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BIGF exit exam questions and answers — Set 7 — Basic Training for Ships subject to the IGF Code

Set 7 of the Basic Training for Ships subject to the IGF Code (BIGF) exit exam bank — 30 of 429 questions, with the correct option marked and a one-line explanation for every one. Read it end to end, jump to a single set, or search it — then sit the same bank as a timed paper. The real DG Shipping exit exam is 30 marks with 15 to pass.

These are the bank's original groupings. Practising deals the whole bank out again every time you reshuffle, so a practice “Set 3” is a different 30 questions each time — the set numbers below are the source file's, and are only used here so the key stays navigable. Options are listed in their original order with fixed letters; when you practise, those move too.

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Set 7 — 30 BIGF exit exam questions with answers

1. How is gas replacement achieved in a tank by the displacement method?

  • A. A lighter incoming gas is introduced beneath a heavier existing gas at low velocity
  • B. A lighter incoming gas is introduced beneath a heavier existing gas at high velocity
  • C. A heavier incoming gas is introduced beneath a lighter existing gas at low velocity
  • D. A heavier incoming gas is introduced on top of a lighter existing gas at high velocity
Answer: C — A heavier incoming gas is introduced beneath a lighter existing gas at low velocity
In displacement, the gases must stay layered. A heavier gas is fed slowly into the bottom of the tank and the lighter gas is pushed out through the top. Low velocity keeps a stable interface with minimal mixing.

2. With regard to MARPOL, identify the INCORRECT statement.

  • A. MARPOL specifies standards for stowing, handling, shipping and transferring pollutant cargoes
  • B. MARPOL specifies standards for the discharge of ship-generated wastes
  • C. MARPOL 73/78 consists of seven annexes, each covering a different source of ship-generated pollution
  • D. Acceptance of the convention by a national government obliges it to make the requirements part of domestic law
Answer: C — MARPOL 73/78 consists of seven annexes, each covering a different source of ship-generated pollution
MARPOL has six annexes: oil, noxious liquid substances in bulk, harmful substances in packaged form, sewage, garbage, and air pollution and energy efficiency. A statement claiming seven annexes is therefore incorrect.

3. In relation to ship's boiler thermodynamics, identify the INCORRECT statement.

  • A. Enthalpy is the sum of a fluid's internal energy and the flow work required to move it through the system
  • B. In steady-flow processes, the work of pushing fluid through the system may not change to any great extent
  • C. Any change in enthalpy equals the quantity of heat gained or lost in a constant-pressure process
  • D. Enthalpy is always expressed as a total that must be measured from absolute zero
Answer: D — Enthalpy is always expressed as a total that must be measured from absolute zero
Only changes in enthalpy matter in practice, so it is measured from an agreed datum, not from absolute zero. Steam tables take saturated water at 0.01°C as zero, so an absolute total from absolute zero is not required.

4. As per the IGF Code, high-pressure fuel piping is piping with a maximum working pressure of ____.

  • A. More than 6 bar
  • B. More than 10 bar
  • C. More than 16 bar
  • D. More than 300 bar
Answer: B — More than 10 bar
The IGF Code defines high-pressure piping as gas or low-flashpoint fuel piping with a maximum working pressure above 1.0 MPa (10 bar). Such piping must meet stricter requirements, such as double-walled pipes or ducts and extra testing.

5. A ____ is required for immediate inerting, because nitrogen deliveries are in liquid form.

  • A. Nitrogen vaporiser
  • B. Hydrogen vaporiser
  • C. Oxygen vaporiser
  • D. None of these
Answer: A — Nitrogen vaporiser
Nitrogen delivered as liquid must be vaporised before it can be used to inert tanks and pipes. A liquid nitrogen vaporiser provides large volumes of dry, oxygen-free inert gas quickly, for example for purging before maintenance or after bunkering.

6. Through which SOLAS chapter and part was the IGF Code made mandatory?

  • A. Chapter VI, Part B
  • B. Chapter II-2, Part C
  • C. Chapter II-1, Part G
  • D. Chapter VII, Part C
Answer: C — Chapter II-1, Part G
The IGF Code was made mandatory by amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-1, which added Part G (Regulations 56 and 57) for ships using low-flashpoint fuels, in force from 1 January 2017.

7. On what date did the IGF Code enter into force?

  • A. 1 July 2015
  • B. 1 January 2020
  • C. 1 July 2012
  • D. 1 January 2017
Answer: D — 1 January 2017
The International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code), adopted by resolution MSC.391(95), entered into force on 1 January 2017 together with the related SOLAS and STCW amendments.

8. The IGF Code applies to ships, other than those covered by the IGC Code, that use fuels with a flashpoint lower than:

  • A. 43°C
  • B. 60°C
  • C. 100°C
  • D. 35°C
Answer: B — 60°C
SOLAS II-2/4.2.1.1 generally prohibits fuel oils with a flashpoint below 60°C; ships using gases or other low-flashpoint fuels below this limit must comply with the IGF Code under SOLAS II-1 Part G.

9. Which STCW regulation contains the mandatory minimum requirements for training of seafarers on ships subject to the IGF Code?

  • A. Regulation V/2
  • B. Regulation VI/1
  • C. Regulation V/3
  • D. Regulation V/1-2
Answer: C — Regulation V/3
STCW Regulation V/3, with Section A-V/3 and Tables A-V/3-1 and A-V/3-2, sets out basic and advanced training for masters, officers, ratings and other personnel on ships subject to the IGF Code.

10. Basic training for ships subject to the IGF Code is required for seafarers responsible for:

  • A. Catering and hotel services only
  • B. Designated safety duties associated with the care, use or emergency response to the fuel
  • C. Navigational watchkeeping only
  • D. Cargo handling on oil tankers
Answer: B — Designated safety duties associated with the care, use or emergency response to the fuel
Under STCW Regulation V/3, seafarers responsible for designated safety duties associated with the care, use or emergency response to the fuel on IGF ships must hold a certificate in basic training per Table A-V/3-1.

11. Which personnel on a ship subject to the IGF Code require advanced training in accordance with STCW Table A-V/3-2?

  • A. Only the master
  • B. Only shore bunkering staff
  • C. Masters, engineer officers and all personnel with immediate responsibility for the care and use of fuels and fuel systems
  • D. All ratings forming part of a navigational watch
Answer: C — Masters, engineer officers and all personnel with immediate responsibility for the care and use of fuels and fuel systems
STCW Regulation V/3 requires masters, engineer officers and all personnel with immediate responsibility for the care and use of fuels and fuel systems on IGF ships to complete advanced training per Table A-V/3-2.

12. Which functional requirement of the IGF Code applies to the safety of fuel systems?

  • A. Any failure may be accepted if an alarm is given
  • B. Fuel systems need no redundancy if the ship is under 500 GT
  • C. Gas fuel shall be used only in port
  • D. A single failure in a technical system or component shall not lead to an unsafe or unreliable situation
Answer: D — A single failure in a technical system or component shall not lead to an unsafe or unreliable situation
Among the IGF Code functional requirements in Part A, a single failure in a technical system or component shall not lead to an unsafe or unreliable situation, which drives redundancy and segregation in fuel arrangements.

13. A ship whose engines can run either on gas fuel or on conventional oil fuel is described as a:

  • A. Steam turbine installation
  • B. Dual-fuel installation
  • C. Gas-only installation
  • D. Single-fuel installation
Answer: B — Dual-fuel installation
A dual-fuel installation can operate on gas fuel or on liquid fuel oil; a single gas-fuel installation runs only on gas, so the IGF Code requires additional redundancy of fuel supply for such ships.

14. Which IMO instrument provides the safety provisions for ships using methyl or ethyl alcohol as fuel?

  • A. MARPOL Annex II
  • B. The IBC Code Chapter 17
  • C. MSC.1/Circ.1621 Interim Guidelines
  • D. The FSS Code Chapter 9
Answer: C — MSC.1/Circ.1621 Interim Guidelines
Part A-1 of the IGF Code covers natural gas only; ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel apply the Interim Guidelines in MSC.1/Circ.1621, which supplement the general IGF Code requirements.

15. The IGF Code contains detailed prescriptive requirements (Part A-1) specifically for which fuel?

  • A. Hydrogen
  • B. Methanol
  • C. Ammonia
  • D. Natural gas
Answer: D — Natural gas
Part A-1 of the IGF Code contains specific requirements for ships using natural gas as fuel; other low-flashpoint fuels must meet the functional requirements via alternative design or IMO interim guidelines.

16. Which type of independent tank is designed as a pressure vessel and does not require a secondary barrier?

  • A. Membrane tank
  • B. Type C
  • C. Type A
  • D. Type B
Answer: B — Type C
Type C independent tanks are pressure vessels built to pressure-vessel criteria, so the IGF Code does not require a secondary barrier for them; Type A and membrane tanks need a complete secondary barrier and Type B a partial one.

17. Which fuel tank type requires a complete secondary barrier?

  • A. A tank for compressed natural gas
  • B. Type C independent tank
  • C. Type B independent tank
  • D. Type A independent tank
Answer: D — Type A independent tank
Type A independent tanks are designed mainly by classical structural analysis, so any failure must be contained; a complete secondary barrier is therefore required. Type B needs only a partial barrier and Type C none.

18. In general, the maximum filling limit of an LNG fuel tank at the reference temperature is:

  • A. 100%
  • B. 90%
  • C. 98%
  • D. 95%
Answer: C — 98%
The IGF Code limits filling of liquefied gas fuel tanks so that the tank is not more than 98% liquid-full at the reference temperature, leaving vapour space for thermal expansion; the loading limit is derived from this.

19. LNG fuel is normally stored on board in which condition?

  • A. At ambient temperature and about 200-250 bar
  • B. Dissolved in a liquid carrier
  • C. Cryogenic, at about -162°C and near atmospheric or moderate pressure
  • D. At ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure
Answer: C — Cryogenic, at about -162°C and near atmospheric or moderate pressure
LNG is stored as a cryogenic liquid at around its boiling point of -162°C in insulated tanks at low or moderate pressure; compressed natural gas, by contrast, is stored as a gas at high pressure.

20. Fuel tank pressure relief valve vent outlets on open deck shall be located at a height not less than:

  • A. 2 m above the weather deck
  • B. 1 m above the tank dome
  • C. B/5 or 3 m, whichever is less, above the weather deck
  • D. B/3 or 6 m, whichever is greater, above the weather deck
Answer: D — B/3 or 6 m, whichever is greater, above the weather deck
The IGF Code requires vent mast outlets to be at least B/3 or 6 m, whichever is greater, above the weather deck and 6 m above working areas and gangways, so that released gas disperses safely.

21. What is the purpose of a tank connection space on an IGF ship?

  • A. To enclose all tank connections, flanges and tank valves so that leakage is contained
  • B. To store spare parts for the fuel system
  • C. To house the ballast pumps
  • D. To provide accommodation for the bunkering crew
Answer: A — To enclose all tank connections, flanges and tank valves so that leakage is contained
A tank connection space surrounds tank connections, flanges and valves; it is gas-tight, designed to contain cryogenic leakage, and fitted with gas detection, ventilation and a bilge well arrangement.

22. Which material is suitable for piping and tanks in contact with LNG at -162°C?

  • A. Austenitic stainless steel
  • B. Galvanised steel
  • C. Ordinary mild carbon steel
  • D. Cast iron
Answer: A — Austenitic stainless steel
Materials for cryogenic service must retain toughness at very low temperature; austenitic stainless steel, 9% nickel steel, aluminium alloys and Invar are used. Ordinary carbon steel becomes brittle and may fracture on contact with LNG.

23. Compressed natural gas (CNG) is typically stored on board ships at a pressure of about:

  • A. 30-40 bar
  • B. 200-250 bar
  • C. 5-10 bar
  • D. 1 bar
Answer: B — 200-250 bar
CNG is natural gas stored in the gaseous state compressed to high pressure, typically around 200-250 bar, in cylinders or pressure vessels; it is not cooled to cryogenic temperatures like LNG.

24. Where must the master gas fuel valve be located for each gas-consuming machinery space?

  • A. Inside the fuel tank
  • B. Outside the machinery space
  • C. Directly on the engine
  • D. Inside the engine control room
Answer: B — Outside the machinery space
The IGF Code requires an automatically operated master gas fuel valve in the gas supply line to each machinery space, located outside that space, so that the gas supply can be shut off before it enters the space.

25. What is a 'double block and bleed' valve arrangement in a gas supply line to a consumer?

  • A. A pressure regulator with a relief valve
  • B. Two manual valves in parallel
  • C. A single shut-off valve with a non-return valve
  • D. Two automatic shut-off valves in series with an automatic vent valve between them
Answer: D — Two automatic shut-off valves in series with an automatic vent valve between them
Each gas consumer is fitted with two automatic shut-off valves in series with a vent (bleed) valve between them; when the shut-off valves close, the bleed opens to vent trapped gas to a safe location.

26. In a gas-safe machinery space concept, gas fuel piping within the space is:

  • A. Enclosed in a gas-tight enclosure such as double-walled piping or a ventilated duct
  • B. Installed only above the engine
  • C. Single-walled and unprotected
  • D. Painted yellow and uninsulated
Answer: A — Enclosed in a gas-tight enclosure such as double-walled piping or a ventilated duct
In a gas-safe machinery space all gas supply piping is enclosed in a gas-tight enclosure, typically double-walled pipe or a ventilated duct, so the space is considered gas safe under all conditions.

27. What happens when gas is detected in the annular space of double-walled gas fuel piping at the shutdown level?

  • A. The engine speed is increased
  • B. The master gas fuel valve closes automatically
  • C. The ventilation is stopped
  • D. An alarm only is given and gas supply continues
Answer: B — The master gas fuel valve closes automatically
Gas detection in the annular space of double-walled piping indicates a leak in the inner pipe; the safety system automatically closes the master gas fuel valve to isolate the gas supply to the machinery space.

28. In a low-pressure dual-fuel engine operating in gas mode, ignition of the gas-air mixture is normally achieved by:

  • A. The heat of the scavenge air alone
  • B. An external flame torch
  • C. Hot surface ignition from the exhaust valve
  • D. A small quantity of pilot fuel oil injected into the cylinder
Answer: D — A small quantity of pilot fuel oil injected into the cylinder
Dual-fuel engines in gas mode generally use a small injection of pilot fuel oil, which auto-ignites by compression and in turn ignites the lean gas-air mixture.

29. If the gas supply to a dual-fuel engine fails or a gas safety trip occurs during gas-mode operation, the engine normally:

  • A. Continues running on air only
  • B. Changes over automatically to liquid fuel operation
  • C. Switches to steam operation
  • D. Stops permanently and cannot be restarted
Answer: B — Changes over automatically to liquid fuel operation
Dual-fuel engines are designed so that on a gas trip the master gas valve and double block valves close and the engine changes over automatically to fuel oil, maintaining propulsion and power.

30. What is the function of a vaporiser in an LNG fuel gas supply system?

  • A. To remove water from the fuel oil
  • B. To convert liquid LNG into gas for supply to the engines
  • C. To cool the gas before it enters the tank
  • D. To compress air for starting the engine
Answer: B — To convert liquid LNG into gas for supply to the engines
LNG must be gasified before supply to consumers; the vaporiser heats the liquid, typically using a glycol-water or steam heating medium, and the gas is then heated further to the required supply temperature.

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