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STSDSD exit exam questions and answers — Set 16 — Security Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties

Set 16 of the Security Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties (STSDSD) exit exam bank — 31 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.

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Set 16 — 31 STSDSD exit exam questions with answers

1. Which of the following is a particular danger during the release process of a hijacked ship?

  • A. Another pirate group may attempt to seize the ship after the original pirates leave
  • B. The ISSC is withdrawn immediately
  • C. Crew wages are stopped
  • D. The ship is automatically arrested by the flag State
Answer: A — Another pirate group may attempt to seize the ship after the original pirates leave
After ransom is delivered and pirates disembark, the weakened ship and crew are vulnerable to other gangs or splinter groups. This is why naval escort and rapid departure to a safe area are arranged during release.

2. Immediately after the pirates leave the ship on release, the crew should:

  • A. Drift in the area until the next day
  • B. Check that all pirates have left, search for remaining weapons or devices, and contact the company and naval forces
  • C. Switch off all communications
  • D. Hold a celebration on deck
Answer: B — Check that all pirates have left, search for remaining weapons or devices, and contact the company and naval forces
Safeguards on release include confirming that no pirates remain, searching for weapons, explosives or booby traps left behind, establishing contact with the company and naval forces and leaving the area safely.

3. Before release, ransom payments for Somali hijacks have often been delivered by:

  • A. Credit card payment
  • B. Bank transfer to the ship's master
  • C. Airdrop of cash near the ship or delivery by boat
  • D. Cheque sent to the pirates' agent
Answer: C — Airdrop of cash near the ship or delivery by boat
In Somali cases ransom has commonly been delivered in cash, often dropped by aircraft near the ship or brought by boat. The period around delivery is tense and can be dangerous as pirates count money and argue among themselves.

4. A hijacked ship released after months off Somalia may face additional hazards because:

  • A. Its hull will have been cleaned by the pirates
  • B. Machinery may be poorly maintained and fuel, water and provisions may be very low
  • C. It will be sailing in a protected port
  • D. The crew will be fully rested
Answer: B — Machinery may be poorly maintained and fuel, water and provisions may be very low
During long captivity ships are often stripped of supplies and machinery is neglected. On release the ship may be short of fuel, food and water and may need naval or tug assistance to reach a safe port.

5. Which practical need should be addressed first for crew released after captivity?

  • A. A commercial debrief on cargo condition
  • B. Medical examination and treatment, food, water and rest
  • C. Signing a new contract
  • D. Immediately resuming normal duties
Answer: B — Medical examination and treatment, food, water and rest
Released hostages are often malnourished, injured or ill. The syllabus lists the practical needs of the crew after release, beginning with medical care, nourishment and rest, followed by contact with families and repatriation.

6. Why is professional psychological support recommended for seafarers after release from captivity?

  • A. Captivity can cause lasting trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder, which may appear later
  • B. It is only for officers
  • C. It prevents the need for medical examination
  • D. It is required to renew the CoC
Answer: A — Captivity can cause lasting trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder, which may appear later
Many released hostages suffer anxiety, sleep disturbance and PTSD, sometimes months later. Early screening, counselling and follow-up help recovery and are part of good practice in the post-release phase.

7. Which parties are typically involved in the post-release phase of a piracy hostage case?

  • A. Only the port State control officer
  • B. Only the charterer
  • C. Only the pirates' negotiator
  • D. Shipowner, manager, insurers, flag State, naval forces, crewing agents and welfare organisations
Answer: D — Shipowner, manager, insurers, flag State, naval forces, crewing agents and welfare organisations
The syllabus requires awareness of the various parties in post-release: the owner and manager, insurers and response consultants, flag and crew national governments, naval forces, manning agents, unions and seafarer welfare organisations.

8. Released crew may be interviewed by naval or police investigators because:

  • A. It is required to obtain wages
  • B. Their evidence can support the prosecution of pirates
  • C. It replaces medical care
  • D. Investigators want to blame the crew
Answer: B — Their evidence can support the prosecution of pirates
Crew observations about pirates, weapons and events are important evidence for prosecution. Debriefs should be handled sensitively, with medical needs met first, and crew informed of their rights.

9. Under the MLC, 2006 as amended in 2022 (in force December 2024), when a seafarer is held captive as a result of piracy or armed robbery, wages and entitlements:

  • A. Stop on the day of capture
  • B. Are paid only if the ship is released
  • C. Continue to be paid throughout captivity until the seafarer is released and duly repatriated
  • D. Are paid by the flag State only
Answer: C — Continue to be paid throughout captivity until the seafarer is released and duly repatriated
The 2022 amendments to Standard A2.2 require that wages and other entitlements under the seafarer's employment agreement continue during the entire period of captivity, even if the agreement expires, until release and repatriation.

10. Under the 2022 MLC amendments, a seafarer's employment agreement that expires while the seafarer is held captive by pirates:

  • A. Is cancelled by the pirates
  • B. Continues to have effect until the seafarer is released and repatriated
  • C. Ends automatically on its expiry date
  • D. Is transferred to the flag State
Answer: B — Continues to have effect until the seafarer is released and repatriated
The amended Standard A2.1 provides that the employment agreement continues to have effect while a seafarer is held captive as a result of piracy or armed robbery, regardless of its expiry date, until release and repatriation.

11. During the release process, the ship should be prepared to proceed under naval escort mainly to:

  • A. Avoid paying port dues
  • B. Collect evidence at sea
  • C. Protect the vulnerable ship and crew until they reach a safe port
  • D. Comply with customs rules
Answer: C — Protect the vulnerable ship and crew until they reach a safe port
Released ships are weak and exposed to re-attack. Escort by naval forces or protected passage to the nearest safe port is a key safeguard in the release process.

12. Why may the period just before release be one of the most dangerous phases of captivity?

  • A. Tension among pirates over the ransom and delays can provoke violence
  • B. The ship is already in port
  • C. Pirates are always calmer at this stage
  • D. Naval forces have taken control
Answer: A — Tension among pirates over the ransom and delays can provoke violence
Disputes among pirate groups over ransom shares, delays in payment and pirates' anxiety about leaving can make behaviour erratic. Hostages should stay calm and compliant until the pirates have fully left.

13. Repatriation of seafarers released after captivity is the responsibility of:

  • A. The shipowner, under the MLC, 2006 repatriation requirements
  • B. The pirates
  • C. The port State only
  • D. The seafarers themselves
Answer: A — The shipowner, under the MLC, 2006 repatriation requirements
Under MLC Regulation 2.5 the shipowner must repatriate seafarers at no cost to them, and the 2022 amendments specifically cover seafarers held captive due to piracy. Flag States must ensure this obligation is met.

14. A key advantage of serving with a reputed shipowner or manager when trading in piracy-risk areas is that they are more likely to:

  • A. Ignore BMP guidance
  • B. Avoid all piracy areas on every voyage
  • C. Pay ransom from crew wages
  • D. Have proper ship protection measures, crisis management plans and support for crew and families
Answer: D — Have proper ship protection measures, crisis management plans and support for crew and families
Reputed companies follow BMP, maintain crisis response plans, arrange insurance and family liaison, and meet MLC obligations such as continued wages and repatriation. The syllabus asks seafarers to consider this when seeking employment.

15. Before joining a ship trading in a piracy-risk area, what should a seafarer share with the family?

  • A. Unverified rumours from social media
  • B. Nothing at all, to avoid worry
  • C. Every detail of the ship's security plan
  • D. A balanced explanation of the risks, the protection measures in place and the company's contact details
Answer: D — A balanced explanation of the risks, the protection measures in place and the company's contact details
The syllabus encourages seafarers to consider what to share: honest but balanced information on risks and safeguards, and how to reach the company, prepares families without causing undue alarm or breaching security.

16. Why must a seafarer keep next-of-kin details up to date with the company?

  • A. To calculate the seafarer's income tax
  • B. So the company can contact and support the family quickly and accurately in an emergency
  • C. For port clearance purposes
  • D. It is required for the CSR
Answer: B — So the company can contact and support the family quickly and accurately in an emergency
Accurate next-of-kin information allows the company to inform the right person promptly and provide correct information. The syllabus highlights the seafarer's responsibility to ensure correct information reaches the family.

17. If pirates contact the family of a hostage seafarer directly, the family should:

  • A. Not negotiate, and pass all contact details to the company's family liaison or crisis team
  • B. Give the pirates the shipowner's details
  • C. Negotiate a ransom themselves
  • D. Post the conversation on social media
Answer: A — Not negotiate, and pass all contact details to the company's family liaison or crisis team
Pirates may call families to increase pressure. Negotiation is handled by the owner's professional response team; families should not negotiate or promise money but should inform the company immediately.

18. Family members of hostage seafarers are advised to be careful when speaking to the media because:

  • A. The media always provides correct information
  • B. It is illegal to speak to the media
  • C. It speeds up the release
  • D. Statements can be used by pirates to increase pressure or the ransom demand
Answer: D — Statements can be used by pirates to increase pressure or the ransom demand
Pirates follow news reports, and emotional public appeals or mention of money can strengthen their position. Families are encouraged to coordinate media contact with the company to protect the hostages.

19. Typical reactions of family members on learning that a seafarer has been taken hostage include:

  • A. Immediate acceptance with no concern
  • B. Indifference
  • C. Relief
  • D. Shock, fear, anger, helplessness and anxiety
Answer: D — Shock, fear, anger, helplessness and anxiety
The syllabus asks seafarers to be aware of the reactions of family members when informed of a hostage situation. Shock, anxiety, anger and helplessness are common, and families need regular, reliable information and support.

20. The most common worry of a seafarer's family concerning piracy is:

  • A. The ship's cargo value
  • B. The ship's fuel consumption
  • C. The physical safety of the seafarer and lack of information during an incident
  • D. Port State control inspections
Answer: C — The physical safety of the seafarer and lack of information during an incident
Families fear for the seafarer's safety and suffer from uncertainty if information is lacking. Understanding these concerns helps seafarers prepare families and choose employers that provide good communication and support.

21. Who should normally be the family's main source of information if a seafarer is held hostage?

  • A. Other seafarers' families only
  • B. The pirates
  • C. The company's designated family liaison person or crisis team
  • D. Social media posts
Answer: C — The company's designated family liaison person or crisis team
Good practice is for the company to appoint a family liaison who provides regular, accurate updates and support. This reduces reliance on rumours and protects the sensitive negotiation process.

22. Which organisation's guidance and programmes support seafarers and families affected by piracy?

  • A. The World Meteorological Organization
  • B. The Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Programme (MPHRP), now part of ISWAN
  • C. The International Hydrographic Organization
  • D. The International Civil Aviation Organization
Answer: B — The Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Programme (MPHRP), now part of ISWAN
MPHRP developed good-practice guides for companies and manning agents on the humanitarian support of seafarers and families affected by piracy, and its work continues under the International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network.

23. Why should a seafarer avoid sharing details of the ship's route and security arrangements with family on social media?

  • A. They are security-sensitive and could be used by criminals to plan an attack
  • B. Families are not interested
  • C. It is the master's private information only
  • D. Social media is never read
Answer: A — They are security-sensitive and could be used by criminals to plan an attack
Voyage plans, transit timings and security measures are security-sensitive information. Posting them publicly, even innocently, could help criminals; seafarers should share general reassurance rather than operational details.

24. A seafarer's family receives a rumour that his ship has been hijacked. The best advice is to:

  • A. Tell the media
  • B. Ignore it entirely
  • C. Immediately contact the pirates
  • D. Contact the company or manning agent for verified information before reacting
Answer: D — Contact the company or manning agent for verified information before reacting
Rumours spread quickly in piracy incidents. Families should seek verified information from the company, which will be in contact with authorities and can confirm the facts and provide support.

25. Why should a seafarer understand the company's financial security arrangements for repatriation and abandonment under the MLC?

  • A. To avoid joining the ship
  • B. So the family knows the seafarer's rights to wages and repatriation are protected
  • C. It is required by the ISPS Code
  • D. To negotiate the ransom
Answer: B — So the family knows the seafarer's rights to wages and repatriation are protected
MLC Regulation 2.5 and Standard A2.5.2 require financial security for repatriation and abandonment, and the 2022 amendments protect wages during captivity. Knowing these rights reassures families about income and return.

26. Which statement about family members of a released hostage is correct?

  • A. They never need help
  • B. They should avoid contact for a year
  • C. They may also need support, as the seafarer's return can bring readjustment problems
  • D. They should ask the seafarer to rejoin immediately
Answer: C — They may also need support, as the seafarer's return can bring readjustment problems
Families experience their own stress during captivity, and on return they may face changes in the seafarer's behaviour due to trauma. Support for families as well as seafarers is part of good post-release practice.

27. Before sailing in a high-risk area, a seafarer can reduce family anxiety by:

  • A. Promising that nothing can happen
  • B. Giving family the ship's SSP
  • C. Explaining the company's support arrangements and how the family will be kept informed
  • D. Refusing to talk about work
Answer: C — Explaining the company's support arrangements and how the family will be kept informed
Realistic reassurance about protection measures, insurance and how the company would communicate in an incident helps families cope. Unrealistic promises or sharing confidential plans are not appropriate.

28. A seafarer's specific responsibility towards his family regarding piracy risks includes:

  • A. Keeping the family unaware of his employer
  • B. Instructing them to negotiate if needed
  • C. Arranging ransom funds in advance
  • D. Ensuring they have accurate contact information for the company and correct information about the risks
Answer: D — Ensuring they have accurate contact information for the company and correct information about the risks
The syllabus stresses the seafarer's responsibility to make sure correct information passes to the family: who to contact, what support exists and a realistic picture of risks, so that they are not misled in a crisis.

29. Why do pirates sometimes allow hostages to speak to their families during captivity?

  • A. Because it is required by international law
  • B. To reassure the shipowner
  • C. To create emotional pressure on families and owners to pay the ransom quickly
  • D. To help naval forces locate the ship
Answer: C — To create emotional pressure on families and owners to pay the ransom quickly
Calls from distressed hostages are a pressure tactic. Families should understand this, avoid committing to anything, and pass details to the company's response team, which handles negotiation.

30. Which statement about the employer's role towards families during a hostage incident is good practice?

  • A. Ask families to pay part of the ransom
  • B. Provide regular updates, a named contact person, and practical and financial support
  • C. Avoid contacting families until the crew are released
  • D. Refer all family enquiries to the media
Answer: B — Provide regular updates, a named contact person, and practical and financial support
Good-practice guidance asks companies to maintain regular contact with families through a named liaison, give accurate updates and arrange practical, financial and psychological support throughout the incident and after release.

31. When considering employment, which indicator suggests a shipowner is less reputable in relation to piracy risk?

  • A. Compliance with BMP and flag State guidance
  • B. Regular piracy drills on board
  • C. A documented family liaison procedure
  • D. No clear crisis plan, insurance or support arrangements for crew and families
Answer: D — No clear crisis plan, insurance or support arrangements for crew and families
Owners without crisis plans, insurance or family support arrangements may leave crews and families without help in an incident. The syllabus asks seafarers to weigh the advantages of employment with reputed owners and managers.

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