GSK MCQ Set 5

Complete Guide to GSK MCQ Set 5: Mastering General Ship Knowledge

Welcome to GSK MCQ Set 5, a crucial part of the General Ship Knowledge (GSK) preparation series for Merchant Navy aspirants. Whether you are preparing for the GP Rating Exit Exam, Deck Cadet interviews, or the CCMC exams under DG Shipping, mastering these concepts is essential. This set moves beyond basic terminology and dives into practical operational knowledge, safety procedures, and deck machinery handling.

1. Cargo Handling Equipment and Deck Machinery

A significant portion of GSK Set 5 focuses on cargo handling gear, which is vital for safe loading and unloading operations. Understanding the terminology is key for any deck crew member.

• Gooseneck Arrangement: This is a critical pivot point that connects the derrick boom to the mast or samson post. It allows the derrick to swing horizontally and vertically. Questions often ask what the gooseneck supports—remember it supports the Derrick Heel.
• Union Purchase: This is a method where two derricks are used in combination (married gear) to speed up cargo handling. It is faster than using a single swinging derrick but has lower safe working load (SWL) limits.
• Bull Wire & Preventer: These are safety arrangements used in derrick operations to prevent the boom from swinging wildly during rolling or heavy listing.

2. Navigation Lights, Shapes, and Sound Signals

Every seafarer must be fluent in COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea). Set 5 tests your ability to identify vessels based on their day and night signals.

• Anchor Ball: A black ball hoisted in the fore part of the vessel indicates that the ship is at anchor. It is the day signal equivalent of the all-round white anchor light.
• NUC (Not Under Command): If a vessel cannot maneuver due to exceptional circumstances (like engine failure), it displays two black balls in a vertical line during the day or two all-round red lights at night.
• Fog Signals: Sound signals are critical in restricted visibility. A power-driven vessel that is underway but stopped (making no way) sounds two prolonged blasts at intervals of not more than 2 minutes. This distinguishes it from a vessel moving through the water (one prolonged blast).

3. Mooring Operations and Ropes

Mooring operations are among the most dangerous tasks on board. GSK Set 5 covers the correct identification and usage of mooring lines to ensure vessel security alongside a jetty.

• Spring Lines: The "Forward Spring" prevents the vessel from moving astern (backwards), while the "Aft Spring" prevents it from moving ahead. This opposing force keeps the ship stationary.
• Breast Lines: These lines are deployed perpendicular to the ship's centerline and are used to keep the ship pulled tight against the berth, preventing it from drifting sideways away from the jetty.
• Whipping: This is the process of binding the end of a rope with twine to prevent it from fraying or unlaying. It is a basic but essential seamanship skill.

4. Personal Safety and PPE

Safety is the top priority in the Merchant Navy. This quiz emphasizes the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for specific tasks.

• Eye Protection: When chipping, grinding, or welding, particles can easily damage the eyes. The correct answer regarding hazards is often related to "working without goggles."
• Safety Harness: This is mandatory whenever working aloft (at heights) or over the ship's side. It prevents fatal falls and must always be secured to a strong point.
• Immersion Suits: These are life-saving appliances designed to prevent hypothermia in cold water. Regulations require them to be available for the full complement (everyone) on board, not just specific crew members.

5. Compass and Direction

Understanding direction is fundamental to navigation. The quiz touches upon the basics of the magnetic and gyro compasses.

The Cardinal Points are the four main directions: North, South, East, and West. The directions exactly halfway between these (e.g., North-East, South-West) are called Inter-Cardinal Points. A standard magnetic compass card is divided into 32 points, which was the traditional method of steering before degrees became standard.