Skip to content
DG Exit Exam
Home STSDSD sets
Answer Key

STSDSD exit exam questions and answers — Set 14 — Security Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties

Set 14 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.

Bank last rebuilt .

Practise these STSDSD questions STSDSD mock exit exam, 30 marks STSDSD exit exam sets and syllabus

30 of 30 shown · Set 14

Nothing in this set matches that. Try a shorter word, or search the whole key.

Set 14 — 30 STSDSD exit exam questions with answers

1. During a ship security assessment, 'procedural policies' refers to:

  • A. The ship's stability booklet
  • B. The written and practised procedures such as access control, visitor handling, key control and reporting
  • C. The company's commercial policies
  • D. The ship's insurance policy
Answer: B — The written and practised procedures such as access control, visitor handling, key control and reporting
Procedural policies are the security procedures that crew follow, including identification checks, visitor escorts, key control, patrols and reporting. The syllabus notes that proper procedures are vital in preventing and mitigating incidents, including pirate attacks.

2. A key purpose of identifying vulnerabilities during the SSA is to:

  • A. Prepare countermeasures that reduce the ship's exposure to identified threats
  • B. Calculate the ship's freight earnings
  • C. Decide the crew's nationality
  • D. Replace the need for an SSP
Answer: A — Prepare countermeasures that reduce the ship's exposure to identified threats
The SSA identifies weaknesses in physical security, procedures and human factors so that countermeasures can be developed and written into the SSP. The syllabus links vulnerability identification directly to the preparation of countermeasures.

3. Which characteristics make a merchant ship most vulnerable to pirate boarding?

  • A. Low freeboard and slow speed
  • B. Large crew and high freeboard
  • C. High freeboard and high speed
  • D. Night-time speed above service speed
Answer: A — Low freeboard and slow speed
BMP guidance and the STSDSD syllabus identify low freeboard and slow speed as the factors that make boarding easiest. Ship size, sea state, visibility and day/night conditions also affect vulnerability.

4. Why do small-boat pirate attacks become less likely in rough sea conditions?

  • A. Ships carry armed guards only in rough weather
  • B. Ship radars work only in rough weather
  • C. Pirates are prohibited from operating during monsoons
  • D. Small skiffs find it difficult to approach and place ladders alongside in heavy seas
Answer: D — Small skiffs find it difficult to approach and place ladders alongside in heavy seas
Skiffs used by pirates are small and lightly built, so high waves and swell make high-speed approach and boarding very difficult. Attack frequency in the Indian Ocean has historically dropped during the monsoon seasons.

5. Before entering a high-risk area, ships following BMP should register with which organisation for the Gulf of Aden/Somali basin?

  • A. IMB Piracy Reporting Centre only
  • B. ReCAAP ISC
  • C. International Labour Organization
  • D. MSCHOA (Maritime Security Centre - Horn of Africa)
Answer: D — MSCHOA (Maritime Security Centre - Horn of Africa)
BMP guidance asks ships to register their transit with MSCHOA, which coordinates naval protection, and to report to UKMTO. Registration allows naval forces to know which ships are in the area and to plan protection.

6. Under BMP guidance, UKMTO serves merchant ships in the Indian Ocean/Red Sea region as:

  • A. The classification society for armed guards
  • B. The primary point of contact for reporting position and security incidents in the Voluntary Reporting Area
  • C. The ship's P&I insurer
  • D. The authority that issues ISSCs
Answer: B — The primary point of contact for reporting position and security incidents in the Voluntary Reporting Area
UK Maritime Trade Operations is the primary point of contact for merchant ships in the Voluntary Reporting Area, receiving initial, daily and final reports and incident alerts, and passing information to naval forces.

7. In the Gulf of Guinea, the reporting and information centre for merchant ships operated by the French and UK navies is:

  • A. ReCAAP ISC
  • B. UKMTO Dubai only
  • C. MSCHOA
  • D. MDAT-GoG (Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade - Gulf of Guinea)
Answer: D — MDAT-GoG (Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade - Gulf of Guinea)
MDAT-GoG, operated jointly by the French and UK navies from Brest, is the reporting centre for ships in the Gulf of Guinea Voluntary Reporting Area. Ships send it initial, daily and final reports and incident alerts.

8. Ship protection measures recommended by BMP are intended primarily to:

  • A. Allow pirates to board without harm
  • B. Replace the need for watchkeeping
  • C. Increase the ship's cargo capacity
  • D. Detect, deter and delay boarding until help arrives or the attack is abandoned
Answer: D — Detect, deter and delay boarding until help arrives or the attack is abandoned
The syllabus calls for self-protection measures to detect, deter and delay an attack. Physical barriers, lookouts, lighting, water spray and manoeuvring buy time for the crew to reach the citadel and for naval forces to respond.

9. Which of the following is a BMP-recommended physical barrier against boarding?

  • A. Lowering the accommodation ladder
  • B. Leaving the pilot ladder rigged
  • C. Removing all deck lighting
  • D. Razor wire fitted along the ship's side rails
Answer: D — Razor wire fitted along the ship's side rails
Razor wire and other physical barriers on the rails at low-freeboard areas make it hard for boarders to climb on board. They must be fitted securely and not obstruct crew escape routes or emergency equipment.

10. Transiting the Gulf of Aden in the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) and in a group transit is advised because:

  • A. It reduces fuel consumption to zero
  • B. The corridor is outside all coastal States' waters, so no piracy occurs
  • C. Pirates are not permitted to enter it
  • D. Naval forces concentrate their patrols in the corridor and ships moving together are easier to protect
Answer: D — Naval forces concentrate their patrols in the corridor and ships moving together are easier to protect
The IRTC is patrolled by naval forces, and group transits at set speeds allow them to protect several ships at once. The syllabus refers to transiting the high-risk area in the recommended zone and preferably in a convoy.

11. While transiting a high-risk area, why should ships update their position frequently with the flag State, coastal authorities and naval forces?

  • A. So that authorities know where the ship is and can respond quickly if it is attacked
  • B. Because AIS is always switched off by law
  • C. To claim reduced port dues
  • D. To obtain weather routing
Answer: A — So that authorities know where the ship is and can respond quickly if it is attacked
The syllabus requires communication with the flag State, coastal authority and task force to update the ship's position. Regular reporting allows naval forces to track the ship and shortens their response time in an attack.

12. Somali piracy has typically followed a business model based on:

  • A. Hijacking ships and holding the ship and crew for ransom off the Somali coast
  • B. Stealing cargo containers in port
  • C. Selling forged certificates
  • D. Smuggling stowaways to Europe
Answer: A — Hijacking ships and holding the ship and crew for ransom off the Somali coast
Somali pirate groups, backed by financiers ashore, hijack ships and hold the vessel and crew at anchor off Somalia while ransom is negotiated, sometimes for many months. Understanding this model explains the emphasis on preventing boarding.

13. Which equipment did Somali pirates typically use to extend their range into the Indian Ocean?

  • A. Submarines
  • B. Helicopters
  • C. Motherships, often hijacked dhows or fishing vessels, towing attack skiffs
  • D. Large container ships
Answer: C — Motherships, often hijacked dhows or fishing vessels, towing attack skiffs
Motherships, usually captured dhows or fishing vessels, carried pirates, fuel and skiffs far from the coast, allowing attacks hundreds of miles offshore. Naval forces target them, and crews should report suspicious motherships.

14. Before entering a high-risk area, the master should ensure that the crew:

  • A. Are briefed on the ship protection measures, alarm signals and actions, and have rehearsed citadel drills
  • B. Have switched off all alarms
  • C. Are given extra shore leave
  • D. Have removed physical barriers to improve access
Answer: A — Are briefed on the ship protection measures, alarm signals and actions, and have rehearsed citadel drills
BMP guidance recommends briefing and drilling the crew before entering the risk area, including the distinct piracy alarm, muster and citadel procedures, so everyone knows what to do in an attack.

15. A distinct piracy or attack alarm on board is recommended because:

  • A. It is required only in port
  • B. Crew must be able to distinguish it from fire or abandon ship alarms and react correctly
  • C. It replaces the general alarm
  • D. It informs the pirates that they have been seen
Answer: B — Crew must be able to distinguish it from fire or abandon ship alarms and react correctly
BMP advises a distinctive security alarm signal different from other emergency alarms, so that crew immediately move to the safe muster point or citadel instead of to fire or lifeboat stations on deck.

16. When dummies or mannequins are placed on deck in a high-risk area, the purpose is to:

  • A. Train crew in first aid
  • B. Serve as targets for weapons practice
  • C. Give the impression of extra lookouts or armed guards to deter attackers
  • D. Test fire-fighting equipment
Answer: C — Give the impression of extra lookouts or armed guards to deter attackers
Mannequins dressed as guards or lookouts are a low-cost deterrent measure mentioned in industry guidance, suggesting heightened vigilance. They support but never replace real lookouts and other protection measures.

17. Enhanced bridge protection measures in BMP guidance include:

  • A. Painting the bridge in bright colours
  • B. Protective materials such as sandbags or plating around the bridge wings and windows to protect against gunfire
  • C. Removing the bridge windows
  • D. Moving the ship's controls to the poop deck
Answer: B — Protective materials such as sandbags or plating around the bridge wings and windows to protect against gunfire
Pirates often fire at the bridge to force the ship to slow down. Ballistic protection, film on windows and protective barriers on the bridge wings reduce the risk to watchkeepers, who must continue to manoeuvre the ship.

18. The Joint War Committee 'Listed Areas' are important to a ship planning a voyage because they:

  • A. Are areas closed to all navigation
  • B. Are areas where the ISPS Code does not apply
  • C. List ports where crew changes are prohibited
  • D. Identify areas of perceived enhanced risk where additional insurance and precautions apply
Answer: D — Identify areas of perceived enhanced risk where additional insurance and precautions apply
The Joint War Committee of the London insurance market publishes Listed Areas considered to carry enhanced war, piracy and terrorism risk. Entering them affects insurance and prompts additional security planning under the SSP.

19. On sighting a suspicious craft approaching at high speed in a high-risk area, the first action of the officer of the watch should be to:

  • A. Lower the pilot ladder to show peaceful intent
  • B. Raise the alarm, increase to maximum speed and inform the master
  • C. Switch off all navigation lights
  • D. Stop the engines and wait
Answer: B — Raise the alarm, increase to maximum speed and inform the master
Early detection followed by immediate action is crucial: sounding the security alarm, increasing speed, starting evasive manoeuvres and informing the master give the crew time to muster in safety and report the attack.

20. During a pirate attack, who must the ship report to in the Indian Ocean Voluntary Reporting Area?

  • A. UKMTO, followed by the company and flag State as per the SSP
  • B. Only the next port agent
  • C. The classification society
  • D. Only the charterer
Answer: A — UKMTO, followed by the company and flag State as per the SSP
UKMTO is the primary contact in the Voluntary Reporting Area and alerts naval forces in the vicinity. The SSP also requires the CSO and flag State to be informed, and the SSAS may be activated.

21. Before the crew retreat into the citadel when pirates are about to board, the bridge team should normally:

  • A. Open all accommodation doors
  • B. Stop the main engine and ensure all crew are accounted for
  • C. Leave the radio on channel 16 broadcasting the citadel location
  • D. Leave the engine at full speed with the wheel on autopilot towards the coast
Answer: B — Stop the main engine and ensure all crew are accounted for
BMP guidance is to bring the ship to a stop or disable propulsion, so pirates cannot steer the ship, and to make sure every crew member is inside. Citadel location must never be broadcast in plain language.

22. Naval forces will generally only consider a military intervention to free a boarded ship when:

  • A. Some crew are still on deck
  • B. All crew are confirmed safe inside the citadel with two-way communication
  • C. The ship is in port
  • D. The pirates have taken control of the bridge with crew present
Answer: B — All crew are confirmed safe inside the citadel with two-way communication
Military boarding is considered only if 100% of the crew are accounted for in the citadel, pirates cannot reach them and communication with the citadel is established. Use of a citadel does not guarantee a military response.

23. What is a 'safe muster point' in BMP guidance?

  • A. The open deck aft
  • B. The gangway
  • C. A protected internal area where crew gather during a suspicious approach, before deciding to retreat to the citadel
  • D. The lifeboat embarkation station
Answer: C — A protected internal area where crew gather during a suspicious approach, before deciding to retreat to the citadel
A safe muster point is a centrally located, protected space away from external bulkheads where non-essential crew gather when an attack is threatened. It is distinct from the citadel, which is used if pirates actually board.

24. Why should crew keep away from the bridge wings and open decks during an attack?

  • A. To allow pirates to board freely
  • B. Open decks must be kept clear for cargo work
  • C. Pirates often fire weapons at the bridge and accommodation to force the ship to stop
  • D. It is too windy on deck
Answer: C — Pirates often fire weapons at the bridge and accommodation to force the ship to stop
Pirates frequently fire small arms and RPGs at the bridge and accommodation to intimidate the crew into slowing down. Crew should stay behind protection and only essential personnel should remain on the bridge as long as safe.

25. Which of the following is an implication of a successful piracy attack for the crew?

  • A. Immediate repatriation with bonus pay
  • B. Possible injury, long captivity, psychological trauma and loss of contact with families
  • C. Automatic promotion
  • D. Exemption from all future sea service
Answer: B — Possible injury, long captivity, psychological trauma and loss of contact with families
Hijacked crews have faced violence, months or years in captivity, poor food and medical care, and long-lasting trauma. Recognising these implications underlines why preventing boarding is the priority.

26. Individuals react in different ways during a piracy attack. The best way to reduce panic among crew is:

  • A. Avoiding discussion of the risk
  • B. Leaving decisions to each individual
  • C. Keeping the plans secret from junior crew
  • D. Regular briefings and realistic drills so everyone knows their role
Answer: D — Regular briefings and realistic drills so everyone knows their role
People under sudden threat may freeze, panic or act rashly. The syllabus notes individual reactions vary, and familiarity gained through briefings and drills gives a practiced response that reduces confusion.

27. In March 2024 the Indian Navy freed the bulk carrier MV Ruen and its crew from Somali pirates. This case illustrates that:

  • A. Navies never intervene in hijacks
  • B. Somali piracy ended permanently in 2012
  • C. Piracy off Somalia can resurge and long-held vessels may be used as motherships
  • D. Merchant ships no longer need BMP measures
Answer: C — Piracy off Somalia can resurge and long-held vessels may be used as motherships
MV Ruen was hijacked in December 2023 and reportedly used as a mothership before the Indian Navy's operation freed 17 crew and detained the pirates. It showed that threats re-emerge and BMP measures remain essential.

28. While the ship is under attack, the SSAS should be activated to:

  • A. Covertly alert the competent authority ashore that the ship's security is under threat
  • B. Sound a loud alarm to frighten the pirates
  • C. Automatically stop the main engine
  • D. Broadcast a mayday on VHF
Answer: A — Covertly alert the competent authority ashore that the ship's security is under threat
The SSAS sends a covert alert identifying the ship and its position to the competent authority designated by the flag State, without raising an alarm on board. It complements the reports to UKMTO or MDAT-GoG.

29. In BMP guidance, the use of fire hoses or water cannon during an attack is intended to:

  • A. Extinguish pirate boats' engines automatically
  • B. Signal surrender
  • C. Make it difficult for pirates to approach and climb on board
  • D. Replace the need for a citadel
Answer: C — Make it difficult for pirates to approach and climb on board
Water spray from fixed nozzles or hoses directed at likely boarding points can swamp skiffs and make climbing hazardous. Such systems should be set up to operate without crew being exposed on deck.

30. If a ship's crew is in the citadel and pirates are on board, the crew should:

  • A. Open the citadel door when pirates knock
  • B. Come out after a few minutes to check the situation
  • C. Turn off all communication to remain hidden
  • D. Remain inside and maintain communication with naval forces or the company until told it is safe
Answer: D — Remain inside and maintain communication with naval forces or the company until told it is safe
Crew should stay in the citadel until naval forces or the company confirm it is safe, as pirates may wait or try to trick them into leaving. Maintaining external communication allows the response to be coordinated.

Printing this? Use your browser's Print (Ctrl/⌘ + P) — the buttons, the search box and the site chrome drop out and the questions run on as plain text, so a set fits a few pages. Filter to one set first if you only want that set on paper.

Practise these STSDSD questions as a timed paper All 481 STSDSD questions and answers STSDSD exit exam sets and syllabus All 24 STCW exit exam courses

Send this STSDSD answer key to your batch

Send on WhatsApp

More free tools for seafarers

Mariners DigestBrief for seafarers, Tue–SatSIRE PRO: Ship InspectionTanker inspection prepRightShip ProRISQ 3.2 dry-cargo inspection prepCOLREGS ReaderRules of the road, read aloud