[esailor Team]

Masters Unlimited 06-07-2023
Capt. Zia Ul Haq
1h
Attempt – doesn’t matter
PASS
Experience – Chemical tanker
I joined the meeting 15 minutes early, usually surveyors join the meeting 10-15 minutes before the scheduled time and she didn’t join early, so I was thinking that I have joined the wrong link. But I was waiting till the time 1600 hrs IST (1130 hrs BST). She joined the meeting sharp at 1600 hrs IST (1130 hrs BST). She immediately put me at ease after asking if I could hear him, to which I replied “Yes”
He started with the general housekeeping, asked me for scanning the room including under the desk and he read the MCA exams policy. he asked if I’m aware of the new exam recording requirements and that although I will not have a copy of the recording, it could be used in case of a dispute. he said that throughout the exam I would be on a UK flagged vessel.

All questions are in sequence, best I can remember
Started with simply tell me about your last ship voyage pattern and type of vessel-
Said that I have sailed on chemical tankers from my cadetship till the date, gave her a brief detail of my last vessel and trading pattern.

So you join a new company, who would you expect to meet and why, what you require / expect from company
I started with the reference of my last company, he stopped me in between and said you have joined new company, on request to take she said that take some reference from last company. Told her expected to have briefing with HSSE (safety dept), Ops dept, DPA & tech dep, gave him detailed information on each dept, he stopped me in between said it done and then told him that I expect SCM and SEA from company. Said it is ISM requirement.

1. What is the company obligation/duty under ISM.
I talked about the company’s responsibilities under ISM:
1. Provide safe practices for ship operations and a safe working environment.
2. Assess all identified risks to its ships, personnel and the environment and establish appropriate safeguards. 3. Continuously improve safety management skills of personnel ashore and aboard ships including preparing for emergencies related to both safety and environmental protection. With that I talked about the 8-9 other points (MHMPPCA).

2. What are the Masters responsibilities under ISM
(IMORR) I- implement // M- motivate // O- order (clear orders) // R- report // R- review the SMS & master’s overriding authority. Explained in details on each point with examples.

3. You mentioned Master’s overriding Authority – Where does this come from?
Explained with reference of ISM ch-5

4. How could you confirm that the SMS is being followed?
SCM minutes and what follow up action had been recommended from any incidents, C/L and permits followed and are in place. Notices up to date on the ships notice board, Safety officer, safe reps all correct. SOP’s posted correctly and up to date. Masters reviews completed

5. Contents of the SMS – Went through the function of SMS, SOCREM.
Supporting the Master, Crew, Familiarisation, Training, and Checklists, reviewing and manning levels.

6. Then he give a scenario captain asked you to join a dead ship how will you Implement ISM.
I explained him as i know my vessel SMS and ISSC already withdrawn sovi have to implement a ISM starting from initial. First company has to send amended sms for change required from Dead ship to Live ship. Then after approval from flag state Master has to implement all SMS requirements by carriedvout ISM and ISSC internal audit, By Giving training, By checking all equipment as per SMS and manufacturer requirement. Don’t forget to mention MAGNETIC COMPASS Adjustment. Then later own company request flag state to do audit on ship and New Interm SMC & ISSC certificate will be issue for 6 months. Then for full Compliance audit by flag state between 3-6 months. Then full compliane certificate will be issue.

2nd officer is asking he is not sure about Primary means of Navigation. What all Preparation carried out for SEC survey.
I explained it is come under Cargo ship safety equipment certificate and Primary means of Navigation mention in Form E. And I explained Sec FFA, LSA, BRIDGE EQUIPMENT, LOGBOOK , CSR, during intermediate or renewal drills.

7. If they did not hold a medical issued in the UK?
Explained about MSN 1821 – approve countries, there medical is equivalent to UK ENG1.

8. What certificates are associated with MLC?
MLC 2006, DMLC1, DMLC2, FINANCIAL SECURITY FOR REPATRIATION, FINANCIAL SECURITY RELATED TO SHIP
OWNERS LIABILITY

9. Who issue DMLC1 & DMLC2, procedure to get MLC2006?
Explained DMLC2 is drafted by owners and on behalf of DMLC1 issue by MCA, Master has to implement the DMLC1 with 16 points. First 3 month is for implementation and 3-6 months inspection by MCA.

10. You are engaged in Cargo Operation on chemical tanker and there is job to be carried in You PMS as it related to FPK tank how you are going to start.
Explained him as per ship shore safety checklist if vessel in engaged in cargo operation vessel need to inform Terminal and take permission from Terminal before commencing any job, if permission granted then follow procedure mention in SMS regarding Enclosed space entry and all checks has been carried out as per Enclosed space entry permit, RA, Toolbox meeting, Preventive Measure, Entries requirement, Safety equipment stand by, Communication etc.

Then Third mate came to you and reported both person entered in FPK tank not reported action.
Explained Report local port emergency team, Prepare for enclosed space entry rescue operation. Inform all parties specially MAIB by using ARF FORM.

Then local doctor reported both person are not to able to survive action.
Explained procedure to singing off from vessel and hand over all belonging to local consulate, SMD is in non-compliance R.A carried out and safety meeting carried out how to carry out operation as we know short of hands, Send a application to flag state with RA ask request for dispensation.

11. SMD – What is it? MSN 1868 / IMO res A1047 (27) Guidelines to Minimum safe manning. (MSN1767/MSF4227)

12. What familiarization would you carry out with newly joined crew with regards to safety? General things specific about muster list (COSWP)

13. Which areas of the vessel would crew find their duties posted Muster list – all required areas mentioned

14. What drills would you do on-board?
Explained all drills as per MGN 71 and duration of all drills.

15. Young person joined your vessel?
Explained entry in young person log and crew list, explained about HOR for young person. Night time duty if it is training purpose, basically full explanation about young person.

16. What all columns are there in OLB?

17. Passage planning FROM UK to USA, what will be your concern as Master.
I started saying that will explain in 4 phases, (bridge, deck, galley and engine room).
Stating passage plan must be in line with SOLAS ch V/reg34, I was half the way she stopped me in between Then explaining about deck again she stopped me in between. Don’t forget to mention about any major defect and deficiency on deck and in engine room.

18. During a voyage your ship side is damage what all certificates effected.
Explained all procedure as per heavy weather damage and inform vessel Certificate of class get effected and vessel required Interim certificate of class including condition of class to take vessel to dry dock for repair.

19. What are the statutory certificates you will have on board? Listed all cert.

20. Some certificate inspections and renewal she asked me (SEQ, ISSC, MLC)

21. The Bosun comes to you and says one mooring ropes is missing from FWD. How do you deal with this situation?
As I explained as per company policy vessel has to secure all mooring kep out on deck as mention in heavy weather checklist, this is responsibility of C/O and bosun to take care of it. First, I will broadcast the message to all vessel in vicinity because it will get stuck in propeller.
Then Started with that it is related with merchant navy code of conduct, however I will not jump direct to the code but will try to find out and will get feedback from chief officer, other crew member, as I was explaining the things she said everything is OK, now- I said then it’s a major of misconduct as per MNCoC section 9, will go accordingly and Raised NC against SMS inform all parties and make an entry in official log book Narrative section.

22. You departed from port and found 2 stowaways.
Explained all points from MGN70 regarding stowaways. Specially mentioned area to be thoroughly search the where the stowaways found for drugs & bombs and then full ship to be search out for any other stowaways. Rest to inform all parties, if pilot is still on-board then request him to make arrangement to get them down in this port itself.

23. She said that what else
I said mam I’m coming on that, need to review the SSP due to breach of security and then she smiled said Ok.

24. Rumb line or Great circle during voyage from UK to USA .
U mentioned composite Great circle to avoid the ice and explained him that how the ice is drifting down from Canada during the month of May with reference to the gulf stream and Labrador current.

25. You encounter heavy weather that was not previously forecasted in the Atlantic, what are your obligations in regards to reporting
Master’s obligatory report as per SOLAS chV /reg 31.

26. Said what else you will report.
Explained full Master’s obligatory report as per SOLAS chV /reg 31.

27. Ok, you have finished with writing your night orders and went for sleep, suddenly you heard general alarm, and your second officer called you up and informs that vessel has Collison with another vessel. After a pause, I started with said I will explain it in 2 stages same like before started with bridge, deck, support squad, emergency team, technical team, what OOW will do, Chief officer part, deck party lead by bosun, engine party work, and to whom I will inform, owners, charterers, DPA, flag state, class, nearest coastal state and MAIB. Initially I forgot to mention about the class, so she asked me about the ROs and insurance, then I thought I missed something so I mentioned all parties again and said that I think I missed class, she said yes you did.

28. What is P&I insurance?

29. What is Salvage, difference between salvage & towage?

30. What is Lloyds Open Form?

31. Charter Party wants you to sign a Bill of Lading (All good). Your C/O comes and says that the Cargo loaded is in actual fact damaged – Actions?

32. What Bill of lading, Clean BL, note of protest, General average.

Then she said, ok I’m sharing the screen.

33. You are on a single screw R/H fixed pitch no bow thruster. How would you turn and come portside alongside as per below diagram? Wind is green arrow, tide is red arrow.
Initially I refused to berth as the tide is from stern the she said you need to come along side port side. I said I have to options one is snub around and second is turning short round depending on space available, she said u have enough space.
Then I explained her about turn short round and mentioned to utilisation of transverse thrust, lookout forward and anchor standby, approach the berth with broad angle (about 60-70 deg) to berth and then lock the bow with head lines + fwd spring to restrict the fwd movements then using wind tide/to crab in. As a follow up she asked which lines first? Fwd Spring lines headlines and then aft spring once the vessel alongside, as these prevent fore/aft movement and wind pushing us on.

34. After almost 45 minutes when she put across me this situation, although it was very simple situation but my mind got saturated, so for a movement I thought about the situation and said that I will give 5 short rapid blast for the vessel which on my port side then she asked me why the vessel is not even in separation zone. So I gave a thought that she is right, she rephrase the question said that forget about your vessel tell me about the rule 10, so I explained rule in my on word and said vsl on my port side is give way for me and I’m give way for vessel on my stbd side, she asked me now tell me your final answer, I said I will slow down, she said OK but was not happy, then he said that can you go to inshore traffic on that I got her said “yes” to avoid imminent danger , then she asked at what angle you will join the TSS from inshore zone, said as minimum as possible, she agreed on that, basically she want me to give one short blast bold alteration to stbd enter to inshore zone and once the vessel on my stbd side is clear and past then enter back to TSS at smaller angle. Even slowdown is also not wrong answer.

35. You are on the below vessel highlighted in green, all PDV’s and ROC with vessel ahead of you, vessel on stbd side is doing same speed and although close, at safe distance, what are your actions?

On this I explained that Rule 15 applies with vessel ahead of me, so I shall keep out of her way and avoid crossing ahead if possible.
Can’t alter to stbd as would result in close quarters situation with vessel abeam of me as per rule 17.
I could go to port due to the circumstances of the case as per rule 15. So I said that I will slow down

42. RV, (relative motion), actions and why?
As per rule 19, so far possible
Avoid altering towards vessel abeam or abaft beam
Avoid altering to port for v/l fwd of beam,
So slow down

43. Full description
Vessel aground-day shapes, sound signal <100 mtrs & >100 mtrs

44. Then passing of buoys heading North passing east cardinal, south cardinal, North Cardinal.

Capt. Zia Ul Haq then stopped sharing the screen, said that I pulled over the situation (Q40) and gave me the good news, she said u have PASSED.
He discussed some point and asked me to go away and have a look on those points. After exam I have gone through the points which he has mentioned in closing meeting.
This was a very fair exam and I did not feel at any point the examiner was trying to catch me out.

As I requested her for some points in the beginning, so many questions she has repeated and also rephrase the questions, some of the questions he has repeated about 3-4 times.
I would say he was very calm and co-operative during whole the exam, I didn’t feel like that the examiner is trying to catch me, even if I missed something then he was asking the other questions which were related to previous question, mainly if u lost the track then he will get you on track,

Then he explained me about how to apply for my CoC. Said Good luck for my future and then she log off.

[james cowperthwaite]

Masters Unlimited 13-05-25
Examiner: Khairul Anam
1h
Attempt – First attempt
PASS
Experience – Pax Ships

I joined the Teams meeting 15 minutes early and then about 5 minutes later the session started. Initially not recorded, simply confirming who I am and a general chat about where I was in the world and my overall experience during my career.

1. Intially starting the usual entry questions regarding my experience and the last vessel that I was on – I mentioned the general specifications of the vessel, LSA and FFA capacity noted as well. Sailing area also noted.
2. I was then asked quite a lot about the Polar Code – Thankfully I have completed Polar Certification courses. I didn’t mention polar regions, he simply started questioning the topic. Regards to this I ended up dipping in to MLC regarding the ships crew requiring additional warm clothing for the environment. Requirements and expectations of the Ice Pilot was also questioned as I brought up the point. Ice forecasting and guidance means and methods, instructions and expectations from all departments onboard. Basically he in went very in depth into the Polar Code and brought in questions regarding MLC and this later went into ISM Code considerations as he asked what I would do if the company ensisted I proceeded into polar regions and I didn’t believe it to be safe. Ultimately I mentioned the Masters Overriding Authority.
3. ISM COde – What is the purpose and goals?
4. Documents required per ISM Code?
5. How would you ensure ISM cOde is functional but very specifically focusing on an example he gave as an event where, a surveyor is onboard and during an operation involving lowering of a lifeboat it suddenly falls on deck. I indicated I would first stop all operations, clear all people away and after forming a risk assesment secure the boat. Then root cause analysis was mentioned, checking of maintenance records, crew training, accident reports etc.
6. MAIB noted – so then I was questioned about there purpose, methods of investigation, any blame seeking?
7. Dispensations where unable to get maintenance in the current port, but risk assessments and CAPs formed with additional liferafts onboard before sailing at least covered.
8. Passengers onboard – Safety briefing requirements.
9. Magnetic Errors – A very general question regarding what sources of errors and what corrective actions – Basically I mentiioned every source I could remember per all the Coefficients.
10. He then went further to considerations of those experienced enroute, so I described Retentitive error…this was ultimately the main point of interest as far as I saw. I had mentioned annealing the quadrantal spheres and one point but that opened a small can of worms. He asked what would be my concern here? I said well ultimately it could make it worse but in any case it was only done with a compass corrector onboard.
10. SAR plans – Content, intent, who exactly confirms it is authorised as a plan.
11. DG DOC – Content, purpose, validity and where it comes from….which authority.
12. I brought up ACS and EAS at a later point and so the general intent of the schemes was questions. How to get in, how to know you are in and certification covered. Which parts the MCA still checked etc.
13. Offical logbook and Oil Record Books – Which parts the Master signs, content of part 2 of ORB and then Oil Record Book part 1 what are the general things recorded. Also how would I be sure that fuel bunkered was according to that within the Oil Record Book – sampling, cross checking records with tank volumes etc.
14. Stability – How would I ensure tha the relevant criteria is being met – I essentially spoke about the guidance I would give to an officer in charge of the stability onbaord and points of reference as guidance.
15. Also a point which deviated from the Polar Code discussion was the guidance to the navigation team regarding the preparations for proceeding into polar waters. I spoke about the various publications to refer to for general ECDIS use and issues to pay reference to. Additionally, my experience within Antartica was when ENC didn’t cover the whole of the regions we entered. So I spoke about the risk assesment process for using Raster charts.

Possibly more but the rest the of questions largely involved the validity of various certificates and documents, retention periods od documents and to whom to refer to under each certficate.

No emergencies, no COLREGS, no Buoyage and no manoeuvering.

Thank you to GMA staff and APril 2025 intake.

[Author]

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