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GSK exit exam questions and answers — Set 9 — General Ship Knowledge

Set 9 of the General Ship Knowledge (GSK) exit exam bank — 30 of 585 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 9 — 30 GSK exit exam questions with answers

1. What does the term 'Freeboard' mean in merchant ship stability and seamanship?

  • A. The height of the mast above waterline
  • B. The width of the ship beam
  • C. The depth of water under the keel
  • D. The vertical distance from the waterline to the main upper deck edge at side
Answer: D — The vertical distance from the waterline to the main upper deck edge at side
Freeboard measures reserve buoyancy from the waterline up to the freeboard deck.

2. What is the purpose of the Bitter End secured inside the anchor chain locker?

  • A. To hoist the anchor onto deck
  • B. To allow quick emergency release of the anchor cable if the ship must slip anchor
  • C. To lock the windlass brake
  • D. To measure cable length in shackles
Answer: B — To allow quick emergency release of the anchor cable if the ship must slip anchor
The bitter end is pinned inside the locker with a quick-release mechanism for emergencies.

3. What signal flag corresponds to 'I have a pilot on board' according to the International Code of Signals?

  • A. Flag H (Hotel)
  • B. Flag B (Bravo)
  • C. Flag O (Oscar)
  • D. Flag G (Golf)
Answer: A — Flag H (Hotel)
Flag H indicates a pilot is aboard the vessel.

4. What is the purpose of a draft mark painted on the ship's stem and stern post?

  • A. Show cargo capacity limit
  • B. Decorate the bow stem
  • C. Indicate the depth of the vessel's hull submerged in water
  • D. Mark anchor location
Answer: C — Indicate the depth of the vessel's hull submerged in water
Draft marks at stem and stern show the depth of the hull below the waterline (draught), used for trim, loading and UKC.

5. Which deck fitting is used to turn or lead a mooring line around corners cleanly?

  • A. Bitts
  • B. Panama Canal Lead / Fairlead
  • C. Cleat
  • D. Capstan drum
Answer: B — Panama Canal Lead / Fairlead
Fairleads guide mooring ropes with minimal friction around deck edges.

6. What is the purpose of the load line (Plimsoll mark) painted on a ship's hull?

  • A. Indicate propeller clearance
  • B. Show ballast tank capacity
  • C. Mark the engine room location
  • D. Indicate the maximum legal draft to which the vessel may be loaded in different zones
Answer: D — Indicate the maximum legal draft to which the vessel may be loaded in different zones
The Plimsoll mark ensures adequate reserve buoyancy based on season and water density.

7. Which rope lay construction offers maximum flexibility for synthetic mooring lines?

  • A. Parallel wire strand
  • B. Braided / Eight-strand plaited
  • C. 3-strand hawser lay
  • D. Single steel core strand
Answer: B — Braided / Eight-strand plaited
Plaited and braided synthetic ropes provide high flexibility and non-kinking behavior.

8. What is the correct procedure when handling synthetic fiber ropes under high tension?

  • A. Hold the rope tightly with bare hands
  • B. Never stand in the bight or direct snap-back zone of the line
  • C. Step over the rope while heaving
  • D. Increase tension until line sings
Answer: B — Never stand in the bight or direct snap-back zone of the line
Synthetic lines store elastic energy; standing in snap-back zones is extremely dangerous.

9. What instrument measures atmospheric pressure on the navigation bridge?

  • A. Aneroin Barometer
  • B. Hygrometer
  • C. Psychrometer
  • D. Anemometer
Answer: A — Aneroin Barometer
Barometers measure barometric pressure to forecast weather changes.

10. What is the function of the hawse pipe on a ship's bow structure?

  • A. Drain deck rainwater
  • B. Guide the anchor chain from the deck windlass through the hull shell plating
  • C. Pass mooring hawsers
  • D. Vent the chain locker
Answer: B — Guide the anchor chain from the deck windlass through the hull shell plating
Hawse pipes house anchors securely against the hull when stowed.

11. Under STCW, what safety action must a deck rating take when observing a man overboard?

  • A. Shout 'Man Overboard', throw a lifebuoy with light/smoke, and inform the bridge immediately
  • B. Lower anchor immediately
  • C. Run down to engine room
  • D. Wait for captain's orders
Answer: A — Shout 'Man Overboard', throw a lifebuoy with light/smoke, and inform the bridge immediately
Immediate alarm and tossing life-saving apparatus is vital for MOB recovery.

12. What is the meaning of the term 'Deadweight Scale' in ship operations?

  • A. chart showing cargo, fuel, and stores weight the vessel can carry at any draft
  • B. The maximum crane lifting capacity
  • C. The weight of anchors and chains
  • D. The weight of the empty ship steel structure
Answer: A — chart showing cargo, fuel, and stores weight the vessel can carry at any draft
Deadweight scale converts draft readings into total carrying capacity in tonnes.

13. When you use a word file in a computer What do you mean by the term "PASTE" ?

  • A. Opens an existing file
  • B. Spelling and grammer check
  • C. Shows a preview of files before they print
  • D. Paste copied or cut files into the document
Answer: D — Paste copied or cut files into the document
In word processing, 'Paste' is the command used to insert text or objects that have been previously 'Copied' or 'Cut' from a location into the current document.

14. When you use a computer, What do you mean by the term "MONITOR" ?

  • A. The brain of the computer
  • B. Peripheral to the computer
  • C. Like a T.V
  • D. Like a type-writer; communicates with computer
Answer: C — Like a T.V
A monitor functions like a television screen, displaying visual output from the computer, such as text, images, and videos.

15. When you use a computer, What do you mean by the term "SAVE"?

  • A. Undoes previous actions
  • B. Opens a new word document
  • C. Zoom in and Zoom out
  • D. Quick save files
Answer: D — Quick save files
'Save' is the command used to store the current work or document onto a storage device, preventing data loss and allowing access later.

16. Stress is a _________ strain

  • A. Physical
  • B. Emotional
  • C. Social
  • D. Mental
Answer: B — Emotional
Stress is primarily an emotional strain or reaction that can manifest physically and mentally. It's a response to demands that are perceived as overwhelming or threatening.

17. What is important for studying?

  • A. Proper techniques for studying
  • B. Self - Discipline
  • C. Reading speed
  • D. Good teacher
Answer: B — Self - Discipline
Self-discipline is a crucial trait for effective studying, enabling individuals to stay focused, manage their time, and consistently engage with learning materials.

18. Match the term "NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION" with the most suitable answer given below

  • A. Noise
  • B. Lack of confidence
  • C. Facial Expression
  • D. Computer
Answer: C — Facial Expression
Non-verbal communication includes elements like facial expressions, body language, and gestures, which convey messages without the use of spoken or written words.

19. One of the most important practice while talking to a person is to

  • A. Speak politely
  • B. Stand very close to the person
  • C. Maintain eye contact
  • D. Hold hands
Answer: C — Maintain eye contact
Maintaining eye contact while talking to someone is a key practice in effective communication, showing engagement, respect, and attentiveness.

20. The ability to learn by practice is called

  • A. Attitude
  • B. Values
  • C. Knowledge
  • D. Skill
Answer: D — Skill
The ability to learn and improve performance through repeated performance or experience is the definition of skill.

21. When you use a computer, What do you mean by the term "CD-ROM DRIVE"?

  • A. Data can be written and rewritten on the CD
  • B. Sending Messages
  • C. Used to point objects on the monitor
  • D. Peripheral to the computer
Answer: D — Peripheral to the computer
A CD-ROM drive is a read-only peripheral device. It cannot rewrite data, and it is not a pointing device.

22. Who is more important in communication process?

  • A. People
  • B. Receiver
  • C. Sender
  • D. Self
Answer: B — Receiver
While both sender and receiver are vital, the 'Receiver' is equally, if not more, important in the communication process as they are responsible for interpreting and understanding the message sent.

23. Non- Verbal modes of communication are

  • A. Speech
  • B. Words
  • C. Symbols
  • D. Channel
Answer: C — Symbols
Non-verbal modes of communication include elements such as symbols, gestures, and facial expressions, which convey meaning without words.

24. When you use a word file in a computer What do you mean by the term "OPEN" ?

  • A. Writes numbered bullets
  • B. Changes the color of the text
  • C. Spelling and grammer check
  • D. Opens an existing file
Answer: D — Opens an existing file
The term "OPEN" in the context of a computer file means to access and load an existing document, making its content visible and editable on the screen. It does not involve checking grammar, formatting, or changing visual properties.

25. If stressed with some work, one should

  • A. Tell someone else to do it
  • B. Keep doing it till it is complete
  • C. Give up
  • D. Leave it for some time
Answer: D — Leave it for some time
When stressed with work, taking a short break to reassess and approach the task with a clear mind is often the most effective strategy. This allows for better problem-solving and stress management, rather than immediate completion or avoidance.

26. Match the term "NEED FOR COMMUNICATION" with the most suitable answer given below

  • A. Facial Expression
  • B. Feedback
  • C. Noise
  • D. Self-Expression
Answer: D — Self-Expression
Self-expression is fundamental to communication as it represents the speaker's internal thoughts and feelings being conveyed. While facial expressions and feedback are communication elements, and noise is a barrier, the core need is to express oneself.

27. Match the term "INTERNAL BARRIER" with the most suitable answer given below

  • A. Facial Expression
  • B. Lack of confidence
  • C. Noise
  • D. Self-Expression
Answer: B — Lack of confidence
Lack of confidence is an internal psychological barrier that can hinder effective communication. It originates within the individual, unlike external factors like noise, or communication elements such as facial expressions and self-expression.

28. Which of the following is unethical? Being

  • A. Honest
  • B. Cooperative
  • C. Punctual
  • D. Arrogant
Answer: D — Arrogant
Being arrogant is unethical as it displays a lack of respect and consideration for others, contradicting principles of teamwork and professional conduct. Honesty, cooperation, and punctuality are positive and ethical attributes in any environment.

29. When you use a computer, What do you mean by the term "PRINTER" ?

  • A. Getting Music
  • B. Like a type-writer ;communicates with computer
  • C. Like a T.V.
  • D. Peripheral to the computer
Answer: D — Peripheral to the computer
A printer is considered a peripheral device because it connects to the computer to provide an output function, allowing digital information to be rendered in a physical, printed format. It is an external component that enhances the computer's capabilities.

30. Communication can be done

  • A. By self - expression
  • B. Verbally
  • C. Non Verbally
  • D. Both verbally and non- verbally
Answer: D — Both verbally and non- verbally
Communication encompasses both the spoken word (verbally) and non-verbal cues such as body language and tone. Effective communication often involves a combination of both verbal and non-verbal elements to convey a complete message.

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