1.Can you tell me about your educational background and working experience? (omitted)
2.Can you tell me the responsibilities of the Chief Officer?
Under the leadership of the master, the C/O shall carry out the daily management of the deck department, and C/O is also responsible for cargo handling. The specific duties include:
A. Safety of the ship work place, safety equipment;
B. Daily safety and sanitary inspection;
C. Store and spare parts inventory management;
D. Maintenance in the deck;
E. Stowage plan making and supervising of the loading and unloading process; F. Take care of the cargo on board.
3.Can you talk about the previous vessels (last vessel) you worked on board?
Omitted.
4.What types of cargo have ever been carried on board your last vessel?
5.Where was your last vessel’s trading (plying, sailing) area?
Omitted.
6.Did you have the experience of working with foreign crews? What were their nationalities? Omitted. Please refer to the reference answers for the master.
7.Can you tell me about the cargo operation procedures and stowage plan?
Based on the capacity of the hold and the stowage factors, I shall calculate the volume of the cargo that is to be put into different holds. Then calculate the draft of the vessel and trimming, shear force, bend moment to meet the requirements of the ship. At last, stowage plan is made based on these factors.
8.What does a stowage factor of bulk cargo carrier include?
The stowage factor of any cargo is the figure which expresses the number of cubic units of measure needed to accommodate one unit of weighthow many square meters is needed to stow one metric ton of certain good. Stowage factors should include allowance for dunnage, irregular size of certain goods, pallets, and something else. It should be reminded that the stowage factor couldn’t cover any details in loading.
9.If there happens stevedore dama ge to cargo, equipment or ship’s structure, what should you do? If damage happens, I must record it first and then report it in an appropriate written form to the master and other parties concerned. The report must be signed by the liable parties admitting they have (or have not) responsibility for the damage. The dama ge report shall be carefully worded and shall be supported with photos. The damage report should also include the following contents: ship’s name, voyage number, date, geographical location, name of the person who tool the photos and his signature, location where the photo was taken, and what is I intended to show.
10.What precautions do you have to take before cargo operation is carried out?
To check the precargo operation check lists to make sure that no missing of any items. The following procedures are to be followed: (1) the C/O shall make a cargo operation plan. In the plan, the following factors shall be considered: the cargo must be stowed in such way that the stability, trim, shearing forces and bending moments are within the limits as laid down by the
stability manual; excessive weight on tank tops, between decks and hatch covers must be avoided; and cargo must be stowed and secured on such way as to avoid damage which can result in possible loss of life of property.
Preoperation conference with all ship’s personnelot her officers and crew that are to be involved in the cargo operation is held to discuss such matters as cargo disposition, numbers of gangs and working hours, usual and special safety requirements, ballasting and deballasting information, special requirements regarding cargo operation, damage prevention and control, personal organization, cargo watch etc. The C/O must ensure that all relevant personnel have fully understood the intended cargo and all usual and special safety and operational requirements.
11.What will you do if the cargo damage is found or suspected before loading/during loading?
I shall report to the master first and foremost. The master should decide whether to replace the damaged cargo. For the fullset machines and highvalued products, I must ask for the replacement in the loading port if damages are found. If the damaged cargoes cannot be replaced, then the chief mate shall make remarks on the chief mate’s receipt. If disputes happen on the quantity and quality of the cargoes, I shall, at the discretion of the master, ask the cargo surveyor to do the surveying. If necessary, under the endorsement of the ship owner, I shall write a Letter of Protest (based on the format provided by the company) to illustrate the innocence of the seamen on board.
During the voyage, when a very small amount of cargo damages, with the permission of the master, throw away into the sea to avoid any disputes with any third party.
12.What are the differences between the B/L and the Mate’s Receipt?
Tally Sheet is the basis of the Mate’s Receipt. Mate’s receipt is the basis of the B/L. The condition of the cargo is clearly shown on the Chief Mate’s Receipt. It is very important to make sure that the cargo condition on the bill of lading and that on the chief mate’s receipt is the same. If the consigner wants the master to issue clean B/L on the basis of unclean Mate’s Receipt, then the master firstly must ask for permission from the company. If the company agrees, then the consigner must issue reliable Letter of Indemnity or Letter of Guarantee.
13.If the draft survey proves a shortage of cargo after loading is completed, what will you do except to report to the Master? Will you make any remarks on the Mate’s Receipt? And what kinds of remarks will you make on the Mate’s Receipt?
In this case, I shall report the problem to the master first. With the permission of the master, I shall ask the third party surveyor to do the survey. If the survey shows there is shortage or damage of the cargo, then I shall write remarks on the mate’s receipt showing the loss or damage or shortage.
The third party is to be invited to make the objective report on the real quantity of the volume of the cargo. If the cargo is proved to be in shortage, then I shall write remarks on the chief mate’s receipt.
15.What do you know about the ISM code?
ISM code is the International Safety Management. It is a compulsor y rule and regulation on the safety management of the vessel and prevention of sea pollution. Each shipping company and the vessel should have their own ISM and SMS (safety management system) manuals.
16.Have you experienced any onboard internal audit procedures before?
The onboard internal audit is carried out at the discretion of the Designated Person of the ship owner. When the auditors come on board, the seamen should provide full support to their jobs. If observation or nonconformity items are found in the audit, these items should be treated with due diligence and rectified on time.
17.What is Garbage Management Plan?
According to MARPOL 73/78, the plan shall include the procedures for the garbage disposal, and the records that need to be done. The C/O should be responsible for the making of garbage disposal plan for the ship.
18.How do you carry out the deck machinery maintenance?
Yes, on board the last vessel, I often asked the bosun to organize the ABs and other ordinary sailors to make maintenance for such equipment as windlass ，steering engine, chipping the rust, greasing, derrick, crane, wires, meters and winch . All the maintenance plans for the machines in the deck department shall be made by the C/O. But the repair of the machines should be made by the engine department.
19.As the Chief Officer, what precautions do you have to take to prepare for the PSC (port state control) inspection?
The C/O should arrange the checks for the following items: safety equipment, sanitary situation on board, especially in the deck room, cabin room, the kitchen, cargo operation
safety, documents to be checked. Besides, under the empower ment the C/O should organize the emergency drills.
20.What precautions do you have to take before entry into an enclosed work place is permitted?
According to checklist, I shall prepare for the standby personnel, ventilation, breathing tool, connecting signals, oxygen, air and poisonous gases testing equipment, portable extinguisher, and other necessary equipment.
21.What checks have to be made before any hot work is permitted?
I must make sure that:
There is no gas leakage on cargo deck or pump room area;
The nearby places shall be free of inflammable materials or gases;
The area where the hot work is done is not piled with solvents of any kind, including diesel oil, kerosene, paint cleaners an thinners.
Gas testing is also important to make sure there is no flammable or toxic gas is present at the work site and that the oxygen content is 21% by volume.
Ventilation condition should also be checked before hot work.
22.On board your previous vessels, how often did you conduct a firefighting drill?
The fire fighting drill is carried out on monthly basis. When we did the firefighting drill, we just did it as if the real fire disaster had happened.
23.What is the C/O responsibility with regards to cargo operation?
The chief officer is in charge of safe handling of all cargo operation. However he must submit all cargo plans to the master for approval, as well as discuss any critical stage of cargo operation with the Master, before such stage being undertaken. He is also responsible for proper completion of cargo records, time sheets, performance logs and other paperwork related to
cargo operation.
24.What is the C/O’s responsibility with regard to deck maintenance?
The chief officer should prepare the deck maintenance scheduleboth the longterm and short term and discuss the schedule with the Master. He will be in charge of the deck department personnel and overseeing their duty work when they do the maintenance work.
25.The charted depth of anchorage is 40 meters, usually how do you drop the anchor?
Before dropping the anchor, we should make sure that the windlass and the brakes are in good condition, study the weather and water depth and sea condition. To make sure whether there is good holding ground. Take into account the duration of the anchorage action.
During the anchorage, lower the anchor until it touches ground, then disengage and slag the chain cable until the length is paid out. Use main engine to move it to stretch the cable. Do not use excessive weight for the cable.
The length of the cable must be decided by the master in advance. If the anchorage depth is more than 50 meters, to add additional shackle after 15 meters.
No matter how deep the water is, at least two shackles should be remained on board.
26.If water depth is more than 80 meters, is it possible for you to drop the anchor?
Except in emergency situation, dropping anchor in this depth of water is very dangerous. So if it is very important to drop the anchor, then the geographical condition (sea bed and adjacent area), weather condition must be carefully studied before dropping. Besides, it is very important to have a prediscussion or meeting with relevant seamen before the work is done.
27.How to keep the proper ventilation during the voyage? For example, your ship loaded the steel coil at Constansta on December and the discharging port will be in Singapore.
In order to prevent rust formation on the surface of the steel, I must make sure the temperature in holds is higher than the dew point at any times. Ventilation is to be made on the condition of dew point and try to lower the dew point.
28.How do you maintain the minimum under keel clearance (UKC) when the vessel during passage/in fairways/inside ports?
In different places, the UKC may vary a little bit. But, generally, during passage, the UKC should be 20% of the load draft; in fairways, 10% of the load draft; and inside the port, 10% of the load draft. The reference data are subject to the regulations of the port authority.
29.In case of cargo damage (for example, before the vessel arrive at the discharging port, when opening the hatch, you find the quality of the surface cargo had changed) how would you handle it?
Well, I have to the quantity of the cargo whose quality has changed. If the cargo is in small quantity, then I shall dispose it myself. If it is in large quantity, I shall ask for decision from the master.
30.What is the sensitive cargo? And which cargo was defined as the sensitive cargo by P & I?
The cargo is particularly susceptible to moisture damage and special attention shall be required in taking care of this type of cargo during voyage. Cement, grain, and sugar are usually
defined as sensitive cargoes. In operating the sensitive cargoes, great care should be taken.
31.How do you know whether the cargo holds are fitted for loading?
According to the requirements of the charterer party’s requirements, I shall check it to see whether it meets the charter’s dema nds. Then, I will make my own judgment. If the holds are not suitable for loading any type of cargo, I shall report this to the master and ask him to decide on this.
32.Briefly explain general requirements of grain cargo carriage.
1) Preparation for the space where the grain is going to be put.
The hold into which the grain is to be loaded is to be very clean and free from scale and bad smell. Any open bilge shall be clean and dry. The tank top should be clean, having no stain and dry. Any timber boards must be in good condition and covered with tarpaulin. The rear sides of the brackets and beams, piping etc shall be completely washed and cleaned of all cargo residue and dust. All residues from the previous cargo shall be removed. And if the ship was used in carrying grain in the previous voyages, and if insects are found in the hold, then the holds shall be fumigated with insecticide.
2) Ventilation
Grain is a kind of cargo that can self heat and condense and can absorb moisture. Without good ventilation, the cargo can easily deteriorate. With bulk grain, air is to be blown to the surface of the grain continuously on daily basis in order to remove the remitted air from the cargo. The temperature of the cargo shall be tested by thermometer on daily basis and be recorded in the log book.
For detailed answer, please refer to the IMO Grain Rule. (IMO Resolution A 714)
3) CODE OF SAFE PRACTICE FOR CARGO STOWAGE AND SECURING.
33.How to conduct ventilation for hygroscopic cargo from warm to cold area voyage, and from cold to warm voyage? How about the nonhygroscopic cargo？
For the hygroscopic cargo: From warm to cold voyage, ventilation is very critical. Ventilation should be as strong as possible in the beginning, eventually the outside dew point will be too low. This is a very difficult voyage situation in which to arrange satisfactory ventilation. From cold to warm voyage, the ventilation is not necessary.
For the nonhygroscopic cargo: from cold to warm voyage, no ventilation is needed, and cargo sweat would occur on the surface of the stow if relativel7 warmer moisture laden air was admitted. From the warm to the cold voyage, no ventilation is needed because ship sweat is inevitable but cargo will be unaffected unless condensation drips back on the stow.
34.How to prevent cargo damage caused by rain or seawater?
Before the voyage, to check whether the hatch cover is closed properly, and make sure that tight water condition is in good order. To make sure suction boxes and man holes are properly closed; to check the bulkhead of adjacent ballast tank.
35.When you are ready for pilot, what preparation should you make?
Firstly, contact the pilotage station to arrange for the pilot to come on board;
Secondly, contact the coming pilot and discuss with him on the vessel’s heading position and speed at the time of his boarding
Thirdly, deck watch duty officer shall supervise the embarkation and disembarkation of the pilot to ensure his identity and his safety.
Fourthly, the pilot ladder must meet the US Coast Guard and IMO’s standards. Fifthly, prepare the ladder well and hoist the Golf flag.
Sixthly, give a good reception to the pilot by the officer and master.
Lastly, when the pilot is on board, H flag should be hoisted.
36.When you pass by the Panama Canal, what should you pay attention to? Why?
The turn of bilge radius should be made known to the pilot. According to the regulations there, the turn of bilge radius of the vessel cannot be over 12.04 meters in the fresh water area. No bilge water is allowed to be remitted.
As a precaution, we should check with the MR Notice and apply for correction if on time.
ETA 7 days before we pass by the Canal, we should report to the Canal authority on the vessel condition.
37.How often did the superintendent come on board to check? If the superintendents and the P&I people do not come on board for checking, if cargo damage happens, what should you do to deal with the situation?
On my last ship, the superintendent came on board whenever the vessel came to large ports. If the superintendent does come on board the ship, we will just report the accidents to the ship owner and ask for their proposals. But of course, master and I will solve some minor problems. Another thing
38.What materials and information do you need when you make the passage plan?
The passage plan shall contain all the charts required and shall locate all the information concerning area of intended area. The information needed for the passage plan shall be found from the Sailing Direction, List of Lights, Tide Tables, tidal Stream Table, Guide to port Entry, Deep Draft Vessel Planning Guide, The INO Ship Route Guide, Guide to Tanker Port, various ports’ information booklets, government and port regulations, Navigational Warnings, pilot Charts, Notice to Mariners, Weather Information, and so on.
39.Do you often change the ballasting water? In maintaining the ballasting water, what particular attention should you have to pay to?
Not often, except that in some countries’ seacoast where the PSC requires the change of ballasting water in certain area to prevent the sea pollution.
Pumpingin andout the ballasting water on time is very important to keep the stress of the vessel in good condition. Under heavy weather
condition, it is necessary to test the ballasting and bilge water more often to make sure the stability of the vessel.
40.What should you pay attention to when you the vessel load coal?
Trimming is very important to make sure that the cargo is even loaded. The coal is liable to get fire so you have to be very careful in fire ignition and firefighting equipment should be ready. Air in the cargo space should be regularly checked. Bilge water should be tested
systematically to see whether there is any water leakage.
During the voyage, the ventilation is very important. No ventilation is a good idea. The oxygen’s entering is very important factor that can make the fire disaster.
Also, you have to measure the temperature often; and if the temperature is too high, spray water to lower the temperature.
41.What are the functions of the B/L? What is clean B/L and what is unclean B/L?
B/L has the three very important functions: It contains evidence of the terms of the contract of carriagea promise to carry and deliver the cargo. It contains the apparent order, condition, and quantity or weight of goods at the time of shipment. It is also a document of title (property) of the cargo.
Clean B/L is the one on which there is not any remark of cargo loss, shortage or damage. Unclean B/L is also called claused B/L, which carries some remarks of cargo damage, quantity shortage and so on.
42.What is back dated or antidated B/L? What is advanced B/L?
Back date B/L refers to the B/L whose issuing date is earlier than the virtual loading completion date. Advanced B/L refers to the B/L that is signed and issued by the carrier before the completion of loading. Both back date and advanced B/L will bring some dangers and liability to the ship owner and charterer.
43.In order to prevent stowaway, what precautions should you take before the vessel is sailing from a port?
Before departure from any port, crew check has to be made and any ship has to be checked and searched for stowaway. The following spaces shall be searched thoroughly: void space, chain lockers, funnel, and other places where the stowaways can be found.
If stowaways are discovered before the ship sails: Arrange for his disembarkation using services of the local agent; notify the company, take necessary steps to prevent any further reoccurrence.
44.Who should not be allowed to have the shore leave at the same time?
In view of the jobs on board, the following positions and ranks can not be allowed to have shore leave at the same time: Master and C/O; C/E and first engineer; C/E and electrician; Bosun and Pumpman (in tankers); chief cook and second (or mass boy); C/O and pumpman (in tankers).
Every member who wants leave the ship must check with the department head for permission and return back to the vessel on time.
45.What is the maximum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) rate on board?
According to the ISM, the BAC shall not be more than 0.04% by weight any time when being tested. But watch keepers is not allowed to drink any alcoholic beverage 4 hours before their watch.
46.How to operate incinerator? What kind of garbage can not be thrown into incinerator?
Fist, check the oil level in the oil tank; open residue cook and discharge oily water; heating the bilge oil in the tank to 70 to 80 centigrade; start the incinerator. In the beginning, combustion bilge oil with light oil, and after the water content in bilge oil is comparatively low, stop supplying light oil and use bilge oil only. Attention: the temperature in combustion cannot be higher than the stipulated figures of the incinerator (usually not more than 500 degree in centigrade.).
The following garbage can not be thrown into the incinerator:
• Any containers which have contained gases under pressure, or aerosol cans into the incinerator.
• The materials that may produce harmful gases or ashes;
• The materials that may produce high temperature and prolonged incineration of such materials that may cause damage to the incinerator.
47.What should a Muster List include? What kind of Muster Lists did you have on the last vessel?
The Muster List should include the following:
(1) Details of emergency alarm signal; (2) How shipabandon will be given; (3) Officer responsible for the maintenance of fire fighting equipment and life saving appliances,
which should always in good condition and ready for immediate use. (4) Substitutes for the key personnel who may become disabled; (5) Specify the boat to which each person belongs and duties to be performed by abandon ship situation; (6) The specific group to which person belongs and general duties during various emergencies; (7) Any additional or specific duties;
CÂU HỎI DÀNH CHO ĐẠI PHÓ
CÂU HỎI DÀNH CHO ĐẠI PHÓNgày đăng: 08-09-2021 | 93 lượt xem
CHIEF OFFICER’S QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1.Can you tell me about your educational background and working experience? (omitted)
2.Can you tell me the responsibilities of the Chief Officer?
Under the leadership of the master, the C/O shall carry out the daily management of the deck department, and C/O is also responsible for cargo handling. The specific duties include:
A. Safety of the ship work place, safety equipment;
B. Daily safety and sanitary inspection;
C. Store and spare parts inventory management;
D. Maintenance in the deck;
E. Stowage plan making and supervising of the loading and unloading process; F. Take care of the cargo on board.
3.Can you talk about the previous vessels (last vessel) you worked on board?
Omitted.
4.What types of cargo have ever been carried on board your last vessel?
5.Where was your last vessel’s trading (plying, sailing) area?
Omitted.
6.Did you have the experience of working with foreign crews? What were their nationalities? Omitted. Please refer to the reference answers for the master.
7.Can you tell me about the cargo operation procedures and stowage plan?
Based on the capacity of the hold and the stowage factors, I shall calculate the volume of the cargo that is to be put into different holds. Then calculate the draft of the vessel and trimming, shear force, bend moment to meet the requirements of the ship. At last, stowage plan is made based on these factors.
8.What does a stowage factor of bulk cargo carrier include?
The stowage factor of any cargo is the figure which expresses the number of cubic units of measure needed to accommodate one unit of weighthow many square meters is needed to stow one metric ton of certain good. Stowage factors should include allowance for dunnage, irregular size of certain goods, pallets, and something else. It should be reminded that the stowage factor couldn’t cover any details in loading.
9.If there happens stevedore dama ge to cargo, equipment or ship’s structure, what should you do? If damage happens, I must record it first and then report it in an appropriate written form to the master and other parties concerned. The report must be signed by the liable parties admitting they have (or have not) responsibility for the damage. The dama ge report shall be carefully worded and shall be supported with photos. The damage report should also include the following contents: ship’s name, voyage number, date, geographical location, name of the person who tool the photos and his signature, location where the photo was taken, and what is I intended to show.
10.What precautions do you have to take before cargo operation is carried out?
To check the precargo operation check lists to make sure that no missing of any items. The following procedures are to be followed: (1) the C/O shall make a cargo operation plan. In the plan, the following factors shall be considered: the cargo must be stowed in such way that the stability, trim, shearing forces and bending moments are within the limits as laid down by the
stability manual; excessive weight on tank tops, between decks and hatch covers must be avoided; and cargo must be stowed and secured on such way as to avoid damage which can result in possible loss of life of property.
Preoperation conference with all ship’s personnelot her officers and crew that are to be involved in the cargo operation is held to discuss such matters as cargo disposition, numbers of gangs and working hours, usual and special safety requirements, ballasting and deballasting information, special requirements regarding cargo operation, damage prevention and control, personal organization, cargo watch etc. The C/O must ensure that all relevant personnel have fully understood the intended cargo and all usual and special safety and operational requirements.
11.What will you do if the cargo damage is found or suspected before loading/during loading?
I shall report to the master first and foremost. The master should decide whether to replace the damaged cargo. For the fullset machines and highvalued products, I must ask for the replacement in the loading port if damages are found. If the damaged cargoes cannot be replaced, then the chief mate shall make remarks on the chief mate’s receipt. If disputes happen on the quantity and quality of the cargoes, I shall, at the discretion of the master, ask the cargo surveyor to do the surveying. If necessary, under the endorsement of the ship owner, I shall write a Letter of Protest (based on the format provided by the company) to illustrate the innocence of the seamen on board.
During the voyage, when a very small amount of cargo damages, with the permission of the master, throw away into the sea to avoid any disputes with any third party.
12.What are the differences between the B/L and the Mate’s Receipt?
Tally Sheet is the basis of the Mate’s Receipt. Mate’s receipt is the basis of the B/L. The condition of the cargo is clearly shown on the Chief Mate’s Receipt. It is very important to make sure that the cargo condition on the bill of lading and that on the chief mate’s receipt is the same. If the consigner wants the master to issue clean B/L on the basis of unclean Mate’s Receipt, then the master firstly must ask for permission from the company. If the company agrees, then the consigner must issue reliable Letter of Indemnity or Letter of Guarantee.
13.If the draft survey proves a shortage of cargo after loading is completed, what will you do except to report to the Master? Will you make any remarks on the Mate’s Receipt? And what kinds of remarks will you make on the Mate’s Receipt?
In this case, I shall report the problem to the master first. With the permission of the master, I shall ask the third party surveyor to do the survey. If the survey shows there is shortage or damage of the cargo, then I shall write remarks on the mate’s receipt showing the loss or damage or shortage.
The third party is to be invited to make the objective report on the real quantity of the volume of the cargo. If the cargo is proved to be in shortage, then I shall write remarks on the chief mate’s receipt.
15.What do you know about the ISM code?
ISM code is the International Safety Management. It is a compulsor y rule and regulation on the safety management of the vessel and prevention of sea pollution. Each shipping company and the vessel should have their own ISM and SMS (safety management system) manuals.
16.Have you experienced any onboard internal audit procedures before?
The onboard internal audit is carried out at the discretion of the Designated Person of the ship owner. When the auditors come on board, the seamen should provide full support to their jobs. If observation or nonconformity items are found in the audit, these items should be treated with due diligence and rectified on time.
17.What is Garbage Management Plan?
According to MARPOL 73/78, the plan shall include the procedures for the garbage disposal, and the records that need to be done. The C/O should be responsible for the making of garbage disposal plan for the ship.
18.How do you carry out the deck machinery maintenance?
Yes, on board the last vessel, I often asked the bosun to organize the ABs and other ordinary sailors to make maintenance for such equipment as windlass ，steering engine, chipping the rust, greasing, derrick, crane, wires, meters and winch . All the maintenance plans for the machines in the deck department shall be made by the C/O. But the repair of the machines should be made by the engine department.
19.As the Chief Officer, what precautions do you have to take to prepare for the PSC (port state control) inspection?
The C/O should arrange the checks for the following items: safety equipment, sanitary situation on board, especially in the deck room, cabin room, the kitchen, cargo operation
safety, documents to be checked. Besides, under the empower ment the C/O should organize the emergency drills.
20.What precautions do you have to take before entry into an enclosed work place is permitted?
According to checklist, I shall prepare for the standby personnel, ventilation, breathing tool, connecting signals, oxygen, air and poisonous gases testing equipment, portable extinguisher, and other necessary equipment.
21.What checks have to be made before any hot work is permitted?
I must make sure that:
There is no gas leakage on cargo deck or pump room area;
The nearby places shall be free of inflammable materials or gases;
The area where the hot work is done is not piled with solvents of any kind, including diesel oil, kerosene, paint cleaners an thinners.
Gas testing is also important to make sure there is no flammable or toxic gas is present at the work site and that the oxygen content is 21% by volume.
Ventilation condition should also be checked before hot work.
22.On board your previous vessels, how often did you conduct a firefighting drill?
The fire fighting drill is carried out on monthly basis. When we did the firefighting drill, we just did it as if the real fire disaster had happened.
23.What is the C/O responsibility with regards to cargo operation?
The chief officer is in charge of safe handling of all cargo operation. However he must submit all cargo plans to the master for approval, as well as discuss any critical stage of cargo operation with the Master, before such stage being undertaken. He is also responsible for proper completion of cargo records, time sheets, performance logs and other paperwork related to
cargo operation.
24.What is the C/O’s responsibility with regard to deck maintenance?
The chief officer should prepare the deck maintenance scheduleboth the longterm and short term and discuss the schedule with the Master. He will be in charge of the deck department personnel and overseeing their duty work when they do the maintenance work.
25.The charted depth of anchorage is 40 meters, usually how do you drop the anchor?
Before dropping the anchor, we should make sure that the windlass and the brakes are in good condition, study the weather and water depth and sea condition. To make sure whether there is good holding ground. Take into account the duration of the anchorage action.
During the anchorage, lower the anchor until it touches ground, then disengage and slag the chain cable until the length is paid out. Use main engine to move it to stretch the cable. Do not use excessive weight for the cable.
The length of the cable must be decided by the master in advance. If the anchorage depth is more than 50 meters, to add additional shackle after 15 meters.
No matter how deep the water is, at least two shackles should be remained on board.
26.If water depth is more than 80 meters, is it possible for you to drop the anchor?
Except in emergency situation, dropping anchor in this depth of water is very dangerous. So if it is very important to drop the anchor, then the geographical condition (sea bed and adjacent area), weather condition must be carefully studied before dropping. Besides, it is very important to have a prediscussion or meeting with relevant seamen before the work is done.
27.How to keep the proper ventilation during the voyage? For example, your ship loaded the steel coil at Constansta on December and the discharging port will be in Singapore.
In order to prevent rust formation on the surface of the steel, I must make sure the temperature in holds is higher than the dew point at any times. Ventilation is to be made on the condition of dew point and try to lower the dew point.
28.How do you maintain the minimum under keel clearance (UKC) when the vessel during passage/in fairways/inside ports?
In different places, the UKC may vary a little bit. But, generally, during passage, the UKC should be 20% of the load draft; in fairways, 10% of the load draft; and inside the port, 10% of the load draft. The reference data are subject to the regulations of the port authority.
29.In case of cargo damage (for example, before the vessel arrive at the discharging port, when opening the hatch, you find the quality of the surface cargo had changed) how would you handle it?
Well, I have to the quantity of the cargo whose quality has changed. If the cargo is in small quantity, then I shall dispose it myself. If it is in large quantity, I shall ask for decision from the master.
30.What is the sensitive cargo? And which cargo was defined as the sensitive cargo by P & I?
The cargo is particularly susceptible to moisture damage and special attention shall be required in taking care of this type of cargo during voyage. Cement, grain, and sugar are usually
defined as sensitive cargoes. In operating the sensitive cargoes, great care should be taken.
31.How do you know whether the cargo holds are fitted for loading?
According to the requirements of the charterer party’s requirements, I shall check it to see whether it meets the charter’s dema nds. Then, I will make my own judgment. If the holds are not suitable for loading any type of cargo, I shall report this to the master and ask him to decide on this.
32.Briefly explain general requirements of grain cargo carriage.
1) Preparation for the space where the grain is going to be put.
The hold into which the grain is to be loaded is to be very clean and free from scale and bad smell. Any open bilge shall be clean and dry. The tank top should be clean, having no stain and dry. Any timber boards must be in good condition and covered with tarpaulin. The rear sides of the brackets and beams, piping etc shall be completely washed and cleaned of all cargo residue and dust. All residues from the previous cargo shall be removed. And if the ship was used in carrying grain in the previous voyages, and if insects are found in the hold, then the holds shall be fumigated with insecticide.
2) Ventilation
Grain is a kind of cargo that can self heat and condense and can absorb moisture. Without good ventilation, the cargo can easily deteriorate. With bulk grain, air is to be blown to the surface of the grain continuously on daily basis in order to remove the remitted air from the cargo. The temperature of the cargo shall be tested by thermometer on daily basis and be recorded in the log book.
For detailed answer, please refer to the IMO Grain Rule. (IMO Resolution A 714)
3) CODE OF SAFE PRACTICE FOR CARGO STOWAGE AND SECURING.
33.How to conduct ventilation for hygroscopic cargo from warm to cold area voyage, and from cold to warm voyage? How about the nonhygroscopic cargo？
For the hygroscopic cargo: From warm to cold voyage, ventilation is very critical. Ventilation should be as strong as possible in the beginning, eventually the outside dew point will be too low. This is a very difficult voyage situation in which to arrange satisfactory ventilation. From cold to warm voyage, the ventilation is not necessary.
For the nonhygroscopic cargo: from cold to warm voyage, no ventilation is needed, and cargo sweat would occur on the surface of the stow if relativel7 warmer moisture laden air was admitted. From the warm to the cold voyage, no ventilation is needed because ship sweat is inevitable but cargo will be unaffected unless condensation drips back on the stow.
34.How to prevent cargo damage caused by rain or seawater?
Before the voyage, to check whether the hatch cover is closed properly, and make sure that tight water condition is in good order. To make sure suction boxes and man holes are properly closed; to check the bulkhead of adjacent ballast tank.
35.When you are ready for pilot, what preparation should you make?
Firstly, contact the pilotage station to arrange for the pilot to come on board;
Secondly, contact the coming pilot and discuss with him on the vessel’s heading position and speed at the time of his boarding
Thirdly, deck watch duty officer shall supervise the embarkation and disembarkation of the pilot to ensure his identity and his safety.
Fourthly, the pilot ladder must meet the US Coast Guard and IMO’s standards. Fifthly, prepare the ladder well and hoist the Golf flag.
Sixthly, give a good reception to the pilot by the officer and master.
Lastly, when the pilot is on board, H flag should be hoisted.
36.When you pass by the Panama Canal, what should you pay attention to? Why?
The turn of bilge radius should be made known to the pilot. According to the regulations there, the turn of bilge radius of the vessel cannot be over 12.04 meters in the fresh water area. No bilge water is allowed to be remitted.
As a precaution, we should check with the MR Notice and apply for correction if on time.
ETA 7 days before we pass by the Canal, we should report to the Canal authority on the vessel condition.
37.How often did the superintendent come on board to check? If the superintendents and the P&I people do not come on board for checking, if cargo damage happens, what should you do to deal with the situation?
On my last ship, the superintendent came on board whenever the vessel came to large ports. If the superintendent does come on board the ship, we will just report the accidents to the ship owner and ask for their proposals. But of course, master and I will solve some minor problems. Another thing
38.What materials and information do you need when you make the passage plan?
The passage plan shall contain all the charts required and shall locate all the information concerning area of intended area. The information needed for the passage plan shall be found from the Sailing Direction, List of Lights, Tide Tables, tidal Stream Table, Guide to port Entry, Deep Draft Vessel Planning Guide, The INO Ship Route Guide, Guide to Tanker Port, various ports’ information booklets, government and port regulations, Navigational Warnings, pilot Charts, Notice to Mariners, Weather Information, and so on.
39.Do you often change the ballasting water? In maintaining the ballasting water, what particular attention should you have to pay to?
Not often, except that in some countries’ seacoast where the PSC requires the change of ballasting water in certain area to prevent the sea pollution.
Pumpingin andout the ballasting water on time is very important to keep the stress of the vessel in good condition. Under heavy weather
condition, it is necessary to test the ballasting and bilge water more often to make sure the stability of the vessel.
40.What should you pay attention to when you the vessel load coal?
Trimming is very important to make sure that the cargo is even loaded. The coal is liable to get fire so you have to be very careful in fire ignition and firefighting equipment should be ready. Air in the cargo space should be regularly checked. Bilge water should be tested
systematically to see whether there is any water leakage.
During the voyage, the ventilation is very important. No ventilation is a good idea. The oxygen’s entering is very important factor that can make the fire disaster.
Also, you have to measure the temperature often; and if the temperature is too high, spray water to lower the temperature.
41.What are the functions of the B/L? What is clean B/L and what is unclean B/L?
B/L has the three very important functions: It contains evidence of the terms of the contract of carriagea promise to carry and deliver the cargo. It contains the apparent order, condition, and quantity or weight of goods at the time of shipment. It is also a document of title (property) of the cargo.
Clean B/L is the one on which there is not any remark of cargo loss, shortage or damage. Unclean B/L is also called claused B/L, which carries some remarks of cargo damage, quantity shortage and so on.
42.What is back dated or antidated B/L? What is advanced B/L?
Back date B/L refers to the B/L whose issuing date is earlier than the virtual loading completion date. Advanced B/L refers to the B/L that is signed and issued by the carrier before the completion of loading. Both back date and advanced B/L will bring some dangers and liability to the ship owner and charterer.
43.In order to prevent stowaway, what precautions should you take before the vessel is sailing from a port?
Before departure from any port, crew check has to be made and any ship has to be checked and searched for stowaway. The following spaces shall be searched thoroughly: void space, chain lockers, funnel, and other places where the stowaways can be found.
If stowaways are discovered before the ship sails: Arrange for his disembarkation using services of the local agent; notify the company, take necessary steps to prevent any further reoccurrence.
44.Who should not be allowed to have the shore leave at the same time?
In view of the jobs on board, the following positions and ranks can not be allowed to have shore leave at the same time: Master and C/O; C/E and first engineer; C/E and electrician; Bosun and Pumpman (in tankers); chief cook and second (or mass boy); C/O and pumpman (in tankers).
Every member who wants leave the ship must check with the department head for permission and return back to the vessel on time.
45.What is the maximum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) rate on board?
According to the ISM, the BAC shall not be more than 0.04% by weight any time when being tested. But watch keepers is not allowed to drink any alcoholic beverage 4 hours before their watch.
46.How to operate incinerator? What kind of garbage can not be thrown into incinerator?
Fist, check the oil level in the oil tank; open residue cook and discharge oily water; heating the bilge oil in the tank to 70 to 80 centigrade; start the incinerator. In the beginning, combustion bilge oil with light oil, and after the water content in bilge oil is comparatively low, stop supplying light oil and use bilge oil only. Attention: the temperature in combustion cannot be higher than the stipulated figures of the incinerator (usually not more than 500 degree in centigrade.).
The following garbage can not be thrown into the incinerator:
• Any containers which have contained gases under pressure, or aerosol cans into the incinerator.
• The materials that may produce harmful gases or ashes;
• The materials that may produce high temperature and prolonged incineration of such materials that may cause damage to the incinerator.
47.What should a Muster List include? What kind of Muster Lists did you have on the last vessel?
The Muster List should include the following:
(1) Details of emergency alarm signal; (2) How shipabandon will be given; (3) Officer responsible for the maintenance of fire fighting equipment and life saving appliances,
which should always in good condition and ready for immediate use. (4) Substitutes for the key personnel who may become disabled; (5) Specify the boat to which each person belongs and duties to be performed by abandon ship situation; (6) The specific group to which person belongs and general duties during various emergencies; (7) Any additional or specific duties;