Management Questions From Past Exams And Answers

Question 1

a. Explain how introduction of the Maritime Labour Convention is a major step forward
in the provision, administration and enforcement of the rights of all seafarers to decent
employment.

It is the first international agreement on conditions of employment, accommodation,

recreational facilities, food and catering, health protection, medical care, and social
security in the shipping industry.

There has been consensus between seafarers, ship owners and governments in the
formation of this Convention. An unusual occurrence which indicates all see
“good work” as being integral to “good shipping”

This convention may become a model for other industries in the global economy.

[10 Marks]
b. Defend the statement that the replacement of a great number of ILO Conventions and
recommendations by a single Convention should be welcomed by both flag and port
States.
[10 Marks]
This Convention Consolidates and updates 69 previous ILO instruments on maritime
matters into a single document; in this regard, it encloses 37 ILO Conventions, 29
Recommendations and revise 3 non-included ILO Conventions, embodying as far as
possible all up-to-date standards of existing ILO maritime Conventions and
Recommendations as well as the fundamental principles found in other ILO
Conventions.

In addition to the 40 existing maritime Conventions which the Maritime Labour

Convention revises and includes, it also embodies fundamental principles found in
non-maritime labour Conventions: How could it be a bad thing if more than 60
conventions have now been revised condensed and amended to just 1? This makes
understanding implementing and enforcement so much more consistent and easier for
all concerned. Five basic areas previously covered by more than 60 conventions are
now covered by 1.

Juan Somavia identified the reasoning behind this dramatic new approach by the ILO
when he said in his 2006 statement

“Until recently, the labour standards that affected this sector had been fragmented, both
in content and application.” and “... the sector was awash in a wide range of
international labour standards going back over eight decades.

Question 2
 a. Explain why it might be unrealistic to prepare a shipboard budget based on point
estimates. Suggest how the use of probability estimates or contingency budgets may
adapted for this purpose.

Probability budgeting does not take into account changing economic and trading
conditions. It locks the person who created the budget into an outcome which may be
unattainable for reasons beyond their control.

With a contingency budget, Using soft ware programs a number of what if scenarios,
good and bad, can be forecast, taking into account varying economic and trading
conditions.
[10 Marks]

b. A safety budget should have a strong element of flexibility. Explain why this is so,
and suggest methods for achieving the desired flexibility.

Can a price be put on safety? To do so exposes owners to litigation. Many companies

do not have a separate safety budget. The costs of safety are incorporated into the
overall operating and capital budgets.
[10 Marks]

Question 3
Describe the master’s responsibilities in relation to the prevention of stowaways, and
summarise the actions that must be taken if stowaways are discovered whilst the vessel is at
sea en route to the next port of call.

The master must conduct a thorough search, with a specific plan, prior to departure from
ports where stowaways may have boarded.
Cargo to be loaded must be in a segregated area.
He must co operate with port authorities, public authorities and ship owners to prevent and
discourage stowaways.
He must ensure the security, general health, welfare and safety of any stowaway found on
board. He must notify port authorities at the next port of call. Follow ism code on what to do
with him.

Question 1

a. Familiarisation of new crew members to meet the requirements of STCW and the
ISM Code regarding before the assignment of shipboard duties may require more than
simple instruction. Explain.
b.
How do we know if the crew member can do the job without witnessing him doing it. This is
why familiarisation may not fulfil the requirements of the STCW code.

STCW stipulates that before being assigned shipboard duties crew must receive approved
familiarisation training in personal survival techniques, or receive sufficient information and
training to be able to … •
The ISM Code also requires new personnel to be given proper familiarization with their
duties. • The ability to carry out duties can only be demonstrated by practical application.
 c. You have the task of planning all required musters and drills over the period of a four
month duty swing. Describe all the factors you will take into consideration to ensure
that the crew will be sufficiently well-trained and prepared to operate effectively if a
real emergency arises.
Drills should be made as realistic as possible, including carrying out some after dark
under emergency lighting.
Times of drill should be varied to ensure that no-one is excused from two consecutive
drills.
The type and location of assumed emergencies like fire should follow a plan to ensure
the use of a variety of techniques and equipment is required.
The ISM Code requires that the ship’s Safety Management System (SMS) must
include procedures to prepare and respond to emergency situations. This is a
requirement that may be at least partially met through drills
A manager (master) cannot simply throw a group of individuals together and expect
them to become a productive team.
A team develops over time before becoming effective. This underlines the need for
realistic drills.
Just because the muster list nominates a group of individuals as a team we cannot
expect them to function effectively as a team until they have had time to establish
their roles and understand their strength and weaknesses.
Well-planned drills should ensure a productive team status has been achieved before
they are ever called upon to act in a real emergency
Crew members should be rotated through different duties in the drills. This ensures
each will be at least somewhat familiar with each duty in each scenario.

[20
Marks]

Question 2

a. How does the Maritime Labour Convention set standards for a range of employment,
accommodation, recreational, catering and welfare of seafarers, whilst at the same
time allowing governments and shipowners sufficient flexibility in the application of
those standards to promote compliance.

It sets standards through Convention which contains three independent parts.

Articles,Regulations and Code.

Firstly by providing a necessary balance between labour standards and regulations.

Second by having agreement and concensus between all parties.
The Convention contains common sense.
The Convention shows that capacity exists to make globalisation fair.

b. The Maritime Labour Convention refers only to those issues directly related to the
marine sector. Discuss.

Well its only jurisdiction is marine. It has no input into the labour laws of sovereign
states.
Question 4

a. Formulating Regulation 2.1 (Seafarers’ Employment Agreements) of the Maritime

Labour Convention was made simpler by the Maritime Labour Convention
incorporating a large number of Conventions that were previously published
separately. Discuss.
b.
Previously a seafarers employment was governed by many conventions. Now it is
governed by 1 convention. This should be very easy to understand by all parties. It
clearly and plainly states the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. The
convention is also internationally enforceable, allowing seafarers recourse to appeal if
they belief their rights are being mistreated.

Question 8

Describe the factors that precipitated the call for adoption of international standards for the
inward and outward clearance of ships.
Most regulations are essential – but sometimes they can be regarded as unnecessary & as a
significant burden. • This is partly because of the international nature of shipping: countries
developed customs, immigration and other standards independently of each other and a ship
visiting several countries during the course of a voyage could expect to be presented with
numerous forms to fill in, often asking for exactly the same information but in a slightly
different way.

[8 marks]
Question 9

What are the sources of information about the use of drugs and alcohol at sea? Outline their
content and penalties that may apply for any breach of their requirements.
Drugs and Alcohol Marine Notice 18/2008
It basically states the blood alcohol limits for on and off duty seafarers.
It gives guidelines on the use of legal and illegal drugs.
Penalties for illegal drugs are criminal prosecution by various enforcement agencies.
AMSA may also cancel CoC
Companies may take civil action against the offender.

[20 Marks]

Question 4

An Australian merchant ship in the Timor Sea encounters a seriously overloaded boat
carrying a large number of passengers. The boat appears to be leaking, and its engine has
broken down. Discuss the responsibilities of the master of the Australian ship in terms of the
tradition of the sea, the Navigation Act, Guidelines for Commercial Shipping Rescuing
Persons at Sea and the relevant IMO Resolution.
Tradition of the sea says all in need should be rescued if it is safe to do so.
Marine Notice 11/2010 refers relevant parties to the “Guidelines for Commercial Shipping
Rescuing Persons at Sea.
These guidelines should be read in conjunction with IMO Resolution MSC.167(78) adopted
by AMSA in 2004

JND31
 
Question 5

Name the statutory instruments, Codes and Marine Orders that are of particular relevance to
Occupational Health and Safety at sea. If a health and safety representative identifies a
contravention of the statutory instruments, what options are available to him/her?
[10 Marks]

Question 6

Explain why on-board training for watch keeping officers has assumed greater importance
with the adoption of an approved training programme, and describe the responsibilities of the
four individuals who share the responsibility for its execution and administration.
No party involved in the onboard training of seafarers should be in any doubt about the
importance of the role they play. A few decades ago 4 years sea time was required
before the award of a first certificate. Now it is much shorter. The equivalent
competenace level must be achieved in such a short time that a well organised and
managed training program is essential on board,

Company Training Officer: Overall administration of the program, monitoring of trainees

progress and ensuring all play there part.

Shipboard Training Officer: Organises onboard training, supervises its application and
ensures time on board effectively meets training needs.
Master: Provides the link between company and Ship board training officers. Provides
continuity when training officers change and ensures onboard training is effectively
carried out.

Prospective Officer: Responsible for following the training program, making best use of
opportunities and maintaining training record book.

[10 Marks]

Question 7
a Which two documents comprise STCW95? What format does the second document
follow?
MLC 2006 comprise of two components

Part A “Standards” and the part B “Guidelines”. • The articles, regulations and the Code part
“A” are mandatory.

Code part “B” is recommendatory. • Its regulations and Codes are focused in five main areas,
which are: minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship; conditions of employment;
accomodation, recreational facilities, food and catering; health protection, medical care,
welfare and social security protection; and, compliance and enforcement.

[4 Marks]

b What does a flag State’s appearance on the STCW “White List” signify? If a seafarer
holds a certificate of competency issued by a flag State that does not appear on the “White
List” what are the possible consequences?
It means the country is giving Full and Complete Effect to the revised STCW Convention
(STCW 95).
A flag state on the White List may decide as policy not to accept seafarers with a CoC from
non White List countries. If it does then after 1 February 2002 the seafarer must have an
endorsement from the flag state.
Though there is no actual “black list”, non-compliant nations are often described as being on
a “black list”. Handling a non-WhiteListed nation involves both port state control and flag
state control. If a ship is flagged by a non-White List country, it can be denied entry,
inspected intensely, or detained when attempting to enter a port. • If a mariner has a license
(Certificate of Competency) from a nonWhite List nation, they will probably be denied their
Certificate of Equivalency, and they will also be rejected as a valid manning solution for
White List-flagged ships. In addition, that mariner’s training and sea time might be heavily
scrutinized or not accepted at all toward a CoC from a White List country

Question 1

The administration and execution of the shipboard element of an approved training

programme assigns certain responsibilities to four individuals. Name these four
individuals and describe the responsibilities of each.
Company Training Officer: Overall administration of the program, monitoring of trainees
progress and ensuring all play there part.
Shipboard Training Officer: Organises onboard training, supervises its application and
ensures time on board effectively meets training needs.
Master: Provides the link between ompany and Ship board training officers.Provides
continuity when training officers change and ensures onboard training is effectively
carried out.
Prospective Officer: Responsible for following the training program,making best use of
opportunities and maintaining training record book.
[8 Marks]
Question 5

If a health and safety representative identifies a contravention of the Act/Regulations, what

actions should he/she take?
Try to resolve the problem with the supervisor. This is the first action. If this is not successful
then talk to the master. If no good there the DPA. The HSR may issue a provisional
improvement notice if in a reasonable time the problem has not been resolved.

[8 Marks]

Question 6

The Australian Transport Council has attempted to standardise the approach to shipping
regulation across all States and the Northern Territory through reference to two
Codes/Standards. What are they?
[4 Marks]

Question 7

A decision made to outsource certain shipping company management functions based purely
on financial (budgetary) figures may have undesirable outcomes. Discuss.
This may be merely turning the problem (whatever it is) over to someone else. That someone
else may have little or no understanding of the complex nature of the international shipping
industry. They may have no attachment to, or interest in, the long term goals of the company.
They will most likely not consider the human costs of any decisions. The decisions of an
accounting company, who themselves were probable the lowest tenderer, are all about
figures. Decision taken on cost alone may be of benefit in the short term but damage the long
term interests of the company.
[10 Marks]

Question 8

What sources of guidance are available to the mate or master concerning the organisation of
musters and drills?
Marine Orders Part 21 Appendix 5
Code of Safe Working Practise for Australian Seafarers
Chapter 1 AMSA publication Survival at sea.
[8 Marks

Question 1

Describe the application of the Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Act and
Regulations to shipboard management.
Your answer should include reference to the development of a Health and Safety Policy,
Designated Work Groups, Health and Safety Representatives, Health and Safety Committee
and the Inspectorate.
[20
Marks]

Question 3

a. Applying the bottom-up approach to preparing a shipboard budget might be desirable,

but is very difficult to achieve. Explain why this is so, and suggest means by which a
master might achieve some input into the process.
b. The bottom up budgeting method relies on the people who will implement the budget
creating the budget. Upper management may not like this idea as it is open to a little
creative estimating. In terms of the benchmarks set in the budget being perhaps too
easy to obtain, thereby not making efficient use of company financial resources.
A master might suggest areas in which a certain budget might be spent and back this
up with good reasons but at the end of the day if upper management say no that's it,
[10 Marks]

Question 4

a. List the actions that should be taken following the accidental death of a crew member
whilst the vessel is at sea.
b. Consult the Ships Captain medical guide
c. Establish cause of death
d. If death is accidental do an incident report
e. Preserve evidence at the scene of death
f. Get witness Statements
g. Take photos of the scene
h. Preserve the body
i. Inform the agent at the next port to alert authorities
j. Contact DPA
k. Arrange for new crew member at next port
l. Arrange for next of kin to be informed
m. Make entry to log book
n. Rearrange crew duties if required
o. @ crew members to pack up and tally personal belonging of deceased.
[10 Marks]

Question 5

a. What are the five (5) general areas addressed by the Maritime Labour Convention
(MLC)?
b. Conditions of employment
c. Minimum requirements for a sea farer to work on a ship
d. Accomodation,recreational facilities,food and catering
e. Health protection, medical care,welfare and social security protection
f. Compliance and enforcement
 [5 Marks]
To which vessels does the MLC not apply?
Naval and recreational vessels
[5 Marks]

Question 6

There are now seven (7) IMO standardised forms which authorities can demand of a ship
before granting clearance. State what each of these forms relates to. What is the source of
two (2) further documents that may be required?
IMO general declaration
Cargo Declaration
Ship’s stores Declaration
Crew’s Effects Declaration
Crew List
Passenger List
Dangerous Goods List

The Two others are:

Universal Postal Convention
International Health Regulation
[10 Marks]

Question 7

Marine Orders Part 53 provides information (in appendix 1) about the form the Official Log-
Book should take. What are the subjects of entries that must be made in each of the ten (10)
parts?
Marine Orders Part 53 provides information (in appendix 1) about the form the Official Log-
Book should take and the entries that must be made in the numbered parts:
Part I Description of Ship
Part II Positions of Deck Lines and Load Lines
Part III Departures and Arrivals (dates, times, draughts etc)
Part IV Births
Part V Deaths and Disappearances
Part VI Injuries and Illnesses
Part VII Musters and Drills
Part VIII Record of Inspections of Crew Accommodation
Part IX Steering Gear Testing and Drills
Part X Other Entries Required by Law or at Master’s Discretion

[10 Marks]

Question 8

Before taking over command of a vessel, what are five (5) of the most important issues you
need to discuss with the departing master? State why each is of particular importance.
[10 Marks]
• Before sailing • Spend at least a little time with your officers and senior ratings - get to
know the chief engineer and any problems in his department, discuss the cargo and stability
status with the mate, check the passage plan and condition of chart folios with the second
officer, and the condition of safety equipment with the third mate or relevant officer - and
don’t forget the cook;
Taking Over Command • Before sailing • Read the previous master’s standing orders and
make any changes you see fit; • Complete as detailed an inspection of the ship as
circumstances permit. Note any damage to hull or equipment and check it against damage
reports; • Ensure the necessary changes are made to documentation ready for outward
clearance. Taking Over Command Remember: • As master you are head of the ship, not head
of the deck department. • Allow the mate to do his job – with support, but not interference. •
The chief engineer is head of his department – provide any necessary support, but not
interference. • Give your attention to the running of the ship - without favouring any single
department. Taking Over Command – C/Eng. • Read the letter prepared by the outgoing chief
engineer. He should then verify/discuss the following: • Fuel oil, diesel oil, and lube oil
soundings – by comparing actual figures with the logged figures; • Voyage requirements;
Bunker inspected; Consumption pattern with any specific instructions; • Oil record book; •
Overdue certificates and surveys, if any; • Previous pending requisition; • Spare parts list for
critical spares of Main Engine; • Email and fax routines to office; Different external and
internal audit reports (ISM, ISPS etc); List of precision measuring instruments and location;
Competence and performance report of current engine staff; Removal reports of last 1 year ;
Spare for OWS ; Overboard key for OWS and Sewage plant. Taking Over Command –
C/Eng. • Passwords for computers; Records of previous trainings and drills; Schedule of
forthcoming training and drills; Pressure testing dates of various system and pipelines; Last
Dry dock Report; Sea Trial report; Dry dock files for pending job to be done in next dry-
dock; Crew overtime records; Taking Over Command – C/Eng. • Last checked dates of safety
systems; • Last checked dates of main engine emergency appliances safety and alarm systems
and their conditions; Last testing dates of shore analysis of lube oil from different systems,
Taking Over Command – C/Eng. • The chief engineer should also get information about
company’s action plans regarding: • Maintenance status of main auxiliary machinery; Spares;
Stores; Vessel sailing programme; Random check of alarms and instrumentations; Special
tools • required on board; Sounding book; Boiler water treatment files; Readiness for port
state inspections – LSA/ FFA; All important checklists and forms; • Drawing lists; Recent
maintenance carried ou

Question 5

Name the statutory instruments, Codes and Marine Orders that are of particular
relevance to Occupational Health and Safety at sea. If a health and safety
representative identifies a contravention of the statutory instruments, what options are
available to him/her?

Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Act 1993

Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Regulations 1995
AMSA Marine Orders 9,10,50,59,60 and 61 also have some relevance
Code of Safe Working Practises for Australian Sea Farers (COSWP)

Issue provisional improvement notice.

 Ask an inspector to conduct an inspection

[10 Marks]

[8 Marks]

Question 5
Describe shipboard situations where each of the following barriers to communication might
exist:
i. Perception: One crew member is shy, we interpret his attitude as aloof and not
interested.
ii. Cultural differences: Some cultures do not make eye contact. We may
interpret that as having something to hide.
iii. Filtering: Delivering some bad news to the chief about machinery failure due
to the actions of a junior engineer who you like. May try to play down his
wrong actions to the chief.
iv. Language: Bad language is acceptable in some cultures but considered very
rude in others, a literal interpretation may lead to personal conflict when no
offence was intended.
[8 Marks]

Question 6
a. What are designated work groups? How are they established and varied? A
“designated work group” (DWG) is a grouping of employees that enables the interest
of employees in relation to occupational health and safety to be safeguarded. The
OHS(MI) Act provides for involved unions and operators to consult on the formation
of a DWG on each ship. DWG’s can be formed around the classification of
employees on the ship (eg. Mates, Engineers, Integrated ratings, Catering staff). Ships
with a small crew may only need one DWG. Each DWG may select one of its
members to represent them on health and safety matters.
b. How, and for what period, are health and safety representatives appointed?
c. The members of the DWG may agree among themselves as to who will be their HSR.
However, if more than one member of the DWG wants the job, the relevant union
must arrange an election. When the HSR has been selected the person in command of
the vessel should be advised in writing. Each crew swing will need to make
arrangements for the selection of a HSR.
d. Maximum period of office is 2 years
[8 Marks]

Question 10
State the types of entries that are to be made in the narrative section (Part X) of the Official
Log-Book.

Part X Other Entries Required by Law or at Master’s Discretion

[4 Marks]