Deck General Practice Questions

1. Which knot is most suitable for joining two lines of equal diameter?

• A.Square knot✓
• B.Sheet bend
• C.Bowline
• D.Clove hitch

Why: The square knot (reef knot) is designed for joining two lines of equal size and is commonly used to tie off reefing points and bundling. It should not be used for critical load-bearing applications or lines of unequal diameter.

2. What is the purpose of a swivel in an anchor cable assembly?

• A.To act as a weak link that parts before the chain if the anchor fouls
• B.To prevent the anchor chain from kinking or twisting as the vessel swings in changing wind and current✓
• C.To connect the anchor to the chain using a removable pin for quick release
• D.To increase the weight at the bow to improve catenary

Why: A swivel inserted in the anchor cable allows the chain to rotate freely, preventing kinking and twisting that would occur as the vessel swings through 360 degrees in response to changing wind and current directions.

3. When anchoring in an emergency, a vessel's headway should be:

• A.Maximum ahead to ensure the anchor sets quickly
• B.Stopped or slightly sternway before the anchor is released✓
• C.Slow ahead to allow the chain to deploy in a straight line
• D.Two-thirds ahead to carry the anchor well clear of the bow

Why: The anchor should be dropped with the vessel stopped or making slight sternway. This allows the chain to lie along the bottom in the direction of the pull and sets the anchor properly. Dropping with headway can pile chain on top of the anchor preventing it from setting.

4. Moving a weight already aboard from amidships to forward of LCF will:

• A.Cause the vessel to trim by the stern
• B.Cause the vessel to trim by the head without changing displacement✓
• C.Cause the vessel to sink deeper without any change in trim
• D.Only affect the list, not the trim

Why: Shifting an existing weight forward of LCF creates a forward trimming moment. Displacement does not change (no weight added or removed), so mean draft does not change significantly, but the forward draft increases and aft draft decreases — trim by the head.

5. When activating a fixed CO2 total flooding system, what must be done BEFORE releasing the CO2?

• A.Increase ventilation to clear smoke so firefighters can see inside
• B.Ensure all personnel have evacuated the protected space and all ventilation openings are closed✓
• C.Pre-charge the space with dry chemical to knock down flame before CO2 floods
• D.Sound the general alarm and wait 30 seconds before pulling the release

Why: The correct sequence for a CO2 total flooding system is: sound the pre-discharge alarm, evacuate all personnel from the space, close all vents and openings to maximize agent concentration, then release the CO2. Leaving ventilation open dilutes the CO2 below its minimum design concentration and the fire will not be suppressed. Any personnel remaining in the space will be asphyxiated.