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STSDSD exit exam questions and answers — Set 13 — Security Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties

Set 13 of the Security Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties (STSDSD) exit exam bank — 30 of 481 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 13 — 30 STSDSD exit exam questions with answers

1. Which threat pattern has characterised piracy in the Gulf of Guinea in recent years?

  • A. Collisions with fishing vessels
  • B. Kidnapping of crew for ransom and theft of cargo, especially oil products
  • C. Iceberg damage
  • D. Stowaways from cruise ships
Answer: B — Kidnapping of crew for ransom and theft of cargo, especially oil products
In the Gulf of Guinea, criminal groups have hijacked tankers to steal oil cargo and, increasingly, kidnapped crew members and taken them ashore for ransom. This differs from the Somali model of holding ships and crews off the coast.

2. Why are ships particularly vulnerable when at anchor or drifting off a port?

  • A. The ISPS Code requires all crew to be ashore
  • B. Low speed or no way allows boats to approach and crew vigilance may be reduced, especially at night
  • C. Pirates never operate near ports
  • D. They are always inside a secured port facility
Answer: B — Low speed or no way allows boats to approach and crew vigilance may be reduced, especially at night
Ships at anchor or drifting cannot use speed or manoeuvring to avoid boarding, and many armed robbery incidents occur in such conditions at night. Anchor watches, lighting and deck patrols are therefore essential.

3. Which type of cargo has historically been a prime target for hijacking and cargo theft in West Africa?

  • A. Ballast water
  • B. Iron ore in bulk carriers
  • C. Empty containers
  • D. Refined petroleum products carried by product tankers
Answer: D — Refined petroleum products carried by product tankers
West African criminal groups have hijacked product tankers to transfer and sell gasoil and gasoline on the black market. Recognising high-value, easily saleable cargo is part of understanding current threat patterns.

4. Terrorist interest in shipping is primarily due to:

  • A. The potential for mass casualties, economic disruption and use of the ship to deliver weapons or people
  • B. Ships being exempt from all security law
  • C. The low value of ships and cargo
  • D. The absence of crews on modern ships
Answer: A — The potential for mass casualties, economic disruption and use of the ship to deliver weapons or people
Shipping is attractive to terrorists because an attack can cause loss of life, close ports and disrupt global trade, and ships or containers can be used to move weapons or operatives. These concerns drove the 2002 SOLAS XI-2 and ISPS measures.

5. Which of the following is NOT one of the threats to maritime transport listed in the STSDSD introductory module?

  • A. Piracy and armed robbery
  • B. Ship's engine breakdown due to poor maintenance
  • C. Stowaways and refugees
  • D. Contraband smuggling
Answer: B — Ship's engine breakdown due to poor maintenance
The syllabus lists piracy and armed robbery, terrorism, contraband smuggling, stowaways and refugees, cargo theft and collateral damage. Mechanical failure is a safety and maintenance issue, not a security threat.

6. Drug traffickers who attach packages to the outside of a ship's hull below the waterline, for recovery by divers at the next port, are using a method known as:

  • A. Stowage planning
  • B. Bunker dilution
  • C. Container lashing
  • D. Parasitic or hull-attached concealment
Answer: D — Parasitic or hull-attached concealment
Traffickers increasingly attach drugs in sea chests, rudder spaces or hull attachments using divers, without the crew's knowledge. Underwater hull inspections and port checks of sea chests are used to counter this concealment method.

7. A 'rip-on/rip-off' method of drug smuggling in container trade involves:

  • A. Transferring bunkers between ships
  • B. Opening a legitimate container at origin to insert drugs and removing them at destination before customs inspection
  • C. Removing container lashings at sea
  • D. Swapping a ship's flag during the voyage
Answer: B — Opening a legitimate container at origin to insert drugs and removing them at destination before customs inspection
In rip-on/rip-off smuggling criminals, often with port insiders, break into a legitimate container, insert drugs and replace the seal, then retrieve the drugs at the destination terminal. Seal verification and access control at terminals counter it.

8. The STSDSD course is mandatory under STCW for:

  • A. Port facility personnel only
  • B. Seafarers assigned specific security duties under the ship security plan
  • C. Only the master and chief engineer
  • D. Only seafarers on passenger ships
Answer: B — Seafarers assigned specific security duties under the ship security plan
STCW regulation VI/6 and Section A-VI/6 paragraphs 4 to 6 require seafarers designated to perform security duties in connection with the SSP to meet the competence in Table A-VI/6-2, which the STSDSD course delivers.

9. Under the IMO Code of Practice (resolution A.1025(26)), an unlawful act of violence against a ship for private ends is classed as 'armed robbery' rather than piracy when it occurs:

  • A. Only against warships
  • B. Only on the high seas
  • C. Only in a port's inner harbour at night
  • D. Within a State's internal waters, archipelagic waters or territorial sea
Answer: D — Within a State's internal waters, archipelagic waters or territorial sea
Piracy, as defined in UNCLOS Article 101, occurs on the high seas or outside any State's jurisdiction. Resolution A.1025(26) defines armed robbery against ships as similar unlawful acts committed within a State's internal waters, archipelagic waters and territorial sea.

10. Recognition of persons posing potential security risks must be carried out on a non-discriminatory basis. This means it should be based on:

  • A. Observed behaviour and circumstances, not race, religion, nationality or gender
  • B. The person's nationality
  • C. Random selection of a particular ethnic group
  • D. The person's religion or dress
Answer: A — Observed behaviour and circumstances, not race, religion, nationality or gender
The STSDSD syllabus requires recognition of persons posing risks on a non-discriminatory basis, so attention is directed to suspicious behaviour, such as unusual interest in security arrangements or evasive answers, rather than personal characteristics.

11. Which behaviour by a visitor at the gangway should most alert a crew member with security duties?

  • A. Taking photographs of access points and asking about the ship's security arrangements
  • B. Asking the way to the ship's office
  • C. Carrying a briefcase with company documents
  • D. Showing a valid port pass when asked
Answer: A — Taking photographs of access points and asking about the ship's security arrangements
Unusual interest in security measures, photographing access points, guard routines or restricted areas, and questions about the SSP are typical indicators of reconnaissance before an unlawful act and should be reported to the SSO.

12. 'Tailgating' as a technique to circumvent security measures means:

  • A. Using a forged identity card
  • B. Approaching the ship's stern in a small boat
  • C. Hiding inside a container
  • D. Following closely behind an authorised person through a controlled access point without being checked
Answer: D — Following closely behind an authorised person through a controlled access point without being checked
Tailgating or piggybacking is gaining entry by following an authorised person through a door or gangway before it closes or while the watchman is distracted. Every person must be individually identified at the access point.

13. Which of the following is an example of a covert technique used to defeat ship security?

  • A. Firing at the bridge from a skiff
  • B. Impersonating a surveyor or contractor using forged documents
  • C. Ramming the ship's side
  • D. Throwing grappling hooks openly at the rail
Answer: B — Impersonating a surveyor or contractor using forged documents
Covert techniques rely on deception rather than force, for example false identity documents, posing as officials or service providers, concealment in cargo or stores, or bribing insiders. Verification of identity and of the purpose of visit counters them.

14. An 'insider threat' in ship security refers to:

  • A. A cyber attack from a foreign country
  • B. An intruder who climbs the anchor chain
  • C. A pirate attack from seaward
  • D. A crew member, contractor or port worker with legitimate access who assists or commits an unlawful act
Answer: D — A crew member, contractor or port worker with legitimate access who assists or commits an unlawful act
Insiders already have authorised access and knowledge of routines, making them able to bypass controls, for example by smuggling items on board or leaving doors unlocked. Need-to-know handling of security information and supervision help reduce this risk.

15. A distraction technique to circumvent security might involve:

  • A. Creating a disturbance at one access point while an accomplice boards at another
  • B. Booking a cabin through an agent
  • C. Presenting a valid ID card
  • D. Requesting permission from the SSO
Answer: A — Creating a disturbance at one access point while an accomplice boards at another
Intruders may stage an argument, accident or fire alarm to draw watchkeepers away so that others can board or place items unseen. Watchkeepers should report incidents but keep the access points they are responsible for covered.

16. During an emergency on a passenger ship, the basic psychology of a crowd tends to show:

  • A. Immediate perfect compliance with written notices
  • B. Calm, independent decision-making by each person
  • C. Panic and herd behaviour, with people following others or the loudest voice
  • D. Total silence and no movement
Answer: C — Panic and herd behaviour, with people following others or the loudest voice
In a crisis, crowds can quickly lose rational behaviour, spread panic and follow whoever appears to lead. Crew must therefore take visible, confident control and give simple, clear instructions to direct people safely.

17. When controlling a crowd during a security emergency, crew should give instructions that are:

  • A. Long and detailed so that every reason is explained
  • B. Shouted aggressively to frighten passengers into compliance
  • C. Short, clear, calm and repeated, in a language people understand, supported by gestures
  • D. Given only in writing on notice boards
Answer: C — Short, clear, calm and repeated, in a language people understand, supported by gestures
The syllabus stresses the importance of clear communication with crew and passengers in emergencies. Brief, calm, authoritative directions, repeated and reinforced with hand signals, reduce confusion and panic.

18. Why is it important for crew to keep passengers informed during a security incident?

  • A. Passengers must decide the response themselves
  • B. It is required to obtain passengers' consent before acting
  • C. Lack of information breeds rumour and panic, while accurate information helps maintain order
  • D. Information delays the response
Answer: C — Lack of information breeds rumour and panic, while accurate information helps maintain order
Uncertainty quickly causes fear and disorderly behaviour in a crowd. Timely, honest announcements about what is happening and what passengers must do maintain confidence and make crowd control easier.

19. In crowd management, crew members should identify and use 'leaders' in a group of passengers because:

  • A. Leaders can be asked to take over crew duties
  • B. It avoids the need for crew instructions
  • C. People in groups tend to follow persons who appear calm and in charge
  • D. They can be removed from the ship first
Answer: C — People in groups tend to follow persons who appear calm and in charge
Crowds naturally follow apparent leaders. Recognising calm individuals and enlisting them to help pass instructions and assist others extends the crew's control, especially where language barriers exist.

20. A person attempts to board claiming to be a technician but cannot name who requested the service. The correct action is to:

  • A. Deny access, verify the claim with the responsible officer or company, and report to the SSO
  • B. Allow access but ask him to sign the log afterwards
  • C. Allow access because technicians are usually expected
  • D. Escort him straight to the engine room
Answer: A — Deny access, verify the claim with the responsible officer or company, and report to the SSO
Every visitor's identity and reason for visit must be confirmed before access is granted under the SSP. Unverified claims are a common covert technique, so access is refused until the officer concerned confirms the visit.

21. Which of the following is a behavioural indicator that a person may be carrying something concealed?

  • A. Presenting identity documents promptly
  • B. Calm conversation with the gangway watch
  • C. Waiting patiently in the queue
  • D. Unusual nervousness, constant touching of a part of the body or bag, and avoiding screening
Answer: D — Unusual nervousness, constant touching of a part of the body or bag, and avoiding screening
Indicators include nervousness, sweating, reluctance to be searched, repeatedly checking a pocket or bag and inconsistent explanations. Such signs justify closer screening in accordance with the SSP and should be reported.

22. Pirates and armed robbers commonly try to circumvent ship security by:

  • A. Approaching from astern or low-freeboard areas at night using small fast boats and ladders or hooks
  • B. Requesting permission to board by VHF
  • C. Joining through the manning agent
  • D. Boarding only at a secured berth by the gangway
Answer: A — Approaching from astern or low-freeboard areas at night using small fast boats and ladders or hooks
Attackers exploit darkness, the ship's blind spots astern and low freeboard, using small fast craft, hooked ladders or grappling hooks. Lighting, lookouts, physical barriers and early detection are the countermeasures.

23. An 'unattended bag' is found in a passenger embarkation area. The first concern of crew with security duties is to:

  • A. Keep people away from it, not touch it, and report it to the SSO
  • B. Carry it to the purser's office
  • C. Throw it overboard immediately
  • D. Open it to identify the owner
Answer: A — Keep people away from it, not touch it, and report it to the SSO
An unattended item may be an explosive device or hoax. The recommended response is to clear and cordon the area, avoid touching or moving it, prevent radio use close to it if instructed, and report to the SSO under the SSP.

24. A crewmember notices a crane driver repeatedly entering a restricted area not needed for his work. The correct action is to:

  • A. Report the observation to the SSO without confronting him aggressively
  • B. Lock him inside the space
  • C. Ignore it as port workers are authorised
  • D. Ask him to sign the crew list
Answer: A — Report the observation to the SSO without confronting him aggressively
Repeated unexplained presence in restricted areas is a warning sign of possible reconnaissance, theft or tampering. Being observant and reporting to the SSO, who decides further action, is the role of seafarers with designated duties.

25. During a security incident on a crowded passenger deck, crew should direct people away from danger by:

  • A. Sounding the general alarm continuously without announcements
  • B. Leaving passengers to find their own way
  • C. Positioning themselves at key points, giving clear directions and keeping exits and routes unobstructed
  • D. Locking all doors to the deck
Answer: C — Positioning themselves at key points, giving clear directions and keeping exits and routes unobstructed
Effective crowd control relies on crew stationed at decision points such as stairways and doors, clear directions and unobstructed routes, so that people can be moved in an orderly way and do not crowd towards the danger.

26. Social engineering, as a method of circumventing security, means:

  • A. Engineering stronger access doors
  • B. Training crew in crowd control
  • C. Manipulating people into revealing information or granting access, often by phone, email or in person
  • D. Designing the ship's accommodation layout
Answer: C — Manipulating people into revealing information or granting access, often by phone, email or in person
Social engineering exploits trust and helpfulness, for example by phishing emails or by calls pretending to be from the company asking for passwords, schedules or security details. Crew should verify requests and protect security-sensitive information.

27. Under the STSDSD syllabus, the on-scene security survey is divided into sections including physical security, structural integrity, personnel protection systems, procedural policies, radio and telecommunication systems and:

  • A. Main engine performance
  • B. Ballast water management
  • C. Other areas
  • D. Cargo stowage planning
Answer: C — Other areas
The syllabus divides the on-scene survey into physical security, structural integrity, personnel protection systems, procedural policies, radio and telecommunication systems, and other areas that, if damaged or used for illicit observation, could pose a risk to persons, property or operations.

28. Under ISPS Code Part A section 8, the ship security assessment must include an on-scene security survey and at least the identification of existing measures, key shipboard operations, possible threats and:

  • A. Weaknesses, including human factors, in the infrastructure, policies and procedures
  • B. Crew wage scales
  • C. Fuel consumption figures
  • D. The ship's charter party terms
Answer: A — Weaknesses, including human factors, in the infrastructure, policies and procedures
ISPS A/8.4 requires the SSA to include an on-scene survey and identification of existing security measures, procedures and operations, key shipboard operations to protect, possible threats and their likelihood, and weaknesses including human factors.

29. Before conducting an on-scene security survey, the person carrying it out should:

  • A. Only interview the cook
  • B. Board without any preparation to see the real condition
  • C. Wait until the ship enters dry dock
  • D. Review the ship's general arrangement plans, previous assessments, security records and threat information
Answer: D — Review the ship's general arrangement plans, previous assessments, security records and threat information
The syllabus lists preparations before an on-scene survey: gathering plans, previous SSAs and audits, incident records, threat assessments and port information so that the survey can focus on relevant areas and operations.

30. Which of the following is part of 'personnel protection systems' examined during a security survey?

  • A. Means of protecting crew such as the citadel, safe muster areas, alarms and communication
  • B. The cargo pumping system
  • C. Cargo hold ventilation
  • D. The fresh water generator
Answer: A — Means of protecting crew such as the citadel, safe muster areas, alarms and communication
Personnel protection systems are the arrangements that protect people on board during an incident, such as alarms, communication, protected muster points and citadels. The survey checks that they exist, work and are known to the crew.

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