NAVTEX

The Navtex system provides reception of local Maritime Safety Information (MSI) by Navtex Receiver on board ship. Navtex Transmitters are situated along the coast in various Navarea and the normal coverage is up to 400 NM range. The broadcast is automated direct printing service (RAdio Telex emission F1B) and the mode is FEC (Forward Error Correction) i.e, each character in the message is transmitted twice. MSI broadcast consists of SAR, navigational, metrological warnings and urgent information to ships.

The Navtex receiver is a unit comprises a pre tuned radio receiver, signal processor and dedicated display device. The Printer can be an integral parts of the equipment or can be an external printer. The Navtex unit should be programmed to display or print only message from stations that are of interest to the user. The latest Navtex Receiver are having user friendly function controls accessible by few buttons, up/down/side arrow keys and displayed menu Tree.

The NAVTEX system is designed to be used in GMDSS Sea Area A2, and is utilised mainly by those countries with relatively small areas of coastline and/or sea areas to cover.

Major areas of NAVTEX coverage include the Mediterranean Sea, the North Sea, coastal areas around Japan and areas around the North American continent.

NAVTEX message format

NAVTEX messages are transmitted using the following format:

in which

ZCZC defines the end of the phasing period,

the B1 character is a letter (A-Z) identifying the transmitter coverage area,

the B2 character is a letter (A-Z) for each type of message.

B3B4 is a two-character serial number for each message, starting with 01 except in special cases where the serial number 00 is used.

The transmitter identification character (B1) is a single letter allocated to each NAVTEX shore station transmitter. NAVTEX receivers allow the operator to accept or reject messages from any station, based on this single letter code.

The subject indicator character (B2) is also single letter code which serves to identify the message subject. NAVTEX receivers also allow the operator to reject certain messages based on the subject indicator character. However, messages concerning Navigational Warnings, Meteorological Warnings, and Search And Rescue information can not be rejected.

Subject indicator characters assigned to the NAVTEX system are as follows:

A - Navigational warnings
B - Meteorological warnings
C - Ice reports
D - Search and rescue information
E - Meteorological forecasts
F - Pilot service messages
G - Decca messages
H - Loran messages
I - Omega messages
J - Satnav messages
K - Other electronic navaid messages
L - Additional navigational messages
V - Special services
W - Special services (possible other languages use)
X - Special services
Y- Special services
Z - No message on hand (QRU)

Shipboard NAVTEX equipment

A NAVTEX receiver is normally a compact unit, with an integrated display and keyboard.

Once programmed with appropriate station codes and subject indicator characters, the unit is left unattended - messages are received automatically.

Frequency of operation

The NAVTEX system uses three broadcast frequencies:

518 kHz - the main NAVTEX channel

490 kHz - used for broadcasts in local languages (ie: non-English)

4209.5 kHz - allocated for NAVTEX broadcasts in tropical areas - not widely used at the moment.

All broadcasts from stations within the same NAVAREA must be coordinated on a time sharing basis to eliminate interference.

In addition, power outputs from each station are adjusted to control the range of each broadcast.  This is particularly important during night-time hours, as Medium Frequencies always travel further after dark.

Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

Introduction
DSC equipment is an ALERT PROGRAMER which can transmits and receives all kinds of DSC alerts. It works on digital mode (Telex mode Emission F1B). It is only a MODEM. It can not transmit and receive all kinds of DSC alerts. However a dedicated DSC scanning watch keeping receiver is also available to receive DSC alerts which is connected to modem.

The DSC system's digital processing techniques, combined with the relatively narrow receiver bandwidths used, provide a DSC signal with resistance to noise and fading over the radio path.
This results in increased range compared with radiotelephone transmissions.

Unfortunately, DSC remains one of the GMDSS' least understood sub-systems.  This lack of understanding is reflected in the very high DSC false alert rate.

Operations

DSC is used to establish initial contact between stations.

Following an alert by DSC, communications are normally carried out by radiotelephone or Narrow Band Direct Printing (NBDP - radio telex).

DSC can be considered as a replacement for the radiotelephone and radiotelegraph (Morse) alarm signals.

Rather than just indicate that the sending station is in distress, the DSC system allows a great deal more information to be transmitted, including:

- the priority of the call - DISTRESS, URGENCY, SAFETY or ROUTINE;
- the address - ie: all ships or a single ship/station;
- the identification of the ship in distress;
- the position of the ship in distress; and
- the nature of the distress.

DSC call categories

The DSC system supports a number of call categories. These categories mirror the standard maritime prioritisation of message traffic, ie:

DISTRESS               URGENCY               SAFETY               ROUTINE

Distress alerts are automatically addressed to all stations.

Urgency, safety and routine calls can be addressed to all stations, an individual station, or a group of stations.

Maritime Mobile Service Identities (MMSI)

All DSC equipment is programmed with a unique nine digit identification number, known as a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI).

The MMSI is sent automatically with each and every DSC transmission made.

MMSIs allocated to merchant vessels are normally allocated with three trailing zero's.

Those allocated to recreational craft have two or one trailing zero, Coast Station MMSI's are formed with two leading zero's, those allocated to SAR aircraft use 111 as the first three digits, hand held radios have 8 as a leading digit and Man Overboard beacons have their own code structure, starting with 972.

 DSC equipment

GMDSS DSC equipment is normally comprised of a stand alone control unit, with an alpha-numeric display screen and a keyboard on which to compose messages.

The control unit controls the actions of the DSC modem (modulator demodulator).  The modem is interfaced to a DSC watchkeeping receiver - this receiver is fixed tuned to either the VHF DSC channel (ch. 70), the 2 MHz DSC channel, or the HF DSC channels.

HF DSC watchkeeping receivers are designed to scan the 6 MF/HF DSC channels in rapid sequence (2 seconds or less).

DSC watchkeeping receivers are fitted with their own dedicated antennas.

The DSC modem decodes all calls on the frequency to which the watchkeeping receiver is tuned.  If calls are received addressed to all ships, or to the particular ship on which the DSC system is fitted, the DSC controller sounds an alarm, and displays the decoded information on the alpha-numeric display.
To transmit a DSC call, a GMDSS operator enters the required commands to identify the station (or stations) with which communication is desired, the priority (DISTRESS, URGENT, SAFETY or ROUTINE) and the purpose of the call.

Once the call is composed, the CALL button is pressed on the DSC controller, and the information is sent to the associated transmitter for transmission.

All DSC systems provide complete remote control of the associated transmitter - the selected DSC frequency information is fed to the transmitter over a serial control link from the DSC controller.

The whole process is automated - the DSC system instructs the transmitter to change to the required DSC channel, the transmitter changes channel and (in the case of MF/HF systems) tunes its antenna system.  The transmitter then signals a ready command to the DSC controller, which sends the information for broadcasting.  The entire process takes only 3 to 5 seconds.

DSC controllers are also required to be interfaced to GPS receivers for automatic updating of position and time information.  This information is automatically included in distress calls.

DSC controllers are also required to be equipped with a DISTRESS button, which allows the transmission of a distress call with minimum delay. The button is required to be protected by a cover, and also can only be activated after "2 separate and independent actions".

If the false alert is sent on any DSC frequency. Switch off/Reset the equipment to stop auto repetition. On corresponding voice frequency, broadcast cancellation message to All stations giving ships particulars.

GMDSS: Operational Requirement

General

The GMDSS enables a ship in distress to send an alert using various radio systems. These systems are designed such that the alert has a very high probability of being received by either shore rescue authorities and/or other vessels in the area.

Equipment performing GMDSS functions must be simple to operate and (wherever appropriate) be designed for unattended operation.

Distress Alerts must be able to be initiated from the position from which the ship is normally navigated (ie; the bridge).

EPIRBs are required to be installed close to, or capable of remote activation from the position from which the ship is normally navigated.

The SOLAS GMDSS regulations are structured such that all GMDSS ships are required to carry a minimum set of equipment, with basically more equipment being required the further the ship travels from land.

The SOLAS GMDSS regulations do not make particularly easy reading - a simplified version of the equipment required to be carried for each sea area is detailed below.

Minimum GMDSS Carriage Requirement

Equipment	Area A1	Area A2	Area A3	Area A4
VHF with DSC	2 Nos	2 Nos	2 Nos	2 Nos
MF/HF DSC with Transceiver	----	1 No	1 No	2 Nos
Inmarsat A or B with EGC or SAT-A	----	1 No	1 No	---
EPIRB	2 Nos	2 Nos	2 Nos	2 Nos
SART	2 Nos	2 Nos	2 Nos	2 Nos
SURVIVAL CRAFT HAND HELD VHF        Up to 500 GRT        Above 500 GRT (With Spare Primary Battery with Seal Intact)	2 Nos 3 Nos	2 Nos 3 Nos	2 Nos 3 Nos	2 Nos 3 Nos
Navtex	1 No	1 No	1 No	1 No
Shore Based Maintenance	---	Yes	Yes	Yes

Duplication Of Equipments: (Primary Means)

Area	Primary Means	Secondary Means
Area A1	VHF with DSC	VHF with DSC
Area A2	MF/HF DSC with Transceiver with NBDP	SAT C With EGC
Area A3	SAT C With EGC	SAT C With EGC
Area A4	MF/HF DSC with Transceiver with NBDP	MF/HF DSC with Transceiver with NBDP

Secondary Means: 2 Nos EPIRB

Power supply requirements

GMDSS equipment is required to be powered from three sources of supply:

ship's normal alternators/generators;

ship's emergency alternator/generator (if fitted); and

a dedicated radio battery supply.

The batteries are required to have a capacity to power the equipment for 1 hour on ships with an emergency generator, and 6 hours on ships not fitted with an emergency generator.

The batteries must be charged by an automatic charger, which is also required to be powered from the main and emergency generators.

Changeover from AC to battery supply must be automatic, and effected in such a way that any any data held by the equipment is not corrupted (ie: "no break").

Operator qualifications

There are a number of different types of GMDSS qualifications, as follows:

First Class Radio-Electronic Certificate;

Second Class Radio-Electronic Certificate; and

GMDSS General Operator's Certificate

The First and Second Radio-Electronic Certificates are diploma and associate diploma level technical qualifications. They are designed for Ship's Radio-Electronic Officers, who sail on GMDSS ships which use the option of at-sea electronic maintenance.

The GMDSS General Operator's Certificate is a non-technical operator qualification, designed for Navigating Officers.

The GMDSS General Operator's Certificate is normally awarded after a ten day course and examination.

ECDIS Carriage Requirements

The draft amendment to SOLAS regulation V/19 would require ships engaged on international voyage to be fitted with ECDIS according to the following time table ( the dates in bracket were agreed in priciple by the Sub-Committee).
- Passenger ships of 500 GRT and upwards constructed on or after a proposed date of (1 July 2012);
- Tankers of 3,000 GRT and upwards constructed on or after a proposed date of (1 July 2012);
- Cargo ships other Tankers, of 10,000 GRT and upwards constructed on or after a proposed date of (1
  July 2013);
- Cargo ships other than tankers, of 3,000 GRT and upwards but less than 10,000 GRT constructed on or
  after a proposed date of (1 July 2014);
- Passenger ships of 500 GRT and upwards constructed before (1 July 2012), not later than the first survey
  on or after a proposed date of (1 July 2014);
- Tankers of 3,000 GRT and upwards constructed before (1 July 2012), not later than the first survey on or
  after a proposed date of (1 July 2015);
- Cargo ships other than tankers, of 50,000 GRT and upwards constructed before (1 July 2013), not later
  than the first survey on or after a proposed date of (1 July 2016);
- Cargo ships other than tankers, of 20,000 GRT and upwards but less than 50,000 GRT constructed
  before (1 July 2013), not later  than the first survey on or after a proposed date of (1 July 2017);
- Cargo ships other than tankers, of 10,000 GRT and upwards but less than 20,000 GRT constructed
  before (1 July 2013), not later than the first survey on or after a proposed date of (1 July 2018).


Mandatory Installation Time Table Chart :

SYLLABUS: ADVANCED SHIPBOARD MANAGEMENT (MASTER'S F.G)

- Indian Merchant Shipping Act.
- Registration of Ships: The certificate of registry and its legal significance.
- Engagement, discharge and management of crew, Manning scales and certification. Contracts of
  employment, wages and other remuneration, advances, allotments, payment into bank accounts,
  Descriptions, deceased seamen, engagement of substitutes, repatriation, assisting and repatriating Indian
  seamen distressed abroad.
- The official log book and the law relating to entries. Offences relating to misconduct, to endangering
  ship and against persons on board. Disciple and treatment of disciplinary offences. Civil liability for certain
  offences. Trade disputes involving seamen. The official log book entries and records in freeboard draft and
  allowances.
- Crew Accommodation, Hygiene of the ship and welfare or the crew. Outline knowledge of the regulations
  relating to medical stores, Inspection and reports. Fresh water and provisions. Procedure in cases of
  infectious disease, illness or accidents. Maritime declarations of health. Port health requirements.
  International agreements and measures to prevent the spread of disease by shipping.
- The safety of the ship, crew and passengers, Assistance of vessels in distress and salvage. Master's
  duties in the case of collision or any other accident. Master's role in collecting evidence after an accident.
  Lodging protests etc. Inquiries and Investigation.
- The law relating to the reporting of Ice, derelict, tropical revolving storms and other dangers to
  navigation.
- Outline knowledge of the rules made under the merchant Shipping Act.
- Documentation: Certificates and other documents required to be carried on Passenger ships, tankers, Gas
  carriers, Chemical carriers, car/truck carriers, Bulk carriers, Procedures to be obtain the above mentioned
  certificates and the period of their validity. Other Trading certificates (Suez and Panama Canal certificate,
  CFR) that are required to be carried on board.
- Custom house procedures: Inward and outward clearance, Immigration clearance, Quarantine clearance
  (FAL Convention).
- Methods of dealing with stowaways, hijacking of ships, armed robbery / piracy, smuggling and other
  custom offences, drug and alcohol policy and its enforcement.
- Master - Pilot relationship: Exchange of Information, responsibilities, Compulsory and optional pilotage.
  Bridge team Management while under pilotage. legal implications if an incident occurs when under pilotage.
- Economics of sea transport theory of international trade, general structure of shipping industry relationship
  between ship-owner, agent, stevedore, charterer, shipper and broker. detailed knowledge of voyage
  estimates including cargo calculations involving deadweight, loadline zones, consumables and constants
  taking into account various charges, receipts and establishing economic viability.
- A general knowledge of shipping practice and documents with particular reference to charter parties and its
  main clauses, bills of lading and its Main clauses and mates receipts for various types of ships and trades
  including tanker practice, meaning of the terms used in chartering practice such as AFRA, WORLD
  SCALE, INCOTERMS.
- An understanding of the main clauses in a contact of Affreightment including freight deviation, always
  afloat, ice, lay days, demurrage and dispatch including calculations involving lay days, charter party, etc. the
  law relating to the carriage of cargo  and ship-owner's; liabilities and responsibilities. Protests, cargo
  surveys, certificates of seaworthiness. Hague rules, Hague - Visby rules, Hamburg rules, Rotterdam rules
  COGSA Multimodal Transport Act. Handling of claims and disputes related to Charter parties.
- Outline knowledge of the expressed and implied conditions and statutory terms contained in a contract of
  marine insurance. Institute clauses. An understanding of principles and practice of the terms; particular
  average. Procedure at a port of refuge. Lloyd's agents. Average adjusters. P&I clubs, LOF 2000, LOF
  2011, Scopic clause, Warranties, CLC, Fund convention, York - Antwerp rules.
- International Institutions: IMO, ILO, WHO, ISF, IACS, BIMCO, ICS, OCIMF, SIGTTO,
  INTERTANKO, INTERCARGO, WTO, IMCA, IFSMA, WMU, IMLI and classification societies.
- Latest changes in national and International maritime legislation pertaining to SOLAS, MARPOL, Loadline
  and STCW.
- Control Procedures: Classification surveys, Flag State Control, Port State Control, Charter's vetting
  inspections, inspections by port terminal authorities, condition surveys.
- Port State Control: Working and targeting by various MOU's; " clear grounds " to conduct detailed
  inspection; Identification of sub standard ships; " datention'' of ships. Common deficiencies observed as
  reported by the various MOUs annually.
- Principles and practice of modern ship management - ISPS Code, ISM Code, methods to prevent human
  errors on ship, Human Resource Development.
- Casualty Investigation Code (Guidelines on fair treatment of seafarers in event of a maritime accident).
  Criminalisation of seafarers: Seafarers Rights under a casualty investigation. Case Studies. reporting
  procedure for Incidents. Writing Report.
- Musters and Drills, distress/ urgency/ safety messages, Avoidance of false distress alert and action in case
  of false distress alert.
- Search and Rescue, steps to be taken when disabled & in distress, assisting a ship or aircraft in distress,
  IAMSAR.
- Place of refuge procedure, wreck, salvage and their legal implications.
- Lighterage operations, Ocean Towing. Duties and responsibilities of Towing & Towed vessel,
  Communications and exchange of information between towing and towed vessel. Emergency Towing
  Arrangements; Maritime Assistance Service on Indian coast (when applicable).
- Emergency Response Procedures: Fire in port & at Sea, grounding, collision, collision mats, Pollution,
  Flooding, Engine failure, Listing, Beaching, Steering failure, refloating of vessel. Man-overboard, helicopter
  Rescue Operation; Leakages and spills of dangerous cargo; Rescue of victims from enclosed spaces;
  Rescue of Survivors from another vessel or Sea.
- Case Studies: ( Recent casualties such as MSC Chitra and Khalijia 3, M.V Tosa, Hebei Spirit and
  Samsung Crane barge, Herald of Free Enterprise, Cosco Busan)
- Anchoring & Berthing under the effect of tide / wind in shallow / deep waters, use of Anchors, squat,
  interaction between ships / shore, transverse thrust & turning the ship short round, pivot point, dragging /
  dredging anchors; Different types of tugs and use / limitations of each; Berthing with/ without tugs under
  various conditions of wind, current and tide. Effectiveness of bow and stern thrusters.
- Manoeuvring and handling of ship in all conditions; Ship's maneuvering characteristics; Whwwl house
  poster; Emergency stopping manoeuvres, crsh stop, rudder cycling, synchronous rolling, parametric rolling,
  wind heeling criteria for high freeboard ships; Picking up pilot; Manoeuvring in and near Traffic Separation
  Schemes and VTS areas; STS Operations.
- Environmental Protection: Marpol Annexes 1 to VI, SOPEP/SMPEP, Vessel Response Plan, oil
  Record Book, ballast water management, OPA 90 & NPDES (National Pollution Discharge Elimination
  System of U.S.A).
- Operating in Ice: Basic ship handling in ice, sighting of ice / open water, working through ice, navigation in
  ice. High latitude Navigation - procedure & precaution, polar code, effect of ice accretion on stability of
  vessel.
- Safety management: Case studies on Risk Assessment; Managing Risk on board; Briefing / debriefing
  and toolbox meetings;
- Case studies for safety on deck in rough weather.
- On board training; Incidents related to enclosed space entry procedure; Hot Work Procedure;
- Damage Stability Criteria and Damage stability booklet.
- Proper assessment of damage stability condition - using ETAS (Emergency Technical Assistance Service)
  provided by classification societies. An understanding of the information required to be passed on for
  assessment of damage Stability.
- Weather Routeing and voyage Planning; Procedure for selection of an optimum route; various weather
  routeing services available to shipping; Vessel Performance curves, hind cast charts;
- Various ship plans used in cargo loading / discharging, dry docking, grounding both intact and with
  damage; preparation of repair specification.
- COLREGS, related case studies and Interaction with participants.
- Ship Recycling Convention: Hazardous Material Inventory, Green Passport.
- Global Warming and climate change, Greenhouse effect, Carbon credit, Kyoto protocol,
- Dangerous Goods: Recent amendments to IMDG code.
- Assessment & Feedback (including internal assessments).

SYLLABUS FOR CHIEF MATE F.G (PHASE - ll)

1. BRIDGE WATCHKEEPING, SHIP HANDLING & EMERGENCIES

- The content, application and intent of COLREG 1972.

- Explain factors deciding the composition of the watch on the bridge.

- Explain communication between chief engineer and Master in deciding the composition of engine room 

  watch.

- Master - Pilot exchange of information.

- Explain IMO ship routeing guide.

- Explain Manoeuvring in and near vessel traffic service (VTS) areas.

- Describe muster list, assignment of duties to personnel, composition of emergency team, drawing of plans 

  to deal with heavy weather damage.

- Describe excessive list, flooding, & bilging, fire in engine room, paint locker, cargo spaces, wheel house 

  and galley, stranding, abandoning ship, spillage of noxious substances, piracy and armed robbery, collision.

- Describe circumstances in which the vessel is to be beached.

- Describe precautions to be taken prior to and after beaching and log book entries.

- Explain actions to be taken if stranding is imminent and after stranding.

- Explain discharging or transferring of weights on board to facilitate refloating.

- Explain control of discharge of harmful substances.

- Explain assessment of damage and control, refloating of stranded ship with & without assistance and log 

  book entries.

- Explain duties of Master following a collision or impairment of the water tight integrity of the hull as per 

  SOLAS.

- Explain duties of crew members to assist and muster passengers.

- Explain precautions for the protection and the safety of passengers in emergency situations.

- Describe boundary cooling, effect on stability of the vessel caused by use of water to mitigate fire.

- Describe procedure for man entry, procedures for using fixed fire extinguishing system, procedure for 

  rescue of person/s from the space.

- Abandoning Ship:- Explain situations under which to abandon ship, procedure for abandoning a ship.

  Explain preparation on ship prior abandoning a ship, duty of crew and passengers.

  Explain distress call transmission until acknowledgement, mustering of crew and passengers.

  Explain importance of mustering and carrying extra rations, EPIRB, SART and other resources such as 

  blankets etc, Use of distress signal to attract attention, launching of boats and life rafts in heavy weather.

  Explain steps for avoidance of false distress calls, cancellation of false distress alert calls, log book entries.

- Emergency Steering Gear:- Explain change over bridge control to local control in the steering gear 

  compartment, standard emergency procedures, need for proper communication.

- Towing:- Explain the content of emergency towing booklet, emergency towing arrangements, procedure 

  and tools for towing in good and rough weather conditions, Calculation of bollard pull and towing speed 

  prior towage.

- Search and Rescue:- Explain man overboard procedures, precautions in Manoeuvring the ship to be able 

  to launch rescue boats in bad weather.

  Explain contents of IAMSAR Manual Vol 3, various search patterns, role and duties of MRCC, RCC, 

  OSC, recovering a person from the sea in heavy weather.

  Explain action to take when a person is reported missing at sea, log book entries.

- Emergencies in Port:- Explain actions to take when emergencies arises in port (at berth or at anchor) - 

  Fire, Pollution, Approaching Strom, Tsunami, Casualties, Personnel related accidents.

- Piracy or armed robbery:- Explain best management practices (BMP), guidelines provided by Indian 

  authorities. Explain IMB PRC (Piracy Reporting Centre), UKMTO (UK Maritime Trade Organisation), 

  MSCHOA (Maritime Security Centre Horn Of Africa).

- Manoeuvres:- Explain manoeuvres required when approaching a pilot vessel or station with, tide and 

  current, Head Reach, stopping distance and rudder cycling.

- Define shallow water, squat.

- Explain how squat is dependent on speed of the vessel, block coefficient and the width of the channel.

- Explain reduction in under keel clearance resulting from rolling and pitching and heel or list.

- Explain how to round bends in a channel with a current in either direction, taking account of the effect of 

  wind, use of an anchor to assist in rounding a bend, how to turn short round in a narrow channel, with or 

  without a wind and current.

- Calculate the approximate sinkage due to squat.

- Describe use of constant rate of rate and constant radius turn in restricted waters.

- Berthing and Unberthing:- Describe the effect of right and left handed propellers on Manoeuvring, the 

  use of twin screw of Manoeuvring, the advantage and disadvantage of controllable pitch propellers with 

  regards to ship handling.

  Describe the use of lateral thrusters (bow & stern), how an anchor or anchors may be used to assist in 

  manoeuvring, the different ways in which tugs may be made fast and used.

- Explain pivot point and girding of tugs.

- Describe the interaction between a ship and nearby banks (bank cushion and bank suction).

- Describe the interaction between ships when meeting end-on.

- Describe the interaction between ships in an overtaking situation.

- Describe the particulars dangers of interaction when working close by other craft such as tugs.

- Anchoring:- Explain the procedures for anchoring with one or two anchors, factors for deciding the scope 

  of the cable, swinging circle, procedures and precautions taken for anchoring in deep waters.

  Describe running moor, Standing Moor, open Moor, Mediterranean Moor.

- Describe actions taken when vessel starts dragging its anchor(s).

- Describe how to slip anchor(s), foul hawse and methods to clear it.

- Lighterage at sea:- Describe contents of ship to ship transfer guide, lighterage preparations for both 

  vessels, Method of separating on completion of transfer operations.

- Dry-docking:- Describe preparation of repairs list, Hull cleaning, inspection, blasting, painting.

  describe precautions before flooding the dock, Measurement of rudder and propeller drop, Ship's plans, 

  steel renewals and thickness measurements, floating Dry Dock, critical period.

- Heavy Weather:- describe pooping, Broaching to, Synchronous rolling, Parametric rolling, Actions to 

  take to minimize the effect of all these. Explain rolling period in sec.

- Manoeuvring:- Define advance, transfer, tactical Diameter, Track reach, Stopping distance, Turning 

  circle at various draughts and speeds.

  Explain the effect of displacement, draught, trim, speed and under-keel clearance on turning circle and 

  stopping distances. Effect of transverse thrust on turning circle of the ship with right/left handed propeller.

- Ice Navigation:- Define Solid, Soft, Drift and Pack Ice; Growler; Ice berg.

  Explain procedure and precautions to be taken prior entering ice, contents of the Polar code, Master's    

  obligation to report dangerous ice, Cold weather precautions, freezing sprays and steps required to 

  minimize same.

- Bow wave and stern wave:- Explain damage to shore facilities due to excessive bow waves and stern 

  waves, The effects of passing ships on ships moored alongside, precautions that should be taken by ships 

  alongside to minimize the effect of passing traffic

2. NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

Electronic System Of Position Fixing

- GPS:- Explain working principle, system configuration and frequencies used.

  Describe C/A and P code, How position is determined, contents of navigation message, various DOP's 

  used, Errors and alarms of GPS, accuracy obtainable with GPS and how accuracy can be downgraded.

  WGS 84 datum- why GPS position can not be directly plotted on the navigational chart, Datum shifts, 

  working principle of DGPS and its limitations, Dangers of over reliance on satelite derived positions, IMO  

  Performance Standards.

  Brief outline of GLONASS and GALILEO.

- AIS:- Explain purpose of AIS, limitations of AIS, Precautions during use of AIS for collision avoidance, 

  Pseudo AIS.

  Descibe the principle, frequencies used, types of messages and time intervals, information displayed on AIS 

  screen, IMO performance standards.

- VDR/SVDR:- Explain purpose of VDR, duration of data storage, modules of VDR, saving and retrival of 

  data in case if incidents and training purpose, IMO Performance Standards.

  List data recorded on VDR and SVDR.

- LRIT:- Explain purpose of LRIT, data transmitted by LRIT, authorized receivers of data.

  Describe diffence between LRIT and AIS.

- BNWAS:- Explain Performance standards for BNWAS.

- Rate of Turn Indicator (ROTI):- Describe procedure to executed a constant radius turn with or with out 

  current.Explain the need to monitor the turn, Methods of monitoring the turn, IMO performance Standards.

- Radar plotting exercises with three targets and current and taking action to avoid collision as per Collision 

  Regulations.

- Echo Sounder:- Explain basics principle, Effect of density, temperature and pressure on velocity of sound 

  and the limits in which the true value may lie.

  Describe Ranging and Phasing, Inaccuracies of equipment, scale error and measures to eliminate them.

  Describe false echoes, errors due to Trim, List & positioning, Various alarms and settings, IMO 

  performance standards.

- Speed Log:- Explain the difference between ground reference and water reference speed. IMO 

  Performance Standards. 

- Doppler speed log:- Describe principle, Janus configuration, Dual axis configuration and its uses during 

  docking operations, calibrations of the log, the limitations, the errors of doppler log.

- Course Recorder:- Explain setting of course Recorder, Information to be recorded on the course 

  recorder by the operator, alarms of course recorder. 

- Auto Pilot:- Explain the principle, Various setting of the auto-pilot for optimal performance, the 

  procedures and factors to take into account for change over, Adaptive automatic pilot systems and its 

  functions, various alarms, The need for regular checking and test of auto pilot, The regulations regarding the 

  use of auto pilot.

- Magnetic Compass Error and Correction:- Explain earth as a magnet, Ship's permanent magnetic field 

  components P, Q and R, Induced Magnetism, Principles of Magnetic compass, Method of compensating 

  effect of P,Q and R, Method of compensating effect of induced magnetism, why a deviation curve made in  

  one hemisphere and position cannot be used in the other hemisphere.

  Describe method of obtaining table of deviation/ deviation curve.

- Gyro Compass Error and Corrections:- Calculate error on gyro compass given latitude, speed, course 

  steered and ratio between control and damping process.

- List the equipment getting heading inputs from gyro compass, outline the performance standards of gyro 

  compass. 

3. GENERAL ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE

- Marine Engineering terms:- Define Mass, Force, Work, Power, Energy, Stress, Strain, Heat, Efficiency 

  of a machine, Indicated power, Propeller power and thrust.

- Fuel consumption:- Define Admiralty coefficient, Fuel coefficient, Thermal Efficiency, Specific Fuel 

  Consumption.

  Explain effect of condition of hull, tips of propeller on fuel coefficient, fuel consumption and propeller 

  efficiency.

  Describe Indicator diagrams and the information obtained.

  Calculate Power output from indicator diagrams, Daily consumption at service speed, bunker fuel required 

  for the voyage, speed for a given daily consumption, speed required to complete a voyage with given 

  consumption.

- Auxiliary Boiler:- Describe water tube boiler, fire tube boiler, exhaust gas boiler, importance of 

  maintaining correct water level and function of safety valve.

  Distinguish between water tube and fire tube boiler, describe the procedure of flashing the boiler from cold.

  Effect of salts in boiler feed water and procedure for treatment of feed water.

- Distillation and fresh water system:- Explain with sketch as necessary principle of operation of a low 

  pressure fresh water generator, Principle reverse osmosis, Hydrophore system for domestic water supply, 

  drinking water treatment.

- Pumps and pumping systems:- Describe with sketch the principle of working of reciprocating pump/ 

  Gear pump/ Screw pump/ Centrifugal pump, Fire pumps, Emergency fire pump and its pumping 

  arrangement.

  Describe typical bilge system of a ship, typical ballast system of a ship.

- Steering Gear:- Describe with sketch ram type hydraulic steering gear, rotary vane steering gear, 

  Electrical steering gear, tele motor system, Fail safe arrangement.

  State IMO requirements for auxiliary steering gear, IMO requirement for testing steering gears, 

  requirements for emergency control.

- Generator, Alternators and electrical distribution:- Explain operation of an alternator, electrical 

  distribution systems, use of circuit breaker & fuses, Procedure for maintenance of batteries, operation of 

  emergency compressor, purpose and operation of purifiers.

  Describe with sketch, Navigation light circuit with indicators/ alarm and alternative power supply.

  List services to be supplied from Emergency generator, Describe procedure for starting emergency 

  generator manually.

- Refrigeration, air-conditioning and ventilation:- State properties of a refrigerant.

  Describe with sketch simple refrigeration cycle for domestic refrigeration and cargo spaces.

  Working principle of air conditioning plant.

- Stabilisers:- Describe construction and operation of fin stabiliser.

- Sewage treatment plants:- Describe with sketch operation of chemical and biological treatment plant.

- Oily-water Separators and oil filtering equipment:- Describe with sketch construction and operation of 

  oily water separator and ODMCS.

- Incinerator:- Draw block diagram for the operation of a waste incinerator.

- Deck machinery:- Explain advantages and disadvantages of steam, electric and hydraulic drive for 

  winches.Describe routine maintenance including lubrication of deck machinery, Describe with sketch 

  windlass drive system. 

- Hydraulic system:- describe Hydraulic accumulator, ram and rotary vane actuators, common failures of 

  system and remedial measures. State necessity for cooling/ heating of hydraulic oil.

- Diesel Engines:- Describe working principle of two stroke and four stroke internal combustion engines.

  Compare and contrast, Two stroke and four stroke internal combustion engines.

  Explain causes of Scavenges fires and remedial actions, Causes of Crankcase explosions, super charging.

  Describe preparation of diesel engine for Standby mode, procedure for starting and reversing.

  State number of starts is limited by capacity of starting air reservoir.

  Draw a block diagram of fuel oil system from bunker tank to injection, lubricating oil system, cooling water 

  system.
- Steam turbine system:- Explain working principle of, impulse turbine, reaction turbine.
  Describe steam turbine and its bearing, procedure for warming through a steam turbine for manoeuvring, 
  procedure for manoeuvring using a steam turbine (forward & astern).
- Propeller and propeller shaft:- Define pitch, slip and efficiency of a propeller.
  Calculate percentage apparent slip, real slip, Ship's speed given rpm, mean pitch and percentage slip, 
  Indicated power, shaft power, delivered power and effective power.
  Explain how propeller thrust is transmitted to the hull, how propeller shaft is supported, how propeller is 
  secured to tail shaft.
  Describe operation of a controllable pitch propeller.
- Bridge Control:- Describe with block diagram of control systems for main Engine and bridge control of 
  controllable pitch propeller.
  List indicators and alarm provided with bridge control, indicators for lateral thrusters.
  Explain arrangements and operation of lateral thrusters, main engine starting arrangement, purpose of 
  turbocharger and need to control rpm whilst carrying out turbocharger washing.
- Engine room watch keeping:- Describe arrangement necessary for appropriate and effective engineering 
  watches to be maintained for the purpose of safety under normal circumstances and UMS operations.
  Describe arrangements necessary to ensure a safe engineering watch is maintained when carrying dangerous 
  cargo.

4. MARITIME LEGISLATION

- Introduction to Maritime Law.
- Law of the Sea (UNCLOS):- Define (as per THE TERRITORIAL WATERS, CONTINENTAL 
  SHELF, EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE AND OTHER MARITIME ZONES ACT, 1976 as 
  amended) Territorial sea and the contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone and continental shelf,   
  International straits, High seas.
- International Convention on Load Lines, 1966:- Describe requirements for initial and periodical 
  surveys,requirements for periodical inspections.
  List fittings and appliances to be inspected, circumstance in which LLC would be cancelled, contents of 
  record of conditions of assignment of freeboard.
- International Convention for the Safety of Life at sea, 1974 as amended (SOLAS):- Describe 
  procedure for testing of ship's steering gear, change over procedure for remote steering gear, requirements 
  for emergency steering drills, general requirements for carriage of navigational equipments.
  List the chapters of SOLAS and brief outline of the contents as covered therein, log book entries to be 
  made regarding steering gear and emergency drills, the amendments to SOLAS (within last three years).
- International Convention on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 
  (STCW) as amended:- Explain 2010 Manila amendments to STCW 78.
- Explain Aims, objectives and general provisions of the Convention for the suppression of unlawful act 
  against the Safety of Maritime Navigation 1988 as amended.
- Explain Aims and objectives of the regulations, ITU Radio Regulations.
- Explain contents and purpose of MARPOL, OPA - 90, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination system 
  (NPDES) of the U.S Clean water Act.
- Explain particularly sea sensitive areas, discharge provisions for oil and oily waste from machinery spaces 
  outside special areas and within special area.
- Describe content of SOPEP, Vessel Response Plan (VRP), Notification procedures as per SOPEP and 
  VRP.
- Describe Entries to be made in OIL Record Book (Part 1, Machinery Space Operations) and Part ll ( 
  cargo and ballast operations).
- Describe need to maintain records, contents and validity of IOPP certificate and annexures.
- Explain contents of MARPOL Annex ll, Chemical discharge criteria in special and other areas, need to 
  maintain records, entries to be made in cargo record book for chemical cargoes, SMPEP.
- State notification procedure for loading/unloading harmful substances as per MARPOL Annex lll.
- Explain discharge criteria for Sewage (Annex lV), Holding tanks, Nearest land, Contents and validity of 
  ISPP certificate and annexures).
- Explain (with regards to annex V) special areas, discharge criteria, Garbage management plan, entries in 
  Garbage record book, need for maintaining records.
- Explain (with regards to ballast water management):-  Ballast water management plan, need for maintaining 
  records, ballast water management convention.
- Describe (with regards to Annex lV) SECA (Sulphur Emission Control area), Volatile Organic 
  Compounds (VOC) managements plan, Contents and validity of IAPP certificate and annexures.
- London Dumping Convention (LDC):- Define dumping, waste or other matters, special permit, general 
  permit. Explain Aims of the convention.
- Intervention convention:- Define Maritime casualty, Related Interests. Describe the rights of parties to 
  intervene on high seas.
- Civil Liability convention (CLC) and Fund Convention:- Define Pollution damage, Incident. State 
  Exceptions to liability & Limitations to liability.
- Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response & Co-operation Convention (OPRC) as amended (OPRC - 
  HNS Protocol):- Explain Aims, objectives and general provisions of the convention. Explain reporting 
  incidents. Explain need for prompt reporting & probability of discharge.
- Passengers:- Explain special trade passenger ships agreement, protocol and rules on space requirements 
  for special trade passenger ships, 1973, General provisions of Athens Convention relating to the carriage of 
  Passengers and their luggage by Sea.
- International Convention On Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969 as amended:- Define Gross 
  Tonnage, net Tonnage, Excluded space. List the information available in International Tonnage Certificate.
- ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) - 2006:- 
  a) Minimum requirements for seafarers to work on ships: minimum age, medical certificates, training and 
      qualification, requirements and placement.
  b) Conditions of Employment: Seafarers Employment Agreements, Wages, Hours of Work and Hours of 
      Rest, Entitlement to leave, Repatriation, Seafarer compensation for the ship's loss or Foundering, 
      Manning Levels, careers and skill development and opportunities for seafarer's employment.
  c) Accommodation, Recreation Facilities, Food and Catering.
  d) Health Protection, Medical Care, Welfare & Social Security Protection: Medical care on-board ship 
      and ashore, Ship-owners Liability, Health & Safety Protection and Accident Prevention, Access to 
      Shore-based Welfare Facilities, Social Security.
  e) Compliance and Enforcement.
  i) Flag State Responsibilities: General Principles, Authorization of recognized Organizations, Maritime 
     Labour Certificate and Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance, Inspection and Enforcement, On-
     board Complaint Procedures, Marine Casualties.
ii)  Port State Responsibilities: Inspection in port, Detailed inspection, Detection, On-shore Seafarer    
    Complaint, Handling Procedures.
iii) Labour supplying Responsibilities: Recruitment and Placement services, Social security provisions.
- International Health Regulations (IHR):- Define Arrival of Ship, Baggage, Container, Crew, 
  Epidemic, Free pratique, In quarantine, International voyage.
  Define Requirements of Ship Sanitation/ ship sanitation Exemption Certificate, MAster's obligation 
  concerning maritime declaration of health.
- Convention on facilitation of International Maritime traffic, (FAL 1965):- State the purpose of the 
  convention, IMO Standard forms for general declaration, cargo declaration, ship's and crew effect 
  declaration, crew list and passenger list.
  List the documents for arrival or departure of ships.
  Explain Standard and Recommended practices regarding documentation under FAL convention.
- Noting protests:- Explain note of protest, conditions in which Note of Protest is to be filed, Extended 
  Note of Protest.
- Collision:- Describe duties of Master after collision, Explain apportionment of Liability, State convention 
  applies where even no collision has taken place.
- International Salvage Convention:- Define salvage, Vessel, Property. Describe No cure-No Pay 
  principle, Application of convention, Duties of Salvor, Owner and Master, Right of Salvor.
  Explain criteria for assessing reward, criteria for assessing special compensation (SCOPIC Clause), 
  Apportionment of the remuneration.
- Explain The contents and clauses of Lloyd's Standard Form of Salvage Agreement (LOF).
- Convention on Limitation of Liability for maritime Claims:- State scope of application of convention.
  List persons entitled to limit liability, claims subject to limitation of liability, claims exempted from limitation, 
  circumstances in which limitation would be barred.Describe constitution of a limitation fund.
- Classification Societies:- State the role of IACS, Repairs/ Alterations must be carried out under surveys 
  and to satisfaction of class. Explain reasons for having ship's classed, special survey requirements, role of 
  classification society. State that periodical surveys ard annual surveys, dry docking, intermediate and special 
  surveys.
- Cargo:- Define carrier, contract of carriage,goods, ship,carriage of goods.
  List Duties of Carrier, Information to be shown on Bill of Lading, Exceptions to carrier's responsibility for 
  loss or damage.
  Explain Bill of Lading as evidence of contract, Shipper's responsibility for loss or damage, Limitations of  
  Liability.
  Describe Scope of application of convention, system of documentary credit.
  State Right to Deviate, Burden of proving due diligence is on the carrier.
- Charter-Parties:- State Charter party is a contract, charter party drawn using standard forms.
  Explain Voyage Charter party, Time Charter party, Demise or Bare boat charter party, Tonnage contract  
  or Contract of Affreightment.
  Explain (with regards to Hamburg Rules) Effect of charges for goods carried under hamburg rules.
- The York-Antwerp Rule:- Define General Average Act and general Average Sacrifice.
  Explain duties of Master in GA, Rights to contribution in GA.
- Marine Insurance:- Explain purpose of Marine Insurance, Insurable interest, Utmost good faith, 
  Misrepresentation or non-disclosure, Warranty, Deviation, Institute clauses, Particular Average, 
  Subrogation, Partial loss, Total loss, Constructive total loss, Functions of P and I clubs. Risks, liabilities and 
  expenses by P and I clubs.
  Describe voyage policy, time policy, floating policy, perils covered in insurance.
- List Certificate carried on board ships by International conventions and their periods of validity. Documents 
  to be carried on board.
- General provisions of Merchant Shipping Act and brief outline of Rules made there under.

5. SHIP CONTRUCTION

- Define tensile Strength, ductility, Hardness, Toughness, Yield Point, Ultimate tensile stress, Modules of 
  Elasticity, Stress/Brittle/Fatigue Fracture, Mild steel, Strain.
- Explain with Stress and Strain curve.
- Explain Advantages of use of aluminium alloys, Use of higher tensile steel and hazards associated with 
  them, How aluminium superstructure strength is preserved.
  List examples where castings or forgings are used.
  State Ship building steel is tested, graded and stamped with approval marks.
  Describe Precautions against corrosion where aluminium is connected to steel work.
- Explain General layout of a ship yard and co-operation between department with block diagrams.
- Describe and sketch sheer plan, half breadth plan, body plan.
- Describe various tests for ship building steel.
- Explain conditions of Assignment of freeboard.
- Define Margin line, Forward and aft perpendicular, LBP, Sub divisional load lines, minimum bow height, 
  factor of sub-division, Garboard and Sheer strake.
- Explain Multiple load lines, Type A and Type B ships.
- List Items to be inspected during annual, periodical and renewal surveys.
- Explain Gross tonnage, Net tonnage, Exclude spaces, Enclosed spaces.
- Calculate Gross tonnage, Net tonnage.
- Explain Floodable length, permissible length and sub division load line.
- Explain Types of bulkheads and standard fire tests.
- Sketch and label mid ship section of following ships: general cargo ship, cellular container ship, hatch cover 
  less cellular container vessel, Bulk carrier, Double hull oil tanker, Chemical tanker, LPG carrier, LNG 
  carrier, OBO vessel, Ro-Ro Vessel.

6. SHIP STABILITY

- Moment of Inertia calculations:- Explain Theorem of parallel axis.
  Calculate Moment of Inertia of Rectangular and curvi-linear surface (using vertical or horizontal ordinates) 
  about a stated axis.
  Calculate BM_L and BM_T of a ship given ordinates of water plane area, KM of a vessel in a floating dry-
  dock after taking to the blocks.
- Thrust due to liquid pressure:- Define Centre of pressure and Thrust.
  Calculate Centre of pressure and thrust of rectangular and curvi-linear surface (using vertical or horizontal 
  ordinates) at a stated liquid level.
- State (i)  GZ = GM sin 0 for angles of heel up to 10⁰ 
          (ii) GZ =  (GM + ½ BM tan²0) sin 0 for angles of heel greater than 10⁰ 
          (iii) BM = i/V 
          (iv) KM = KB + BM

- Define Rolling period.
- Explain Procedure to determine Ship Stability by means of rolling period test, Limitations of the Rolling 
  period test.
- Calculate approximate GM by means of rolling period tests.
- Explain procedures of carrying out inclining test and calculation of KG.
- Describe procedure to determine initial KG of the ship by Inclining Test, procedure to be taken while 
  carrying out Inclining test. Calculate Initial KG given inclining test data.
- Recommendation on intact stability for passenger and cargo ships (IMO Intact Stability Code 2008): 
  Explain precautions against capsizing, intact and damage stability criteria for passenger and cargo ships. 
  Stability information available in hydrostatic tables.
- Describe IMO severe wind and weather heeling criteria, Heel while turning.
- Explain effect of GM on rolling, effect of draught and displacement on rolling, function of bilge keels, anti-
  rolling tanks and stabilizer fins to reduce the amplitude of rolling.
- Explain conditions under which parametric or synchronous rolling occurs.
- Explain Parametric rolling and action to be taken to mitigate. Synchronous rolling and actions to be taken to 
  mitigate. 
- Explain Shear force, bending moment Load, How wave profile effects shear force and bending moment.
  Explain Wave and cargo induced Torsional stress, Maximum Permissible Torsional moments.
- Calculate Shear force and bending moments, at stated stations.
- Draw Shear forces and bending moment curve for above calculations.
- Explain Margin Line, Permeability of a space and cargo.
- Explain Loss of Buoyancy of a bilged compartment = volume regained, how area of intact water plane is 
  reduced, Effect of flooding on transverse stability.
- Calculate stability of the ship after bilging of a mild ship compartment, List of the ship after bilging of a mild 
  ship side compartment (with or without permeability). (All calculations to be based on box shaped vessels).
- Explain effect of flooding on trim.
- Calculate Final Fore and Aft drafts after bilging of end/ intermediate compartments (with or without 
  permeability)
- Calculate Stability of the ship after bilging of end compartments (with or without permeability)