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GSK exit exam questions and answers — Set 4

Set 4 of the General Ship Knowledge (GSK) exit exam bank — 30 of 447 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 4 — 30 GSK exit exam questions with answers

1. Blocks are greased to

  • A. Keep the check nut tight
  • B. Maintain the SWL of the block
  • C. Prevent Accidents
  • D. Allow free rotation of sheaves
Answer: D — Allow free rotation of sheaves
Blocks are greased to ensure the free and smooth rotation of the sheaves. This reduces friction and wear on the sheave and the rope, which is vital for efficient operation and preventing damage.

2. The size of a manila rope is usually indicated by its

  • A. Length
  • B. Circumference
  • C. Diameter
  • D. Weight
Answer: C — Diameter
The size of a manila rope, and indeed most ropes, is traditionally indicated by its diameter. This measurement is critical for selecting the appropriate rope for a specific load or application based on its strength.

3. When rigging the bosun chair the gantline is secured to the chair with

  • A. Double sheet bend
  • B. Round turn and two half hitches
  • C. Reef knot
  • D. Clove hitch
Answer: A — Double sheet bend
When rigging a bosun chair, a double sheet bend is the most secure and appropriate knot to connect the gantline to the chair. It creates a strong, reliable attachment that is resistant to slipping under load.

4. To rig a threefold purchase what blocks are required

  • A. One 2- sheave bock and a single sheave block
  • B. Two 2- sheave blocks
  • C. One 2 -sheave and one 3 sheave block
  • D. Two 3 -sheave blocks
Answer: D — Two 3 -sheave blocks
A threefold purchase, which provides a mechanical advantage of 3:1, requires a block with three sheaves attached to the load (moving block) and a block with three sheaves at the fixed point (standing block). Thus, two 3-sheave blocks are needed.

5. Rope should be stored

  • A. Close to chemicals and paints
  • B. In a dry well ventilated space
  • C. Close to hot bulkheads
  • D. In a place which is exposed to hot sunlight
Answer: B — In a dry well ventilated space
Rope should always be stored in a dry, well-ventilated space, away from direct sunlight, heat, and chemicals. Proper storage preserves the rope's integrity and prevents degradation, ensuring its strength and longevity.

6. A gun tackle can be used

  • A. Only to disadvantage
  • B. Both to advantage and disadvantage
  • C. Only to advantage
  • D. Never to advantage
Answer: B — Both to advantage and disadvantage
A gun tackle, consisting of one single movable block and one single fixed block, can be rigged to provide a mechanical advantage (to advantage) or without advantage depending on which block is attached to the load. Therefore, it can be used in both ways.

7. The stage can be lowered over side for shipside painting when the vessel is

  • A. Making way through water in good weather
  • B. Underway
  • C. Manoeuvring alongside
  • D. At anchor in good weather
Answer: D — At anchor in good weather
When a vessel is at anchor in good weather, it provides a stable platform for shipside painting. Lowering a stage over the side while making way or manoeuvring would be extremely hazardous due to the vessel's movement.

8. Greasing is carried out on equipment to

  • A. Increase friction
  • B. Make it airtight
  • C. Reduce friction
  • D. Make it watertight
Answer: C — Reduce friction
Greasing mechanical equipment, such as block sheaves or winch gears, is fundamentally done to reduce friction. Lower friction allows for smoother operation, less wear, and requires less force to move components.

9. In the event of an emergency involving regulatory compliance and STCW code requirements during General Ship Knowledge tasks, what immediate action is required?

  • A. Wait until the end of the watch to log the issue
  • B. Evacuate the vessel immediately without informing the bridge
  • C. Raise the alarm, notify the Officer of the Watch, and execute assigned muster list duties
  • D. Attempt to resolve the incident silently without raising the alarm
Answer: C — Raise the alarm, notify the Officer of the Watch, and execute assigned muster list duties
Prompt alarm activation ensures emergency response teams can mobilize immediately.

10. How frequently must operational drills and practical checks for emergency procedures and alarm protocols be conducted for General Ship Knowledge?

  • A. Only when requested by port State control inspectors
  • B. Once every 5 years during special survey
  • C. At least monthly or as mandated by SOLAS and shipboard safety management system (SMS)
  • D. Annually prior to vessel drydocking
Answer: C — At least monthly or as mandated by SOLAS and shipboard safety management system (SMS)
Regular drills maintain crew emergency readiness and satisfy SOLAS requirements.

11. What documented record must be maintained on board following completion of tasks related to system maintenance, inspection, and testing in General Ship Knowledge?

  • A. Verbal update to port agent without logging
  • B. Entry in the official Deck or Engine Logbook recording date, time, and operational parameters
  • C. Unsigned note on the shipboard notice board
  • D. No written record is required
Answer: B — Entry in the official Deck or Engine Logbook recording date, time, and operational parameters
Official logbook entries provide mandatory legal documentation of shipboard safety tasks.

12. What type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential when handling practical watchkeeping and logbook documentation under General Ship Knowledge guidelines?

  • A. Basic cotton coveralls without eye or foot protection
  • B. Certified task-specific PPE meeting SOLAS/IMO performance standards
  • C. Standard street clothing with rubber gloves
  • D. High-visibility vest only
Answer: B — Certified task-specific PPE meeting SOLAS/IMO performance standards
Approved PPE protects personnel against specific physical and chemical hazards.

13. The purpose of mousing a hook is to

  • A. Reduce the swing of the object
  • B. Prevent the sling from slipping out
  • C. Prevent the hook from getting fouled
  • D. Increase the SWL of the hook
Answer: B — Prevent the sling from slipping out
Mousing a hook, typically with wire or seizing, is a safety procedure to prevent the load or sling from accidentally slipping out of the hook's throat. This is particularly important when the load is not directly attached or under dynamic conditions.

14. When a purchase is rigged to disadvantage the pull is from the

  • A. Moving block
  • B. Standing block
  • C. Running block
  • D. Lifting block
Answer: B — Standing block
When a purchase is rigged to disadvantage, the hauling part originates from the standing block. This configuration provides no mechanical advantage; in fact, the effort required to lift the load is greater than the load itself.

15. The lay of a right hand lay rope is

  • A. Left to left
  • B. From right to left
  • C. Midship to right
  • D. Left to right
Answer: D — Left to right
A right-hand lay rope is constructed such that the strands spiral from left to right when viewed from the end. This is the most common type of rope lay, designed for general-purpose use.

16. If the sheave is cracked the sheave has to be

  • A. Welded
  • B. Renewed
  • C. Soldered
  • D. Greased
Answer: B — Renewed
If a sheave in a block is found to be cracked, it represents a significant structural weakness. It must be renewed immediately to maintain the integrity and safety of the lifting gear according to maritime safety regulations.

17. If the gap between the sheave and the cheek plate is excessive the wire

  • A. Should be spliced
  • B. Needs to be greased
  • C. Will get fouled
  • D. Needs to be changed
Answer: C — Will get fouled
An excessive gap between the sheave and the cheek plates of a block can allow the wire rope to become fouled or jammed. This situation increases the risk of damage to the wire and potential failure of the lifting operation.

18. Strongest rope for the same diameter is made of

  • A. Nylon
  • B. Manila
  • C. Polypropylene
  • D. Hemp
Answer: A — Nylon
For the same diameter, nylon ropes exhibit the highest tensile strength among the given options. This makes them suitable for applications requiring significant load-bearing capacity, such as towing or mooring lines.

19. Grease nipples are provided on blocks for

  • A. Painting
  • B. De-greasing
  • C. Lubrication
  • D. Applying anti-rust
Answer: C — Lubrication
Grease nipples, often called Zerk fittings, are specifically designed on blocks and other machinery for the purpose of applying lubricant. Regular lubrication via these nipples is essential for maintaining proper function and longevity.

20. The split pin on a shackle prevents the pin from

  • A. Unlocking
  • B. Getting corroded
  • C. Getting jammed
  • D. Getting stuck
Answer: A — Unlocking
A split pin (or cotter pin) inserted through a hole in the shackle pin and its head is used to secure the pin. It prevents the pin from backing out or unlocking due to vibration or movement, thus maintaining the shackle's connection.

21. The power gained in a threefold purchase is

  • A. More than a twofold purchase when rove to advantage
  • B. Less than a twofold purchase
  • C. More than a gun-tackle
  • D. Same as a twofold purchase
Answer: A — More than a twofold purchase when rove to advantage
A threefold purchase offers a mechanical advantage of 3:1 when rove to advantage, meaning it multiplies the applied force three times. This provides significantly more lifting power than a twofold purchase (2:1) or a gun-tackle (2:1).

22. The knot used at the end of a heaving line is a

  • A. Monkey fist
  • B. Carrick bend
  • C. Crown knot
  • D. Bowline on the bight
Answer: A — Monkey fist
A monkey fist is a type of knot often tied to the end of a heaving line. Its weight and shape help to carry the line accurately to the receiving end during line transfer operations between vessels or to shore.

23. When a wire rope is joined to a fiber rope it should be

  • A. Spliced to fiber rope
  • B. Connected with a shackle
  • C. Tied with a knot to the fiber rope
  • D. Fitted with a thimble
Answer: D — Fitted with a thimble
When joining a wire rope to a fibre rope, a thimble should be fitted into the eye of the wire rope splice. This protects the wire from crushing and abrasion where it forms the eye, and a suitable knot or fitting is then used to connect the fibre rope.

24. Breaking strength of a rope

  • A. Less than safe working load
  • B. Equal to safe working load
  • C. Is more than the safe working load
  • D. Is the amount it stretches on load
Answer: C — Is more than the safe working load
The breaking strength of a rope is the minimum load at which the rope is expected to fail. It is always considerably higher than the Safe Working Load (SWL), which incorporates a safety factor to account for wear, shock loading, and other operational stresses.

25. Kinks in the rope

  • A. Cause a permanent reduction to the length of the rope
  • B. Damage the warping drum
  • C. Can cause permanent injury to the rope
  • D. Damage the fairleads
Answer: C — Can cause permanent injury to the rope
Kinks in a rope are sharp bends or twists that can severely damage the rope's internal structure. This damage creates weak points, leading to a permanent reduction in the rope's strength and a significant risk of failure under load.

26. Eye splice is used

  • A. To prevent the strands from unlaying
  • B. to make a permenant eye at end of the rope
  • C. For preventing the rope end from unlaying
  • D. To join two ropes together
Answer: B — to make a permenant eye at end of the rope
An eye splice is a method used to create a permanent, strong loop at the end of a rope. It involves interlacing the strands of the rope's end back into the standing part, forming a secure eye for attachment.

27. Extra flexible steel wire rope has

  • A. 6x24 wires per strand
  • B. 6x12 wires per strand
  • C. 6x48 wires per strand
  • D. 6x37 wires per strand
Answer: D — 6x37 wires per strand
Extra flexible steel wire rope, designed for applications requiring high flexibility like cranes with extensive articulation, typically has a construction of 6x37. This means there are 6 main strands, each composed of 37 individual wires.

28. The lifeboat lifeline has the following knot on it at fixed intervals

  • A. Bowline
  • B. Figure of eight knot
  • C. Reef knot
  • D. Sheep-shank
Answer: B — Figure of eight knot
The figure of eight knot is commonly used at fixed intervals along lifeboat lifelines. It provides a secure grip for rescue and helps prevent accidental sliding off the line, complying with Life Saving Appliance (LSA) Code requirements.

29. Whipping is carried out

  • A. Prevent the ends of a rope from unlaying
  • B. Protect the ends from chafing damage
  • C. Join two ropes of equal size
  • D. To protect the rope from weather
Answer: A — Prevent the ends of a rope from unlaying
Whipping is the practice of tightly winding twine or cordage around the end of a rope. Its primary purpose is to prevent the strands of the rope from unlaying or unraveling, maintaining the rope's integrity.

30. If more than 10% in 8 diameters is broken the wire should be

  • A. Renewed
  • B. Welded
  • C. Cut and spliced
  • D. Turned end to end
Answer: A — Renewed
If a wire rope exhibits more than 10% of broken wires within a length of 8 diameters, it is considered significantly damaged and unsafe. According to inspection standards, such a rope must be immediately renewed.

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