Frequently Asked Questions

Answers drawn from the public STCW Booker knowledge library. More articles are added as content is approved.

• What is Trim and Stability?

  .3 all other data and aids which might be necessary to maintain the required intact stability and stability after damage. 3 The intact and damage stability information required by regulation 5-1.2 shall be presented as c

• Who is the regulatory authority for Indian seafarer certification?

  Based on a trusted-domain web result (not yet verified by STCWBOOKER): The Training Branch of the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, s

• PW Hybrid FAQ 1785811462288

  Playwright unique marker ALPHA-HYBRID-9911: seafarers must complete Basic Safety Training before joining a ship.

• PW Hybrid FAQ 1785808835159

  Playwright unique marker ALPHA-HYBRID-9911: seafarers must complete Basic Safety Training before joining a ship.

• PW Hybrid FAQ 1785808388759

  Playwright unique marker ALPHA-HYBRID-9911: seafarers must complete Basic Safety Training before joining a ship.

• PW Hybrid FAQ 1785551003742

  Playwright unique marker ALPHA-HYBRID-9911: seafarers must complete Basic Safety Training before joining a ship.

• PW Hybrid FAQ 1785212847245

  Playwright unique marker ALPHA-HYBRID-9911: seafarers must complete Basic Safety Training before joining a ship.

• PW Hybrid FAQ 1785201679302

  Playwright unique marker ALPHA-HYBRID-9911: seafarers must complete Basic Safety Training before joining a ship.

• PW Hybrid FAQ 1785124023661

  Playwright unique marker ALPHA-HYBRID-9911: seafarers must complete Basic Safety Training before joining a ship.

• PW Hybrid FAQ 1785058321840

  Playwright unique marker ALPHA-HYBRID-9911: seafarers must complete Basic Safety Training before joining a ship.

• What are the SOLAS requirements for liferafts?

  Liferafts under SOLAS are regulated mainly by SOLAS Chapter III (Life-saving appliances and arrangements), with detailed performance and testing standards in the LSA Code (International Life-Saving Appliance Code).In pra

• PW Hybrid FAQ 1785057305089

  Playwright unique marker ALPHA-HYBRID-9911: seafarers must complete Basic Safety Training before joining a ship.

• PW Hybrid FAQ 1785056860344

  Playwright unique marker ALPHA-HYBRID-9911: seafarers must complete Basic Safety Training before joining a ship.

• PW Hybrid FAQ 1785056542871

  Playwright unique marker ALPHA-HYBRID-9911: seafarers must complete Basic Safety Training before joining a ship.

• PW Hybrid FAQ 1785056085488

  Playwright unique marker ALPHA-HYBRID-9911: seafarers must complete Basic Safety Training before joining a ship.

• What is a Tanker Ship?

  (h) *A tanker* is a cargo ship constructed or adapted for the carriage in bulk of liquid cargoes of an inflammable* nature. * 'Inflammable' has the same meaning as 'flammable' (i) *A fishing vessel* i

• What is Offshore Supply Vessel?

  Offshore Supply Vessel — An Offshore Supply Vessel (OSV) is a ship that supports offshore energy operations by delivering cargo, fuel, water, and equipment to platforms and rigs. Related vessel types include PSV and AHTS

• What is OSV?

  Offshore Supply Vessel — An Offshore Supply Vessel (OSV) — also called an offshore support vessel — is a ship designed to support offshore oil and gas operations. Typical roles include carrying cargo, fuel, water, and eq

• What is an OSV?

  Offshore Supply Vessel — An Offshore Supply Vessel (OSV) is a maritime vessel used to support offshore oil and gas installations by transporting supplies and providing offshore support services. It is not the same as Dyn

• What does GMDSS stand for?

  Based on a trusted-domain web result (not yet verified by STCWBOOKER): AboutShip Radio StationsThe GMDSS is an internationally recognized distress and radio communication safety system that has been in place for several

• What does IMO stand for?

  Based on a trusted-domain web result (not yet verified by STCWBOOKER): IMO – the International Maritime Organization – is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping

• What is Risk Assessment?

  .7 risk assessment based on identification of the potential faults and hazards associated with the proposal. #### 4 Evaluation of the alternative design and arrangements 4.1 The engineering analysis required in paragraph

• What is Ballast Water Management?

  Based on an Open Internet search (not yet verified by STCWBOOKER): The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other related subcommittees have made significant

• PW Hybrid FAQ 1785040965473

  Playwright unique marker ALPHA-HYBRID-9911: seafarers must complete Basic Safety Training before joining a ship.

• PW Hybrid FAQ 1785040017194

  Playwright unique marker ALPHA-HYBRID-9911: seafarers must complete Basic Safety Training before joining a ship.

• PW Hybrid FAQ 1785039612737

  Playwright unique marker ALPHA-HYBRID-9911: seafarers must complete Basic Safety Training before joining a ship.

• PW Hybrid FAQ 1785039398284

  Playwright unique marker ALPHA-HYBRID-9911: seafarers must complete Basic Safety Training before joining a ship.

• What is quantum computing?

  Based on a trusted-domain web result (not yet verified by STCWBOOKER): It also includes improving the fundamental building blocks of quantum computers, developing sophisticated control to make the most of any group of qu

• What is the ISPS Code?

  Based on a trusted-domain web result (not yet verified by STCWBOOKER): Having entered into force under SOLAS chapter XI-2, on 1 July 2004, the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) has since form

• Where is DG Shipping located?

  DG Shipping headquarters — The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping / DGS), Government of India, has its headquarters in Mumbai. It is the maritime authority — not a private training institute listing.

• Where is ILO located?

  ILO headquarters — The International Labour Organization (ILO) headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland. ILO is a UN agency — not a training institute on STCWBOOKER.

• Where is IMO located?

  IMO headquarters — The International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters is located in London, United Kingdom (4 Albert Embankment). IMO is a UN agency — not a maritime training institute.

• PW Hybrid FAQ 1784993962916

  Playwright unique marker ALPHA-HYBRID-9911: seafarers must complete Basic Safety Training before joining a ship.

• What is DGS Training Circular 01 of 2024 GMDSS ROC about?

  DGS Training Circulars: i) DGS Training Circular 01 of 2024 dated 05.01.2024 - Guidelines for conduct of Global Maritime Distress and Safety System-Restricted Operators Certificate (GMDSS ROC) course and examination &amp

• What is DGS Order No. 20 of 2020 about CoPs during COVID-19?

  DGS Orders (Training): i) DGS Order No. 40 of 2020 dated 17.12.2020 - Addendum-II to DGS Order No. 28 of 2020 dated 01.10.2020 with respect to Conduct of Maritime Training Courses. ii) DGS Order No. 20 of 2020 dated 03.0

• PW Hybrid FAQ 1784993684525

  Playwright unique marker ALPHA-HYBRID-9911: seafarers must complete Basic Safety Training before joining a ship.

• What is a rudder?

  rudder — A hinged underwater surface at the stern that deflects water flow to change the ship’s heading when the steering gear moves it.

• What is SOLAS?

  SOLAS 2018 Consolidated Edition # SOLAS 2018 ## Consolidated Edition CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS PART A-APPLICATION, DEFINITIONS, ETC. Regulation 1 Application* * Refer to MSC-MEPC.5/Circ.8 on Unified interpretation of

• What is steering gear?

  steering gear — The system used to turn a ship’s rudder and control the vessel’s direction. It typically includes the power unit, control system, and rudder actuator; main and auxiliary steering gear provide redundancy f

• What is the role of IMO?

  As a specialized agency of the United Nations, IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framew

• What is full form of solas?

  ## Regulation 15 ### Forms of certificates and records of equipment* * Refer to Guidance on the timing of replacement of existing certificates by the certificates issued after the entry into force of amendments to certif

• What are the major responsibilities of the Master under SOLAS?

  Under SOLAS (and related operational practice), the Master is responsible for the safety of the ship and persons on board. Major themes include:Ensuring the ship is seaworthy and safety equipment is ready for the voyageC

• Which SOLAS chapters are most relevant for Basic Safety Training students?

  For Basic Safety Training students, the most relevant SOLAS links are:Chapter II-2 — fire protection/detection/extinction (ties to FPFF training)Chapter III — life-saving appliances and arrangements (ties to PST / surviv

• Which SOLAS regulations are commonly checked during Port State Control inspections?

  PSC commonly samples SOLAS-related items such as:Certificates and surveys (Chapter I related documentation)Fire safety: detection, extinguishers, fire doors, drills, firefighter outfits (II-2)Life-saving appliances: life

• Explain the relationship between SOLAS and the LSA Code

  SOLAS Chapter III requires ships to carry life-saving appliances and arrangements. The LSA Code (International Life-Saving Appliance Code) provides the detailed technical performance and testing standards for those appli

• Compare SOLAS Chapter II-1 and Chapter II-2

  Chapter II-1 covers construction related to structure, subdivision, stability, machinery and electrical installations — keeping the ship afloat and systems running after flooding/damage scenarios addressed by those rules

• Explain SOLAS in simple language for a first-time deck cadet

  SOLAS in simple words: it is the international “rule book” that says how ships must be built and equipped so people stay safe at sea.Think of it as ship safety law agreed by countries through the IMO.It covers fire safet

• A fire breaks out in the engine room of a cargo ship. Which SOLAS requirements become applicable?

  For an engine-room fire on a cargo ship, the main SOLAS focus is Chapter II-2 (fire protection/detection/extinction), typically including:Fire detection and alarm arrangements for machinery spacesFixed fire-extinguishing

• Explain the difference between SOLAS and STCW

  SOLAS is about the ship — construction, equipment, fire safety, life-saving appliances, radio, navigation safety, and safe operation systems.STCW is about the people — minimum training, certification, and watchkeeping st

• Does SOLAS apply to every ship?

  No — SOLAS does not apply to every ship.SOLAS mainly applies to ships engaged on international voyages, with chapter-specific scope (often cargo ships of 500 GT and above, and passenger ships).Many warships, ships not pr

• Which SOLAS chapter covers Radio Communications and GMDSS?

  SOLAS Chapter IV — Radiocommunications. It requires ships to carry GMDSS-capable radio installations appropriate to their sea areas, with functional requirements for distress, urgency, safety, and MSI, plus watchkeeping

• Which SOLAS chapter covers Life Saving Appliances and Arrangements?

  SOLAS Chapter III — Life-saving appliances and arrangements. It sets requirements for lifeboats, rescue boats, liferafts, lifejackets, immersion suits, launching appliances, drills, and related arrangements. Technical pe

• Which SOLAS chapter deals with Fire Protection, Fire Detection and Fire Extinction?

  SOLAS Chapter II-2 — Construction – Fire protection, fire detection and fire extinction. It covers fire integrity of divisions, detection/alarm, extinguishing systems, escape, and related fire-safety arrangements. Suppor

• How many chapters are there in the SOLAS Convention?

  The 1974 SOLAS Convention (as commonly taught) has 14 chapters (I–XIV). Brief guide:I — General provisions (application, surveys, certificates)II-1 — Construction: structure, subdivision, stability, machinery, electrical

• Why was the SOLAS Convention introduced?

  SOLAS was introduced after major peacetime shipping disasters — most famously the Titanic (1912) — showed that ships needed international minimum safety rules. The first SOLAS conference was in 1914; today’s widely appli

• PW Hybrid FAQ 1784986037707

  Playwright unique marker ALPHA-HYBRID-9911: seafarers must complete Basic Safety Training before joining a ship.

• What is DGS Order No. 01 of 2025 Digital Certification Application DCA?

  viii) DGS Order No. 01 of 2025 Dated 31.01.2025 - Addendum to DGS Order No. 25 of 2020 - Payment for Digital Certification Application (DCA) by Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs) effective from 01.02.2025.Captured autom

• PW Hybrid FAQ 1784981524730

  Playwright unique marker ALPHA-HYBRID-9911: seafarers must complete Basic Safety Training before joining a ship.

• PW Hybrid FAQ 1784981399141

  Playwright unique marker ALPHA-HYBRID-9911: seafarers must complete Basic Safety Training before joining a ship.

• PW Hybrid FAQ 1784980130749

  Playwright unique marker ALPHA-HYBRID-9911: seafarers must complete Basic Safety Training before joining a ship.

• PW Hybrid FAQ 1784967546166

  Playwright unique marker ALPHA-HYBRID-9911: seafarers must complete Basic Safety Training before joining a ship.

• PW Hybrid FAQ 1784967508771

  Playwright unique marker ALPHA-HYBRID-9911: seafarers must complete Basic Safety Training before joining a ship.

• PW Hybrid FAQ 1784967155139

  Playwright unique marker ALPHA-HYBRID-9911: seafarers must complete Basic Safety Training before joining a ship.

• What is Rhumb Line?

  rhumb — Line crossing all meridians at a constant course angle — easy to steer on a Mercator chart.

• What is Great Circle?

  great circle — Shortest path over the Earth’s surface between two points — used on long ocean passages.

• What is Terrestrial Navigation?

  coastal — Navigation using landmarks, buoys, radar, and coastal features.

• What is Celestial Navigation?

  sextant — Determining position using observations of sun, moon, planets, or stars.

• What is Tide?

  tide — Periodic rise and fall of sea level affecting under-keel clearance and currents.

• What is Notice to Mariners?

  Notices to Mariners — Official chart/publication corrections and navigational warnings issued by hydrographic offices.

• What is Admiralty Chart?

  Admiralty — Nautical charts and publications produced by the UK Hydrographic Office (Admiralty).

• What is RNC?

  Raster — Raster Navigational Chart — scanned paper chart image usable in some ECS/ECDIS modes.

• What is ENC?

  Electronic Navigational Chart — Official electronic chart database used by ECDIS for navigation.

• What is CATZOC?

  ENC — Category Zone of Confidence — accuracy/quality rating of electronic navigational chart data.

• What is UKC?

  Under Keel — Under Keel Clearance — water depth remaining under the keel; critical for grounding prevention.

• What is Interaction?

  interaction — Hydrodynamic forces between ships or between a ship and nearby banks/berths.

• What is Bank Effect?

  bank — Hydrodynamic interaction pulling/pushing a ship near a channel bank or another vessel.

• What is Squatting?

  squat — Increase in draft and change of trim when a ship moves at speed in shallow water.

• What is KG?

  centre of gravity — Height of the ship’s centre of gravity above the keel — critical for stability.

• What is GM?

  metacentric — Metacentric height — key initial stability measure; distance between centre of gravity and metacentre.

• What is Free Surface Effect?

  free surface — Reduction of stability caused by liquid moving in partly filled tanks.

• What is Damage Stability?

  damage stability — Ability of a ship to remain afloat and stable after flooding of compartments.

• What is Trim and Stability?

  stability — Ship’s longitudinal trim and transverse stability calculations for safe loading conditions.

• What is Lashing?

  lashing — Use of chains, webs, and fittings to secure cargo against ship motions.

• What is Heavy Lift?

  heavy lift — Carriage of oversized/project cargoes needing special lifting, securing, and stability planning.

• What is Timber Code?

  timber — Code of Safe Practice for Ships Carrying Timber Deck Cargoes.

• What is Grain Code?

  grain — International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk — stability and securing of grain cargoes.

• What is CSS Code?

  Cargo Stowage — Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing — prevents cargo shifting at sea.

• What is EmS?

  Emergency Schedules — Emergency Schedules in the IMDG Code giving fire and spillage response guidance.

• What is MFAG?

  Medical First Aid Guide — Medical First Aid Guide for Use in Accidents Involving Dangerous Goods — IMDG medical advice.

• What is SDS?

  Safety Data Sheet — Safety Data Sheet (formerly MSDS) describing hazards and handling for a chemical cargo/product.

• What is Compatibility?

  compatibility — Assessment of whether chemical cargoes may be carried in adjacent tanks without hazardous reaction.

• What is Purging?

  purging — Replacing tank atmosphere with inert gas to reduce oxygen/hydrocarbon to safe levels.

• What is Gas Freeing?

  gas freeing — Ventilating a cargo tank until hydrocarbon levels are safe for entry or hot work.

• What is Flammability Diagram?

  flammable — Chart showing safe/unsafe mixtures of hydrocarbon gas, oxygen, and inert gas in tanks.

• What is Inert Gas?

  Inert Gas — System supplying oxygen-deficient gas to cargo tanks to prevent flammable atmospheres.

• What is Crude Oil Washing?

  Crude Oil Washing — Using crude oil cargo to wash cargo tanks during discharge (MARPOL-related tanker operation).

• What is Innage?

  sounding — Height of liquid in a tank measured from the bottom up (sounding).

• What is Ullage?

  ullage — Distance from a tank reference point down to the liquid surface — used in tanker cargo measurement.

• What is Draft Survey?

  draft — Method of calculating cargo loaded/discharged from changes in the ship’s draft and displacement.

• What is Gangway?

  access — Means of access between ship and shore; must be safe, lit, and watched.