Guidance

Deck Officer (Fishing Vessel) Class 3 Oral Examination Syllabus

Published 3 November 2021

1. Oral and Practical

A full knowledge of the principles of navigational watchkeeping as laid down by IMO.

1.1 Compass

1. The care of the magnetic compass. The ability to understand and steer by magnetic compass.
2. An elementary knowledge of the components of compass error. The determination and application of compass errors.

1.2 Chartwork and Pilotage

In this section of the syllabus candidates will be required to demonstrate their ability to use parallel rulers and dividers in elementary chartwork exercises.

1. The meaning of symbols and abbreviations used in Admiralty charts. Recognition of lights; range of visibility of lights. The use of leading lights, transits and light sectors.
2. To lay off a safe course between two positions on a chart and find the course to steer given the compass error. The application of allowances for tidal streams and leeway.
3. To fix a position on a chart by latitude and longitude, by means of simultaneous compass bearings, or by compass bearing and range.
4. To find the times of high and low water at any standard British port; to obtain the approximate direction of the tidal stream at any given time.

1.3 Meteorology

1. A knowledge of the types of weather messages available to fishermen. A general knowledge of the limits of sea areas for weather forecasts in the limited area.
2. The use of weather messages; deducing the probable weather and changes in weather to be anticipated.
3. The Beaufort wind scale and weather notation in use at sea,
4. A knowledge of the conditions likely to cause the formation of fog, mist or snow.
5. The use of meteorological instruments carried by fishing vessels.

1.4 Seamanship

1. Use and basic operation of deck appliances, steering gear and bilge pumping system.
2. Knots, hitches and bends in common use. Seizings, rackings, rope and chain stoppers. Splicing twisted and braided natural and synthetic fibre rope with strict reference to current practice.
3. Berthing alongside jetties, quays or other ships. Stopping, going astern, manoeuvring. The effect of current, wind and shallow water on manoeuvring. Turning short round. Emergency manoeuvres. Man overboard.
4. Manoeuvring during fishing operations with special regard to the adverse effect on the vessel’s safety which may result from such operations;
5. Precautions to be taken before the onset of heavy weather. Management of a fishing vessel in heavy weather. Means to employ to keep a disabled fishing vessel out of the trough of the sea and lessen her lee drift.
6. Action to be taken when disabled or in distress. Abandoning ship. Preservation of crew in the event of wreck. Communication with the shore. The use of breeches buoy equipment. Steps to be taken in the case of collision or grounding, heavy weather damage or leaks.
7. Assisting another vessel or aircraft in distress. Rescuing the crew of a disabled ship or aircraft. Search and rescue procedures.
8. Towing and being towed.
9. Bringing a fishing vessel to anchor; the use of anchors and cables.
10. Prevention of fire. Methods of dealing with fire on board a fishing vessel.
11. The care and use of life-saving appliances and fire-fighting appliances used in fishing vessels. An outline knowledge of the Regulations concerning the carriage of life-saving appliances and fire-fighting appliances in fishing vessels. Knowledge of Regulations concerning musters and drills.
12. Use of survival craft and their equipment.
13. A knowledge of the content and application of the Collision Regulations and those Annexes concerned with safe navigation. Candidates will not be placed in a position of handling a sailing vessel, but will be expected to recognise the lights carried by sailing vessels and have a knowledge of their possible manoeuvres according to the direction of the wind.
14. The use of distress signals; penalties for misuse.
15. The IALA buoyage system A.
16. A knowledge of the contents of Merchant Shipping Notices applicable to fishing vessels. A knowledge of the Recommended Code of Safety for Fishermen. The use of Admiralty Notices to Mariners.
17. Practical measures to be taken when navigating in ice or in conditions of ice accretion on board.

1.5 Stowage, Construction and Stability

1. General knowledge of the principal structural members of a vessel
2. A general understanding of the principles of ship stability as applied in the stability booklet carried on board.
3. An understanding of the effect of a weight suspended at a height such as when the cod end is hoisted aboard. The effect due to free surface of liquids.
4. Knowledge of safe handling and stowage of catch and the effect of these factors on the safety of the vessel.

1.6 Prevention of pollution of the marine environment

1. Knowledge of the precautions to be observed to prevent pollution of  the marine environment.

1.7 Signals

1. Sending and receiving morse by flash-lamp at 4 words per minute.
2. Recognition and knowledge of the meaning of the single flag signals: A D F J K L M O T U V and Z of the International Code.
3. Practical: To prepare portable radio equipment for operation in a life-raft, erect aerial and operate the radio-telephone facility. Knowledge of the operation of EPIRBs and SARTs.