Anonymous vs Muhammad Iqbal

Masters Unlimited
Examiner: Captain M. Iqbal
Date: 18/04/2023
Duration: 1hr
Result: Pass

Previous experience: Trinity House and MPV’s

I joined via the teams link with no issues connecting. Captain Iqbal introduced himself and confirmed that I had read the policy relating to online examinations.

Following a brief discussion about my previous experience and what my future intentions are, we moved onto the questioning:

• You are joining a Vessel as Master, talk me through the process of joining.
• What certification would you expect to take over as Master.
• What is the ACS and how does it differ from EAS.
• What certificates will Flag inspect on the ACS and EAS.
• ISM DOC/SMC validity and surveys.
• Does one DOC cover all of the vessels in the fleet.
• What are the 3 categories of findings in an ISM Audit.
• Example of a Major Non-Conformity.
• Passage from Africa to India on a Bulk Carrier carrying Grain. Tell me how you would inform your new Chief Mate about the carriage of Grain cargo.
• What certificate would a vessel need to have in order to carry grain cargo.
• What are the precautions when loading and sailing with Grain cargo.
• Talk to me about the passage from Africa to India.
• The Navigator provides two passages, how will you decide which one to choose.
• What are your considerations if you were sailing in higher Latitudes.
• Ballast water management req and current status in the UK for existing vessels.
• What weather would I expect in the Indian Ocean during Summer months.
• Actions in the dangerous quadrant of a TRS in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Following the storm, my radar Antenna is damaged, Actions.
• What certificates would be affected by this.
• Passage via a Narrow Channel, Steering becomes “Sluggish”, How would I deal with this
• You have collided with a Fishing vessel, talk me through your actions.
• The forepeak is flooding, what are your actions.
• What certificates are affected following the collision.
• Following your collision, you dry dock. On floating up, you are heeled over. What is the cause of this.
• How would you correct an angle of Loll.
• You have been instructed to anchor within a deep anchorage, talk me through your considerations.
• What would I include in my night orders prior to embarking a pilot the following morning.
• The Bosun informs you he has caught a crew member smoking in their cabin. How would you deal with this situation.
• Talk to me about MARPOL annex 1.
• Tell me the Sulphur content limits to comply with MARPOL Annex 6
• Where would you find the Sulphur content of you fuel.
• There is a discrepancy with the bunkers loaded and suppliers figures. What would you do about this. (Letter of protest).

Collisions regulations: Captain Iqbal wanted my actions for each situation.

Day situations:

• FV ahead, Port side aspect with outlying gear 150m astern and a RAM towing
crossing from Port.
• PDV head on with another PDV to SBD Aspect nearly head on.
• PDV crossing from Port and a PDV Crossing from SBD, open water.
• CDB Crossing from Port.
• Sailing vessel crossing from SBD in a TSS.
• Sailing vessel overtaking (Confirmed it was more than 22.5֯ abaft my beam).

Night situations: (Sound signal, what it was and my actions).

• RAM Towing, SBD aspect, Length of tow >200m.
• FV U/W & M/W viewed from Port aspect.
• CBD U/W >50m, SBD aspect.
• Vessel Aground, Two white lights.
• Mine clearance vessel.
• Trawler U/W & M/W, SBD aspect.

Buoyage: (Lights and which way I would Pass).

• Safe water mark right ahead.
• CSE 090 ֯South Cardinal with a missing top mark.
• CSE 180֯ West Cardinal ahead.
• Emergency wreck marking buoy.
• Isolated danger mark.
• IALA Region A Preferred channel to SBD.

Radar Plotting: Actions:

Berthing:

• RHFP, Port side alongside with 1.5 Kts of tide ahead and 10Kts of wind on the beam.

On completion, the screen share finished and I was informed that I had passed the exam.

Captain Iqbal is a very fair examiner. He will repeat any questions if needed and has a good way of easing you into the exam. Hard work and commitment will pay off! This report contains what I remember. There were one or two other questions in between.

My sincerest thanks to the GMA Feb ’23 candidates (You know who you are!).