Guidance

General Ship Knowledge Examination Syllabus

Published 8 February 2017

1. Course details

1.1 Duration

The course must take place over 5 days or 30 hours of formal instruction.

1.2 Content

This course is divided into 4 sections and 20 topics.

1.3 Assessment

Assessment will be by a written 2.5 hour examination of seven questions. The pass mark will be 60%.

2. Written examination syllabus

2.1 Ship construction

2.1.1 Ship construction terminology

1. Can define and illustrate the following terms:
   1. forward perpendicular;
   2. after perpendicular;
   3. length between perpendiculars;
   4. length overall;
   5. amidships;
   6. beam, depth, draught;
   7. freeboard;
   8. camber, sheer, flare;
   9. centre line;
   10. transverse cross section.
2. Can state that gross tonnage (GT) is a measure of the internal volume of the ship and net tonnage is obtained by making deductions from gross tonnage.
3. Can explain the difference between measurement tonnage and displacement.

2.1.2 Longitudinal, transverse and local stresses due to static and dynamic loading

1. Can describe the causes of longitudinal stresses with reference to hogging and sagging.
2. Can outline the effects of dynamic stresses with reference to wave action and loading.
3. Can describe how local stresses arise due to panting, pounding, vibration.
4. Can describe the hull stresses caused by a sailing boat’s mast and rigging and the stresses and loads present in the rig.
5. Can describe how local stress is caused by discontinuities at hull openings and local loading.

2.1.3 Methods of yacht construction

1. Can state that the bottom, side shell and upper deck structure are important strength members.
2. Can describe the methods of construction employed to resist the stresses in 2.1.2.1 to 2.1.2.4, with reference to transverse, longitudinal and combined systems of framing.
3. Can describe the methods of maintaining continuity of strength described in Topic 2.1.2.5.
4. Can draw the mid-section of sail and motor yachts and identify and describe the function of the following components:
   1. centre girder;
   2. side girders;
   3. stringers;
   4. transverse bulkheads;
   5. transverse frames;
   6. beams;
   7. beam knees;
   8. floors;
   9. pillars;
   10. coamings; and
   11. insert plates.
5. Can state the advantages and disadvantages of the following materials when used in yacht construction:
   1. wood;
   2. steel;
   3. aluminium alloy;
   4. Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) and other composite systems.

2.1.4 Plans normally carried on board

1. Can list the information contained in a General Arrangement Plan.
2. Can list the information contained in a Fire Plan.
3. Can list the information contained in a Life Saving Appliance Plan.
4. Can recognize the correct symbols used for the following bilge system components:
   1. Bilge Pump;
   2. Strum Box;
   3. Mud Box;
   4. Screw Down Non Return Valve;
   5. Screw down valve;
   6. Manifold;
   7. Overboard discharge;
   8. Oily water separator.

2.1.5 The cause and prevention of corrosion

1. Can outline the process of chemical corrosion (e.g. acids and alkalis).
2. Can describe the process of oxidisation of a steel plate.
3. Can describe the process of galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals by explaining the electro-chemical cell.
4. Can identify areas prone to galvanic corrosion.
5. Can sketch and describe the methods of joining and attaching dissimilar metals and fittings.
6. Can describe the function of a paint system in the prevention of oxidation and corrosion and the importance of its proper maintenance.
7. Can state the principle of cathodic protection using sacrificial anodes and impressed current systems.

2.1.6 The functions of Classification Societies

1. Can state the role of the Classification Society.
2. Can state that IACS is the International Association of Classification Societies.
3. Can state that each IACS Member uses ‘class notation symbols’ to denote a ship constructed under special survey in compliance with the society’s rules,

2.1.7 Load lines, reserve buoyancy and methods of damage control

1. Can define the terms:
   1. freeboard deck;
   2. superstructure deck;
   3. superstructure;
   4. assigned freeboard;
   5. weathertight;
   6. watertight.
2. Can state the purpose of the Load Line.
3. Can define fresh water allowance FWA as the difference between draft in Salt and fresh water.
4. Can state that the FWA = W/(4x TPC salt water).
5. Can state that the Fresh Water Mark may be considered as 1/48 of the Summer Draught above the summer mark.
6. Can outline the importance of reserve buoyancy and the necessity for maintaining its integrity.
7. Can state the items which affect the water tight integrity of the ship with reference to:
   1. hatchways and coamings;
   2. doorways, side scuttles, skylights, windows;
   3. ventilators and exhausts;
   4. air pipes.
8. Can describe the routine maintenance to ensure the efficiency of each of the closing arrangements for the items listed in 2.1.7.7.
9. Can state the importance of non-return valves on tank vent and sounding pipes especially when fitted below the freeboard deck.
10. Can describe the importance of water freeing arrangements to the watertight integrity of the vessel ie., scuppers and freeing ports.

2.1.8 Bilge-pumping systems

1. Can draw a simple bilge pumping diagram to include the following components:
   1. Bilge pump;
   2. strum box;
   3. mud box;
   4. screw down non-return valve;
   5. screw down valve;
   6. manifold;
   7. Oily water separator;
   8. overboard discharge.
2. Can describe the purpose of each of the components in topic 2.1.8.

2.2 Stability

2.2.1 Basic principles of hydrostatics and related terms

1. Can define density and relative density of a substance.
2. Can state a marine hydrometer is used to measure Relative Density of dock water.
3. Can state the Law of Flotation and Archimedes Principle.
4. Can define the terms:
   1. light displacement;
   2. load displacement;
   3. deadweight;
   4. buoyancy;
   5. reserve buoyancy;
   6. TPC;
   7. KM.
5. Can state that displacement (INSERT EQUATION 1) is equal to the underwater volume x relative density of the liquid displaced. INSERT EQUATION 2.
6. Can calculate the displacement of a box shaped vessel for a given draught in liquid of a given relative density.
7. Can extract displacement, TPC and KM for a given mean draught using a hydrostatic table.
8. Can calculate the displacement, change in draught and GM from tabulated hydrostatic data.

2.2.2 Initial stability

1. Can define the terms:
   1. centre of gravity;
   2. centre of buoyancy;
   3. transverse metacentre;
   4. metacentric height;
   5. righting lever;
   6. righting moment.
2. Can draw a diagram for a vessel in stable, neutral and unstable equilibrium, heeled to a small angle to show:
   1. the positions and forces through the centre of gravity and centre of buoyancy;
   2. show the development of righting and capsizing moments;
   3. describe the creation of the righting lever and the transverse metacentre.
3. Can state that righting moment (RM) = GZ x displacement INSERT EQUATION 3
4. Can state that metacentric height (GM) can be used as an assessment of initial stability.
5. Can describe the motion of stiff and tender vessels and state the advantages and disadvantages of both.
6. Can identify, using diagrams, the difference between stable, neutral and unstable equilibrium.
7. Can describe the effect on GM due to adding, removing and transferring weights including fuel and water.
8. Can state the effect on GM of a suspended weight.
9. Can state that the effect of free surface can be considered as a reduction in GM or a rise in KG and this change is known as the Free Surface Correction.
10. Can describe the importance of draining swimming pools.

2.3 Meteorology

2.3.1 Global wind distribution

1. Can draw a diagram showing the general global pressure distribution.
2. Can describe, with the aid of a sketch, the general circulation of wind over the earths’ surface.
3. Can describe the modifying effect of large landmasses on the general pattern of global circulation of winds.
4. Can state and describe the practical use of Buys Ballot’s Law.
5. Can define the ITCZ.
6. Can describe the conditions associated with:
   1. the ITCZ;
   2. Trade Winds;
   3. Sub Tropical Anti Cyclones.

2.3.2 The causes of local winds

1. Can describe, with the aid of a diagram, the formation of land and sea breezes.
2. Can describe katabatic winds and the associated dangers.
3. Can describe how local effects may modify winds caused by pressure systems and the effects on sea conditions.

2.3.3 The effects of water vapour in the atmosphere

1. Can define dew point and relative humidity.
2. Can describe the formation of cloud.
3. Can describe the formation of:
   1. Advection Fog;
   2. Frontal fog;
   3. Radiation fog.

2.3.4 The practical use and care of common meteorological instruments

1. Can describe the operation and use of the aneroid barometer.
2. Can outline the function of the barograph and its practical use in forecasting the weather.
3. Can describe the use of wet and dry bulb thermometers (Masons hygrometer).
4. Can demonstrate how the information obtained from a hygrometer can be used for predicting advection fog as described in the mariners handbook (NP100).

2.3.5 Frontal depressions

1. Can describe the formation of a frontal depression as in NP100.
2. Can describe, with the aid of a diagram, a frontal depression showing isobars, wind direction and associated fronts as in NP100.
3. Can describe, with the aid of a diagram, a warm front, cold front and occluded front and the associated weather as in NP100.

2.3.6 The sources of weather information available to ships

1. Can list the published sources of weather information including:
   1. The Mariners Handbook;
   2. Admiralty List of Radio Signals Vol.3, NP 283 (1 & 2);
   3. Routing charts;
   4. Admiralty Sailing Directions;
   5. Ocean Passages of the World.
2. Can list the sources of broadcast weather information including:
   1. weather facsimile;
   2. satellite pictures;
   3. text messages;
   4. NAVTEX;
   5. the internet.
3. Can describe a surface analysis chart and a forecast chart and identify the synoptic features.
4. Can determine from a surface analysis chart the strength and direction of the wind.

2.4 Seamanship

2.4.1 The responsibilities of the officer of the watch in relation to boarding a pilot

1. Can state the duties of the OOW when embarking and disembarking a pilot as stated in the Bridge Procedures Guide (as amended) and CoSWP.

2.4.2 The precautions to be taken in preparing a vessel for sea

1. Can describe the importance of the completion of pre-sailing check-lists.
2. Can describe the importance of maintaining watertight integrity including the fitting of storm shutters.
3. Can describe the requirement to secure heavy or bulky items such as tenders, jet-skies and helicopters.
4. Can state the importance of maintaining access to emergency equipment at all times.

2.4.3 SOLAS and MARPOL

1. Can list and name the MARPOL annexes applicable to Large yachts. (Annex 1,4,5 & 6).
2. Can state the requirements for the prevention of pollution by oil under MARPOL for large yachts with regard to:
   1. Carriage of Oily Water Separator;
   2. Limitations for discharge outside Special Areas;
   3. Limitations for discharge inside Special Areas.
3. Can state that MARPOL annex 1 requires the carriage of:
   1. International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate;
   2. Oil Record Book;
   3. Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP).
4. Can outline the requirements for the prevention of pollution by Sewage under MARPOL including:
   1. requirements for discharge of untreated sewage;
   2. requirements for discharge of treated sewage.
5. Can state that MARPOL annex 4 requires the carriage of:
   1. International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate.
6. Can outline the requirements for the prevention of pollution by Garbage under MARPOL including:
   1. Garbage Record Book;
   2. Garbage management plan.
7. Can list the items of garbage that may be discharged overboard under MARPOL Annex V Garbage Placard:
   1. Outside Special Areas;
   2. Inside Special areas.
8. Can state the MARPOL requirements for the prevention of air pollution apply to large Yachts and include carriage of:
   1. the International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate; and
   2. the Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) record book.
9. Can define Emission Control Area (ECA) and Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSA).
10. Can state that yachts over 500 GT must comply with the relevant chapters of SOLAS and yachts under 500GT comply with the Large Yacht Code (as amended).

2.4.4 The Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (CoSWP).

1. Can outline the contents of the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers. (2015 as amended).
2. Can describe the process of risk assessment.
3. Can state the purpose of a Permit to Work.
4. Can outline the process for the correct completion of a Permit to Work.
5. Can state the precautions to be observed when using lifting equipment
6. Can describe the precautions to be observed when engaged in mooring.
7. Can describe the dangers involved and state the precautions necessary to prevent injury to personnel when moving around the ship with special regard to safe means of access.
8. Can describe the precautions necessary when clearing away and letting go the anchor.
9. Can state the dangers of excessive loads on the mooring ropes and the dangers involved should a rope part.
10. Can describe the correct procedure for securing to a mooring buoy.
11. Can state the precautions to be observed when passing and connecting a towline to another vessel or tug.
12. Can state the precautions to be observed when making an entry into a dangerous or enclosed space.