Internal : poswal

External : s.k. Das

2nd attempt , kochi

Introduction and enquire about the attempt and type of ship done.
1. Sailing Direction
2. Inspire
3. NUC definition
4. NUC light and shape
5. East cardinal buoy defenetion, light rythem.
6. How you will overtake in narrow channel.(He is expecting all sound signals as per 34 C
including port and stbd).
7. Fog signal for Aground 100m.
8. Something about registration cert which i didn't know.
9. About dredger. ( Expecting both with obstruction and without obstruction) i didn't mention both
at first then he got angry. Yelled for not giving a full answer at a single time. It's shape and light
signal after that.
10. A few more about some conventions which I can't remember.

F3

1. About summer draft

2. What is summer load line.
3. Summer displacement.
3. Summer displacement formula
4. Intact stability criteria for all vessel. And some specifications about GZ.
5. About meter per radiant.
6. Life raft requirements.
7. COF
8. COB
9. COG
10. About shell plating.
11. Given some num and asked which part of shell plating was it. Which I didn't know.Then he
gave me an answer ( it's related to stern plate).
12. Fire extinguisher requirements.
13. Refilling requirement for extinguishers.
14. Plus few more simple questions.

F1 fail / f3 pass.

Thank you for sharing the details of your successful F3 oral examination. This is an excellent
record of the questions asked, and it will be very helpful for others preparing for a similar exam.
Here is a breakdown of the topics you've listed, along with the detailed answers you would likely
need to provide to pass the exam.
Introduction and General Information
This is the standard part of the interview where the examiner gets to know you, your
background, and your experience. Be prepared to talk about your recent sea time, the types of
vessels you've served on, and the waters you've navigated.
F3 Topics: Answers and Explanations
1.​ About Summer Draft:
○​ Definition: The summer draft is the maximum draft to which a vessel can be
loaded in the Summer Zone.
○​ Significance: It is the primary reference draft for all other load line marks and is
used to calculate the vessel's freeboard.
○​ Location: The summer load line is indicated by the "S" mark on the vessel's
Plimsoll line.
2.​ What is Summer Load Line?
○​ Definition: The summer load line is the highest load line mark on a vessel's
Plimsoll mark. It corresponds to the maximum safe draft for a vessel when sailing in
the summer zone.
○​ Determining Factors: The position of the summer load line is determined by the
vessel's strength, stability, and the freeboard regulations of the International Load
Line Convention. It ensures that the vessel has sufficient reserve buoyancy and is
structurally sound for the anticipated weather conditions in the summer zone.
3.​ Summer Displacement:
○​ Definition: Summer displacement is the total weight of the vessel when loaded to
its summer load line.
○​ Calculation: It is the weight of the vessel's hull, machinery, and equipment
(lightship displacement) plus the maximum weight of all cargo, fuel, water, and
stores it can carry to reach its summer draft.
4.​ Intact Stability Criteria for All Vessels (with GZ specifications):
○​ The examiner is looking for the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) stability criteria,
which are the fundamental requirements for a vessel's stability.
○​ Key Criteria:
■​ Initial Metacentric Height (GM): The initial GM should be positive, typically
not less than 0.15 meters for most vessels.
■​ Area Under the GZ Curve: The area under the GZ curve should meet
specific requirements:
■​ Area up to 30 degrees: Must not be less than 0.055 meter-radians.
■​ Area up to 40 degrees: Must not be less than 0.090 meter-radians.
■​ Area between 30 and 40 degrees: Must not be less than 0.030
meter-radians.
■​ GZ Max: The maximum GZ should occur at an angle of heel of at least 25
degrees.
■​ Range of Stability: The range of positive stability should be at least 20
degrees.
○​ GZ (Righting Lever): GZ is the righting lever, which is the perpendicular distance
between the center of gravity (G) and the line of action of the buoyant force. It is a
measure of the vessel's ability to resist heeling and return to an upright position.
The GZ curve plots the GZ value against the angle of heel.
5.​ About Meter-per-Radian:
○​ Definition: Meter-per-radian is a unit used to measure the area under the GZ
curve.
○​ Explanation: The area under the GZ curve represents the vessel's dynamic
stability—the work required to heel the vessel to a certain angle. The units are
 derived from the product of the GZ (measured in meters) and the angle of heel
(measured in radians). This gives a value in meter-radians (m \cdot rad), which
represents the energy absorbed by the vessel during heeling.
6.​ Life Raft Requirements:
○​ This question relates to SOLAS Chapter III. The requirements depend on the
vessel's type and trade.
○​ Key Requirements:
■​ Capacity: Total life raft capacity must be sufficient to accommodate 100% of
the crew on each side of the vessel. For passenger ships, this can be more
complex, but the principle of 100% on each side remains.
■​ Location: Life rafts must be stowed in a readily accessible location and fitted
with a hydrostatic release unit (HRU) to ensure they float free if the ship
sinks.
■​ Equipment: Each life raft must contain a standard emergency pack,
including rations, water, pyrotechnics (flares), and other survival equipment.
■​ Maintenance: Life rafts must be serviced annually by an approved service
station.
7.​ COF (Center of Flotation):
○​ Definition: The center of flotation is the centroid of the waterplane area.
○​ Significance: It is the point about which a vessel pivots or trims when a weight is
added or removed, or when it is moved longitudinally.
8.​ COB (Center of Buoyancy):
○​ Definition: The center of buoyancy is the geometric center of the underwater
volume of the vessel.
○​ Significance: It is the point through which the total buoyant force acts vertically
upwards. As the vessel heels, the center of buoyancy shifts, creating the righting
lever (GZ) that helps the vessel return to an upright position.
9.​ COG (Center of Gravity):
○​ Definition: The center of gravity is the point through which the total weight of the
vessel acts vertically downwards.
○​ Significance: Its position is crucial for stability. Lowering the COG (e.g., by loading
heavy cargo in the bottom of the vessel) increases the vessel's stability.
10.​About Shell Plating:
○​ Definition: The shell plating is the outer skin of the vessel, forming the watertight
hull.
○​ Functions:
■​ It provides the structural strength of the hull.
■​ It maintains the watertight integrity of the vessel.
■​ It resists forces from waves, ice, and cargo.
■​ It defines the hydrodynamic shape of the vessel.
○​ Types: Shell plating consists of strakes (longitudinal rows of plates) and is usually
made of steel or aluminum.
11.​Shell Plating Numbering:
○​ This is a detailed and specific question. Shell plating is often designated by a
number and a letter. The answer you were given about "stern plate" suggests he
might have been referring to a specific plate in the stern area, which can have
unique numbering (e.g., 'A', 'B' 'C' strakes from the keel upwards, and then
numbered from forward to aft). The specific numbering can vary between shipyards,
 so the key is to understand the system of strakes and plate identification. The stern
plates are often complex and have specific names (e.g., transom plate).
12.​Fire Extinguisher Requirements:
○​ This is governed by SOLAS Chapter II-2. The requirements depend on the type of
vessel, the area it is protecting, and the size of the fire risk.
○​ General Requirements:
■​ A minimum number of portable fire extinguishers must be provided on each
deck.
■​ Different types of extinguishers are required for different fire classes (A, B, C,
D, K). For example, CO2 extinguishers are used in machinery spaces, while
foam or water extinguishers are used in accommodation areas.
■​ Extinguishers must be readily accessible and clearly marked.
13.​Refilling Requirements for Fire Extinguishers:
○​ General Rule: Fire extinguishers must be inspected and serviced annually.
○​ Specific Requirements:
■​ CO2 and halon extinguishers: Must be checked for weight loss. If the loss
is more than 10%, they must be refilled. They are typically refilled every two
years.
■​ Water, foam, and dry powder extinguishers: Must be discharged,
inspected, and refilled annually.
■​ Regular checks: All extinguishers should be visually inspected monthly for
damage, pressure, and accessibility.
14.​Plus a few more simple questions:
○​ These might have included definitions of terms like freeboard, draft, deadweight, or
simple safety questions. The key here is to have a solid grasp of the basics.
Congratulations again on passing your F3 exam! This detailed list of questions and answers will
be an invaluable resource for others following in your footsteps.