AB Ship Construction and Cargo 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a ship's cofferdam?
- To store emergency provisions
- To separate two adjacent tanks and prevent leakage between them (Correct answer)
- To provide buoyancy in flooding events
- To house the anchor chain
Correct answer: To separate two adjacent tanks and prevent leakage between them
A cofferdam is a void space between two adjacent tanks that prevents liquid from one tank leaking into the other.
Question 2: Which structural member runs longitudinally along the bottom centerline of a ship and is considered its backbone?
- Bilge keel
- Center keel (Correct answer)
- Garboard strake
- Intercostal
Correct answer: Center keel
The center keel (or simply keel) is the primary longitudinal structural member running along the bottom centerline, forming the ship's backbone.
Question 3: What term describes the cargo space below the main deck that is NOT a hold?
- Tween-deck space
- Forecastle
- Orlop deck
- Deep tank (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Deep tank
Deep tanks are enclosed spaces in the lower part of the ship used for liquid cargo or ballast, distinct from dry cargo holds.
Question 4: The 'sheer' of a vessel refers to:
- The upward curve of the deck from amidships toward the bow and stern (Correct answer)
- The angle of the mast from vertical
- The outward flare of the bow
- The slope of the keel from bow to stern
Correct answer: The upward curve of the deck from amidships toward the bow and stern
Sheer is the longitudinal curvature of the main deck, rising toward the bow and stern from the lowest point amidships.
Question 5: Which type of cargo requires the most ventilation during stowage to prevent moisture damage?
- Liquid bulk in tanks
- Refrigerated containers
- Hygroscopic dry cargo such as grain or coffee (Correct answer)
- Steel coils
Correct answer: Hygroscopic dry cargo such as grain or coffee
Hygroscopic cargo absorbs moisture from the air, so adequate ventilation is critical to prevent condensation and cargo sweat damage.
Question 6: What is the function of bilge pumps on a vessel?
- To circulate ballast water
- To remove accumulated water from the bilge spaces at the bottom of the hull (Correct answer)
- To supply water to fire hoses
- To cool the main engine
Correct answer: To remove accumulated water from the bilge spaces at the bottom of the hull
Bilge pumps remove water that collects in the bilge spaces, preventing flooding and maintaining watertight integrity.
Question 7: Which document specifies the maximum load line (Plimsoll mark) for a vessel?
- Certificate of Registry
- Load Line Certificate (Correct answer)
- Safety Management Certificate
- Cargo Manifest
Correct answer: Load Line Certificate
The Load Line Certificate, issued under the International Load Line Convention, specifies the maximum draft marks for different sea zones and seasons.
AB Ship Construction and Cargo 2
What is the purpose of a ship's cofferdam?