highest and lowest.
7) Above which level is the height of a light house given?

Ans. MHWS.

8) ROR cards - around 6

9) Lights of dredger at anchor

Ans. Three all round lights Red-White-Red, two all round green light to indicate side
on which it is safe to pass and two all round red light to indicate side on which
obstruction exists.

10) Janus configuration.

Ans. Used in Doppler log to counteract the vertical component of speed produced
due to vertical movement of the ship. It consists of two transducers ach sending
signal in its direction i.e. fwd and aft. V = C (fRf - fRa)/4 ft Cos α.

11) Principle of GPS - how is posn determined --

told him about the equations that we get from satellites --
then he wanted 2 know how many satellites are required- 3 for position
on earth surface.

12) Triangulation

Ans. In trigonometry and geometry, triangulation is the process of determining the

location of a point by measuring angles to it from known points at either end of a
fixed baseline, rather than measuring distances to the point directly (trilateration).

13) Diff b/w hygrometer and hydrometer, what is the main purpose for using
hygrometer.

Ans. Hygrometer is used for measuring humidity and dew point of atmosphere
whereas hydrometer is used for measuring the density of liquid.
14) His standard TSS situation -
you are one side of TSS and pilot posn on other side. Also strong current...
How will you approach. Heading right angle to direction of TSS and allowing
for current.

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

15) Crossing situation in TSS.

16) Most weird situation that he gave ---

crossing situation and u r a stand on vsl...give way vsl didn’t take any
action and now she has almost right ahead. Distance 2 cables.
TCPA 15 sec.

Ans. 2 cables mean 370.5 m, the distance is not good enough to execute any
turn, should have take action early, in this case both have to take action so two
short blast and alter to port as per 17 (b).

SET-XI

1. Started with function 1. Numerous situations, all done correctly.

2. Went straight to theory about equinoxes and solstice,

I made diagram for second 1.

Ans. Equinoxes: Vernal equinox or first point of Aries is the point where ecliptic and
equinoctial meet when the sun in moving from south to north along the ecliptic.

Autumnal equinox or first point of Libra is the point where ecliptic and
equinoctial meet when the sun in moving from north to south along the ecliptic.

Solstice: Summer solstice is a point on the ecliptic when the sun’s declination is
23.5° N (maximum north).

Winter solstice is a point on the ecliptic when the sun’s declination is

23.5° S (maximum south).

3. Ebb tide & flood tide?

Ans. Flood Tide: The incoming or rising tide in a port occurring between the time tides is
lowest and the time tide is highest.

Ebb Tide: The outgoing or falling tide in a port occurring between the time tide is highest
and lowest.

5. Sailing vessels situations.

6. HSA (horizontal sextant angle)?

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

Ans. Horizontal Sextant Angle is the horizontal angle at the observer contained between
the two terrestrial objects and is used to obtain position circle.

7. VSA?

Ans. Vertical sextant angle is the vertical angle at the observer contained between
bottom and top of the terrestrial object and is used to measure distance off the object.

8. Told me to quote rules.

9. Buoyage system

SET-XII

1. All sailing vsl situations.

2. Lights of pilot vessels, dredger

@ anchor, air cushion vsl, towing and pushing ahead
(composite and non composite).

Ans. Pilot vessel underway: Two all round lights, lower red and upper white,
sidelights and Sternlight. At Anchor: Anchor lights in addition to two all round white
over red lights.

Dredger at anchor: Three all round lights Red-White-Red, two all round green light to
indicate side on which it is safe to pass and two all round red light to indicate side on
which obstruction exists.

Pushing vessels: 2 Masthead lights, second masthead light (as per length), sidelights
and stern light.

Pushing vessel as a composite unit: PDV lights.

Air cushioned vessel: PDV lights in addition an all round flashing yellow light.

3. What does flasing light indicate in air cushion vessel.

Ans. To indicate she is restricted by the wind.

4. Limitations of air cushion vessel.

Ans. She is restricted by the wind.

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5. Various definitions from tides.

6. What is conventional direction of buoyage?

Ans. It’s in the direction of flood tide.

7. When is earth closest to sun?

Ans. In January.

8. Precession of the equinoxes.

Ans. It is the phenomenon where the equinoxes move westwards by 50.2” every
year. It happens because the ecliptic pole encircles the north celestial pole.

9. Kk's standard TSS crossing situation with pilot station on other side. Shoal
on both side of pilot station.

10. Emergency wreck buoys markings, where it is used.

Ans. The emergency wreck-marking buoy is designed to provide high visual and radio
aid to navigation recognition. It should be placed as close to the wreck as possible, or
in a pattern around the wreck, and within any other marks that may be subsequently
deployed. The emergency wreck marking buoy should be maintained in position
until:

• The wreck is well known and has been promulgated in nautical publications;

• The wreck has been fully surveyed and exact details such as position and least depth
above the wreck are known;

• A permanent form of marking of the wreck has been carried out.

4.1 Characteristics the buoy has the following characteristics:

• A pillar or spar buoy, with size dependant on location.

• Coloured in equal number and dimensions of blue and yellow vertical stripes
(minimum of 4 stripes and maximum of 8 stripes).

• Fitted with an alternating blue* and yellow flashing light with a nominal range of 4
nautical miles (authorities may wish to alter the range depending on local conditions)
where the blue and yellow 1 second flashes are alternated with an interval of 0.5
seconds. Bu1.0s + 0.5s + Y1.0s + 0.5s = 3.0s

• If multiple buoys are deployed then the lights should be synchronised.

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

• Consideration should be given to the use of a racon Morse code “D” and/or AIS
transponder.

• The top mark, if fitted, is to be a standing/upright yellow cross.

11. Actions on sighting of submarine buoy.

Ans. Notify coastal states, nearest polices station, Navy or coastguard and master upon
sighting as the submarine is in grave danger.

12. CBD and pd vessel crossing in TSS. (p & s)

13. Equinoxes and solstices, dates.

Ans. Equinoxes: Vernal equinox or first point of Aries is the point where ecliptic and
equinoctial meet when the sun in moving from south to north along the ecliptic. 20 th
March.

Autumnal equinox or first point of Libra is the point where ecliptic and
equinoctial meet when the sun in moving from north to south along the ecliptic. 22 nd
September.

Solstice: Summer solstice is a point on the ecliptic when the sun’s declination
is 23.5° N (maximum north). 21st June

Prepared By- Abhishek Jha

 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

Winter solstice is a point on the ecliptic when the sun’s declination is

23.5° S (maximum south). 21st December.

14. Crossing vsl from 22.5 degrees. He's very particular about sound signals.

Ans. One short blast alter to stbd pass her stern.

15. Couple of simple rv situations with radar,(vessel fwd of beam and overtaking)

Set-xiii

1. Various definitions in tides.

2. Conventional buoyage system.

3. TSS crossing and join pilot situation.

4. Sailing vsl situations.

5. ROR cards.

6. Vertical sextant angle fix.

Ans. Measure the distance with VSA, Distance off = Height of lt. Ho x 1.852 / VSA and with
the bearing we have Position circle and a position line therefore we can get distance off.

7. Month when earth and sun are closest?

Ans. January.

SET-XIV
1. Conformal projection?

Ans. Conformal projection a projection that preserves the correct shapes of small areas. In
a conformal projection, graticule lines intersect at 90-degree angles, and at any point on the
map the scale is the same in all directions.

Prepared By- Abhishek Jha

 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

2. HSA (horizontal sextant angle)?

Ans. Horizontal Sextant Angle is the horizontal angle at the observer contained between
the two terrestrial objects and is used to obtain position circle.

3. VSA?

Ans. Vertical sextant angle is the vertical angle at the observer contained between
bottom and top of the terrestrial object and is used to measure distance off the object.

4. 6 buoyage card

5. Trawler card 2, grounding card.

6. Sailing vessel situations (please do them thoroughly).

7. R.V situations (he gave me a situation that

you listen fog signal 2 miles astern sometimes you can listen
sometimes it is coming on radar, some times in blind sector,
I told that I’ll alter course to port and keep clear he told me no why are
you doing this so I explained that if the vessel is seeing me on radar she will not
alter course to port as I am forward of her beam he was not satisfied, he told me
quote rule 6, I did it and finally after 10 minutes of discussion I finally said if you
insist I will increase speed so that was the answer.

8. Another situation he gave me a ship just 100 mtrs ahead of me and action when
I come for watch in themorning i said i will prepare for imminent collision
because atleast 1 cable is required before ship will respond to helm.
He was not satisfied but he knew i was right so he made the distance to 300 m
so I said alter to port, he was satisfied. So it’s better to stick on our answers.

9. 6 more normal situations.

10. Flood tide

Ans. Flood Tide: The incoming or rising tide in a port occurring between the time tides is
lowest and the time tide is highest.

11. Ebb tide

Ans. Ebb Tide: The outgoing or falling tide in a port occurring between the time tides is
highest and lowest.

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

12. MHWS

Ans. Mean High Water Spring: It is the average height, throughout the year, of two
successive high water during 24 hrs when the range of tide is highest.

13. MHWN

Ans. Mean High Water Neap: It is the average height, throughout the year, of two successive
high water during 24 hrs when the range of tide is least.

Set-xv

1. Anchoring situation.

2. Head on situation (he asked about rule 17).

3. Air cushion v/l card and why is there a yellow light?

Ans. To indicate that the air cushioned vessel is restricted by the presence of wind.

4. One buoy.

5. What lights will a pushing vessel display?

Ans. Pushing vessels: 2 Masthead lights, second masthead light (as per length), sidelights
and stern light.

6. Sailing vessel situations

7. All possible situations for SV with models.

8. TSS crossing with pilot stn on the other

corner a few more.

Prepared By- Abhishek Jha

 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

SET-XVI

1. Lanby and uses.

Ans. LANBY- Large Automated Navigational Buoy. Introduced in early 1970 and last one was
removed from the Irish sea in 2010. It is used for providing beacons at site earlier occupied
by lightships, they were fully automated and utilised diesel engines, used to run for long
time without maintenance. It basically filled up the gap between the lightships and the solar
powered buoys.

2. Typical situtation of capt kk with pilot station on one side and crossing the TSS
with 4 knots current.

Ans. Head at right angle to the direction of TSS and allow for current.

3. Another situation in TSS where he wanted me to join the lanes from outside.

Ans. Shall do so at as small angle an as possible. When required to cross do so at right

angle to the direction of flow.

4. Drying heights.

Ans. The height of seabed over the chart datum i.e. the lowest astronomical tide.

5. Where is the height which is given on chart measured from?

Ans. Lowest Astronomical Tide.

6. What are MHWS and MHWN?

Ans. Mean High Water Spring: It is the average height, throughout the year, of two
successive high water during 24 hrs when the range of tide is highest.
Mean High Water Neap: It is the average height, throughout the year, of two successive high
water during 24 hrs when the range of tide is least.

7. Flood tide and ebb tide?

Ans. Flood Tide: The incoming or rising tide in a port occurring between the time tides is
lowest and the time tide is highest. Ebb Tide: The outgoing or falling tide in a port occurring
between the time tides is highest and lowest.

Prepared By- Abhishek Jha

 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

SET-XVII

1. Started with previous remarks.

2. What is Anschutz gyro?

Ans. It is a German made gyro, which rotates clockwise and utilises bottom heavy effect for
gravity control and damping in azimuth for damping control.

3. Shoots around 35-40 cards mostly of ram dredger, fishing vessel,

buoys, day cards.

4. What is a pattern of light for purse seine gear light.

Ans. Flashing alternately every second.

5. Does purse siene gear light flash at the same time or one by one.

Ans. Alternately every second.

6. What are dracons?

Ans. Dracons are large cylindrical rubber tubes which were used to carry oil, they are
obsolete now.

7. Asked me conditions for inconspicuous partly submerged vessel about lights with
her length and breadth.

Ans. Lights: Breadth less than 25 m then all round white lights at the extremities.
Breadth more than 25 m then additional 2 all round white lights at the
extremities of the breadth.
If length is more than 100 m then one light in the middle so that the distance
between any two lights is not more than 100 m.
Dracons will not show these lights they will show an all round light at the after end
only.

8. Horizontal separation of lights.

Ans. Between two masthead lights NLT half the length of the vessel and need not be more
than 100 m.
Sidelights shall be not be placed in front of masthead lights they shall be placed at or
near the sides.
When the three all round lights for CBD or RAM are carried between the two
masthead lights they shall be displaced by at least 2m from centreline of the vessel.

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 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

When only one masthead light is required for a vessel it should be placed forward of
midship, in ships of less than 20 m in length not required to be forward of midship, but
should be placed as far forward as possible.

9. Distance between shapes and dimensions.

Ans. Sphere: Dia NLT 0.6 m

Cone: Base Dia NLT 0.6 m and height equal the dia.
Cylinder: Base Dia NLT 0.6 m and height equal to twice the dia.
Diamond: Consists of two cones.
Distance between two shapes NLT 1.5 m for ships 20 m or more in length and for
ships less than 20 m should reduce in conjunction with size of the vessel.

SET-XIII
1) Kepler’s law of planetary motion?

Ans. Kepler’s law of planetary motion are,

1. The orbit of a planet is an ellipse with the Sun at one of the two foci such that sum of
distance at any point on the ellipse from to two foci is always constant.
2. A line segment joining a planet and the Sun sweeps out equal areas during equal
intervals of time. This means planets travel faster when at perihelion as compared to
when they are at aphelion.
3. Planets which are closer to sun rotate faster in their orbit as compared to planets
which are further away. The square of the orbital period of a planet is proportional
to the cube of the semi-major axis of its orbit.

2) Doppler log formula for Janus configuration?

Ans. Used in Doppler log to counteract the vertical component of speed produced due to
vertical movement of the ship. It consists of two transducers ach sending signal in its
direction i.e. fwd and aft. V = C (fRf - fRa)/4 ft Cos α

3) When is sun nearest and farthest to earth?

Ans. 01 January earth at perihelion (near to sun), 4 July earth at aphelion (away from earth).

Prepared By- Abhishek Jha

 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

4) lights of dredger at anchor?

Ans. Three all round lights Red-White-Red, two all round green light to indicate side on
which it is safe to pass and two all round red light to indicate side on which obstruction
exists.

5) Can u calculate tide for Indian ports using harmonic constants?

Ans. Yes.

6) What is chart datum?

Ans. It is the lowest astronomical tide at which all the heights in the chart are given.

7) What is drying height?

Ans. The height of seabed over the chart datum i.e. the lowest astronomical tide.

8) At what time colours carried out on Indian flag ships?

Ans. At sunrise hoisting and at sunset lowering.

9) AIS frequencies, components, principle of STDMA technology?

Ans. AIS frequencies: 161.975 MHz (87B) and 162.025 MHz (88B). Components of AIS are 1
VHF DSC Receiver, 1 VHF DSC Transmitter, 2 VHF STDMA receiver and 1 standard marine
communication link. STDMA utilizes precise GPS time to coordinate transmission of data
into unoccupied time slots of AIS.

10) Situation - crossing situation, and v/l at 2 cables.

11) Flood and ebb tide?

Ans. Flood Tide: The incoming or rising tide in a port occurring between the time tides is
lowest and the time tide is highest.

Ebb Tide: The outgoing or falling tide in a port occurring between the time tides is highest
and lowest.

12) Schuler tuning?

Ans. fitted in gyro to counter ballastic deflection error.

13) Direction of sub surface currents?

Prepared By- Abhishek Jha

 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

14) Heeling error and how to correct it?

Ans. Heeling error is caused due to Force R, rod k, rod e and partly due to rod g and c.
This error is only apparent in case of rolling of ship, and vertical permanent magnet
correctors are used for the correction of heeling error which are placed symmetrically
in a heeling error bucket.

15) What is harmonic constant O1, K1, M2 and S2 in the tidal calculation by the harmonic
method are the harmonic constant.

Ans. It’s constant for a port. Basically the tide in a port is affected by a total of 166 factors,
and these factors are effect of sun and moon gravitational pull due to its amplitude and
declination. The constant is based on a measurement by say a stick or something, whose
actual depth is known. Then the height of tide is calculated according to that height.

16) Action to avoid a TRS?

Ans. Avoiding action in SH

1. Take bearing of storm centre using Buys Ballots Law. Face the true wind and storm centre
will be 8-12 points on the left. If pressure has fallen 5 mb below normal after allowing for
semi diurnal variation take 12 points, if it is 20 mb below normal allow 8 points as the TRS is
in near vicinity.

2. Determine which semicircle you are in. Wind will veer in RHSC and back in LHSC. Due
care must be exercised while determining wind direction.

3. Once the position is confirmed, take action

- In Dangerous semicircle i.e. LHSC: keeping the wind on port bow 1 point for
slow vessels (speed less than 12 knots) and 4 points for vessel fast vessels (speed more
than 12 knots) altering as the wind is Backing.

- In Navigable semicircle i.e. RHSC keeping the wind 4 points on Port quarter,
alter course as the wind is veering.

In both the above cases vessel to proceed in the same way until the pressure comes
back to normal.

Avoiding action in NH

1. Take bearing of storm centre using Buys Ballots Law. Face the true wind and storm
centre will be 8-12 points on the right. If pressure has fallen 5 mb below normal after
allowing for semi diurnal variation take 12 points, if it is 20 mb below normal allow 8
points as the TRS is in near vicinity.

Prepared By- Abhishek Jha

 CAPT. K. K. Sharma

2. Determine which semicircle you are in. Wind will veer in RHSC and back in
LHSC. Due care must be exercised while determining wind direction.

3. Once the position is confirmed, take action

- In Dangerous semicircle i.e. RHSC: keeping the wind on stbd bow 1 point for
slow vessels (speed less than 12 knots) and 4 points for vessel fast vessels (speed more
than 12 knots) altering as the wind is Veering.

- In Navigable semicircle i.e. LHSC keeping the wind 4 points on Stbd quarter,
alter course as the wind is Backing.

In both the above cases vessel to proceed in the same way until the pressure comes
back to normal.

17) ROR cards- fishing v/l at anchor?

18) What is tidal stream atlas and what information’s are given on them?

Ans. Rate and drift of tidal streams in the diagram form. Rate and drifts are shown in the
maps of the areas of which the tidal streams are given.

Prepared By- Abhishek Jha