Overview of the IMO’s High-Speed Craft (HSC) Code

The High-Speed Craft (HSC) Code is an international safety code developed by the
International Maritime Organization (IMO) to regulate the design, construction, equipment,
and operation of high-speed vessels.

It applies to high-speed passenger and cargo craft engaged on international voyages and is
made mandatory under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

There are two main editions:

 1994 HSC Code – For craft constructed before 1 July 2002

 2000 HSC Code – For craft constructed on or after 1 July 2002

📘 1️⃣ Aim / Objective of the HSC Code

The Code aims to:

 Ensure safety of passengers and crew

 Address risks unique to high-speed vessels
 Provide safety standards equivalent to SOLAS
 Allow innovative craft designs (hydrofoils, catamarans, SES, etc.)
 Introduce risk-based safety concepts

Because high-speed craft operate differently from conventional ships (lighter structure,
higher speeds, limited voyage time), traditional ship rules are not fully suitable — hence a
dedicated Code.

📚 2️⃣ Content of the HSC Code (Main

Requirements)
The Code covers both technical and operational safety aspects.

🔹 A. Design & Construction

 Structural strength
 Materials (often aluminum/composite)
 Stability in intact & damaged conditions
 Buoyancy requirements
 Load line considerations

🔹 B. Subdivision & Stability

  Damage stability criteria
 Flooding survivability
 Probabilistic approach (2000 Code)

🔹 C. Machinery & Electrical Installations

 Main and auxiliary propulsion

 Redundancy requirements
 Steering systems
 Power supply & emergency power

🔹 D. Fire Safety

 Fire protection zones

 Fixed fire-extinguishing systems
 Fire detection & alarm systems
 Evacuation analysis (especially in 2000 Code)

🔹 E. Life-Saving Appliances (LSA)

 Liferafts (instead of lifeboats in many cases)

 Marine evacuation systems
 Lifejackets for all persons onboard
 Rapid abandonment requirements

🔹 F. Navigation & Communication

 Radar, GPS, AIS

 GMDSS compliance
 Bridge visibility standards
 Operational limitations

🔹 G. Operational Requirements

 Craft Operating Manual

 Route operational limitations
 Weather restrictions
 Minimum manning
 Training & drills

🔹 H. Surveys & Certification

 Initial, annual, periodical surveys

 Issuance of:
o High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate
o Permit to Operate High-Speed Craft
🏗 3️⃣ Layout / Structure of the HSC Code
(Chapter-wise Arrangement)
Below is the typical structure (based on the 2000 HSC Code):

Chapter 1 – General Provisions

Definitions, application, certification, exemptions.

Chapter 2 – Buoyancy, Stability & Subdivision

Chapter 3 – Structures

Chapter 4 – Accommodation & Escape Measures

Chapter 5 – Directional Control Systems

Chapter 6 – Anchoring, Towing & Mooring

Chapter 7 – Fire Safety

Chapter 8 – Life-Saving Appliances & Arrangements

Chapter 9 – Machinery

Chapter 10 – Auxiliary Systems

Chapter 11 – Remote Control, Alarm & Safety Systems

Chapter 12 – Electrical Installations

Chapter 13 – Navigational Equipment

Chapter 14 – Radiocommunications

Chapter 15 – Operational Requirements

Chapter 16 – Maintenance

Annexes

 Stability calculations
 Evacuation analysis guidance
 Operational guidance
 Test procedures
⚡ Key Features Unique to HSC Code
✔ Risk-based safety philosophy
✔ Route-specific certification
✔ Rapid evacuation requirements (typically within 30 minutes)
✔ Emphasis on lightweight construction
✔ Reliance on redundancy rather than heavy subdivision
✔ Weather-restricted operation

🚤 Types of Craft Covered

 Passenger catamarans
 Hydrofoils
 Surface Effect Ships (SES)
 Air cushion vehicles (hovercraft)
 High-speed cargo craft

📌 Important Operational Concept

Unlike conventional ships:

 HSC are certified for specific routes

 They operate close to shore
 Voyage duration is usually short
 Rescue assistance must be readily available

📝 Summary (In Short)

The IMO HSC Code is a specialized SOLAS-based safety code regulating high-speed
passenger and cargo vessels. It provides detailed requirements on:

 Design
 Stability
 Fire safety
 Life-saving equipment
 Machinery
 Navigation
 Operation & certification
It allows innovative vessel design while maintaining an equivalent level of safety to
conventional ships.

If you would like, I can also provide:

 ✅ Differences between 1994 & 2000 HSC Code

 ✅ Comparison between HSC Code & conventional SOLAS ships
 ✅ Exam-oriented notes (for oral/written exams)
 ✅ Flowchart / mind-map version for quick revision

1️⃣ Difference Between 1994 & 2000 HSC

Code
Both codes were adopted by the International Maritime Organization under the International
Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

Aspect 1994 HSC Code 2000 HSC Code

Application Craft built before 1 July 2002 Craft built on/after 1 July 2002
Safety Philosophy Deterministic approach More risk-based & probabilistic
Basic deterministic damage
Damage Stability Enhanced probabilistic damage stability
cases
Evacuation General escape requirements Formal evacuation analysis required
Fire Safety Standard fire protection Improved fire insulation & systems
Redundancy Basic redundancy Increased system redundancy
More detailed operational & maintenance
Documentation Operating manual required
control

🔎 Key Improvement in 2000 Code

 Stronger emphasis on:

o Risk assessment
o System reliability
o Human factors
o Structured evacuation analysis
o Enhanced fire safety

👉 In exams: “2000 Code is more advanced, risk-based, and technically detailed.”

2️⃣ HSC Code vs Conventional SOLAS
Ships
> 3.7 ∇^0.166 knots
Feature HSC Code Conventional SOLAS Ship
Speed Normal displacement speed
Construction Lightweight (aluminium/composite) Heavy steel structure
Limited but compensated by
Subdivision Heavy watertight subdivision
redundancy
Lifesaving Liferafts + MES Lifeboats mandatory
Voyage Type Short, near coastal Ocean-going
Certification Route-specific General worldwide trading
Muster & lifeboat launching time
Evacuation Rapid (within ~30 min)
allowed
Stability Risk-based Traditional SOLAS deterministic

👉 Important oral point:

HSC relies on prevention & redundancy rather than survival after major flooding.

3️⃣ Oral Exam Notes (Ready-to-Speak

Version)
If examiner asks: “What is HSC Code?”

You may answer:

The High-Speed Craft Code is a mandatory safety code developed by the International
Maritime Organization under SOLAS. It applies to high-speed passenger and cargo craft
operating on international voyages. Since such vessels operate at very high speeds and have
lightweight construction, conventional SOLAS requirements are not fully suitable. Therefore,
the HSC Code provides equivalent safety standards covering design, stability, fire protection,
lifesaving appliances, machinery, navigation, and operational requirements. Certification is
route-specific and includes a Permit to Operate.

If asked: “Why separate code required?”

Answer:

 High speed increases collision & grounding risk

 Lightweight structure reduces crash tolerance
 Short voyages → evacuation philosophy different
 Less subdivision possible
  Weather restrictions required

If asked: “What certificates are issued?”

 High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate

 Permit to Operate High-Speed Craft

4️⃣ Quick Revision Mind-Map (Memory

Format)
HSC CODE

➡ Objective
• Equivalent safety to SOLAS
• Safe operation at high speed

➡ Applies To
• Passenger HSC
• Cargo HSC

➡ Covers
• Structure
• Stability
• Machinery
• Fire safety
• LSA
• Navigation
• Radio
• Operation

➡ Special Features
• Route-based
• Weather limits
• Rapid evacuation
• Redundancy

➡ Editions
• 1994
• 2000
5️⃣ Very Short 5-Mark Written Answer
Version
The High-Speed Craft Code is a mandatory IMO code under SOLAS applicable to high-
speed passenger and cargo vessels. It provides safety standards for design, construction,
stability, fire protection, life-saving appliances, machinery, navigation, and operational
control. Since high-speed craft operate with lightweight construction and limited subdivision,
the Code ensures safety through redundancy, route restriction, and rapid evacuation
requirements. The main editions are 1994 and 2000.

If you want, I can now give:

 🔥 10-mark descriptive answer

 📖 Chapter-wise detailed explanation
 ⚓ Stability requirements explained numerically

📊 Speed formula explanation (3.7 ∇^0.166) with example

 📝 20 viva questions with answers


Tell me your exam level (MEO, Chief Mate, Naval Architect, etc.) and I’ll tailor it exactly to
that.

🔟 1️⃣ 10-Mark Descriptive Answer (Ready

for Written Exam)
The High-Speed Craft (HSC) Code is a mandatory safety code adopted by the IMO under
SOLAS for high-speed passenger and cargo craft engaged on international voyages.
Conventional SOLAS requirements are not fully suitable for such craft due to their
lightweight construction, limited subdivision, and high operational speeds.

The Code ensures an equivalent level of safety through special requirements covering:

 Design and construction

 Buoyancy, subdivision and stability
 Fire safety and fire protection systems
 Life-saving appliances and marine evacuation systems
 Machinery and electrical installations
 Navigation and communication equipment
 Operational requirements and route restrictions

High-speed craft are certified for specific routes and weather limitations. Safety is achieved
through redundancy of essential systems and rapid evacuation capability. Two main editions
exist: 1994 and 2000, with the 2000 Code being more risk-based and detailed.
🎓 2️⃣ 20 Important Viva Questions with
Model Answers
1. What is a High-Speed Craft?

A craft capable of maximum speed equal to or exceeding:

3.7×∇0.16673.7 \times \nabla^{0.1667}3.7×∇0.1667

Where ∇ = displacement volume (m³).

2. Why separate code required?

Because:

 Lightweight structure
 Reduced subdivision
 High kinetic energy
 Different evacuation philosophy
 Route-based operation

3. What are the main certificates?

 High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate

 Permit to Operate High-Speed Craft

4. What is special about evacuation?

Evacuation must normally be completed within about 30 minutes.

5. Are lifeboats required?

Generally liferafts + Marine Evacuation Systems (MES) are used instead of conventional
lifeboats.

6. What type of stability is used?

  Intact stability
 Damage stability (probabilistic in 2000 Code)

7. What is route restriction?

Craft is certified only for:

 Specific sea areas

 Specific weather limits
 Maximum wave height

8. What is redundancy?

Duplication of essential systems like:

 Steering
 Propulsion
 Power supply

9. What materials are commonly used?

 Aluminium alloys
 Composite materials

10. Difference between passenger & cargo HSC?

Passenger craft have stricter evacuation & fire safety requirements.

3️⃣ Speed Formula Explained (Important

Oral Topic)
Formula:

V≥3.7∇0.1667V ≥ 3.7 \nabla^{0.1667}V≥3.7∇0.1667

Where:

∇ = displacement volume (m³)

 V = maximum speed (knots)

Meaning:

It defines whether a vessel qualifies as “high-speed” under the Code.

Example:

If displacement = 1000 m³

10000.1667≈3.981000^{0.1667} ≈ 3.9810000.1667≈3.98 3.7×3.98≈14.7knots3.7 × 3.98 ≈

14.7 knots3.7×3.98≈14.7knots

So vessel must exceed ~15 knots to qualify.

⚓ 4️⃣ Stability Requirements (Chief Mate

Level)
Intact Stability:

 Adequate GM
 Safe turning stability
 Wind heeling criteria

Damage Stability:

 Limited flooding allowed

 Residual stability after damage
 Survival in defined sea state

2000 Code:

 Probabilistic method
 Improved survivability index

🔥 5️⃣ Fire Safety Concept in HSC

Because aluminium loses strength quickly at high temperature:

 Enhanced fire insulation

 Fixed fire suppression systems
 Fire zones
 Quick detection systems
🛠 6️⃣ Operational Requirements
 Craft Operating Manual mandatory
 Master responsible for:
o Weather monitoring
o Route compliance
o Passenger briefing
 Drills and training required
 Maintenance per approved plan

🧠 7️⃣ How Examiner May Twist Question

❓ “What happens if propulsion fails?”

Answer:
Due to high speed and limited subdivision, redundancy ensures safe return to port. Craft must
maintain control and safe navigation even after single failure.

📌 8️⃣ One-Line Summary for Quick Recall

HSC Code ensures equivalent safety to SOLAS for lightweight, high-speed vessels through
redundancy, route restriction, and rapid evacuation philosophy.

Here are 50 MCQs on the IMO High-Speed Craft (HSC) Code for AECS (DG Shipping)
online exit exam preparation.
(Code developed by the International Maritime Organization under the International
Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).)
🚢 HIGH-SPEED CRAFT (HSC) CODE –
50 MCQs

1. The HSC Code is mandatory under:

A) MARPOL
B) SOLAS
C) STCW
D) Load Line Convention

Answer: B

2. The HSC Code was adopted by:

A) ILO
B) IMO
C) ICS
D) DG Shipping

Answer: B

3. The 2000 HSC Code applies to craft constructed on or after:

A) 1 Jan 2000
B) 1 July 2002
C) 1 July 1998
D) 1 Jan 2005

Answer: B

4. The speed formula for defining HSC is:

A) 3.7 ∇^0.1667
B) 2.5 ∇^0.5
C) 4.2 ∇^0.25
D) 1.8 ∇^0.333

Answer: A
5. ∇ in the speed formula represents:

A) Deadweight
B) Gross tonnage
C) Displacement volume
D) Draft

Answer: C

6. HSC are generally:

A) Deep sea vessels

B) River crafts only
C) Short voyage crafts
D) Fishing vessels

Answer: C

7. HSC Safety Certificate is issued after:

A) Load line survey

B) Cargo survey
C) Initial survey
D) ISM audit only

Answer: C

8. In addition to Safety Certificate, HSC must carry:

A) CSR
B) Permit to Operate
C) DOC
D) MLC

Answer: B

9. Passenger evacuation time under HSC is approximately:

A) 24 hours
B) 12 hours
C) 30 minutes
D) 2 hours

Answer: C

10. HSC usually carry:

A) Lifeboats only
B) Liferafts & MES
C) No LSA
D) Rescue boats only

Answer: B

11. The 2000 Code introduced:

A) Oil tanker rules

B) Probabilistic damage stability
C) Polar navigation
D) Ballast water rules

Answer: B

12. Route restriction means:

A) Worldwide trading
B) No weather limit
C) Specific sea area & weather limits
D) Coastal state decides speed

Answer: C

13. Lightweight material commonly used:

A) Cast iron
B) Steel only
C) Aluminium alloy
D) Timber
Answer: C

14. Fire protection is critical because:

A) Steel melts easily

B) Aluminium loses strength rapidly
C) No fire risk exists
D) HSC operate cold

Answer: B

15. Essential systems must have:

A) Backup fuel only

B) Redundancy
C) Larger anchors
D) Extra crew

Answer: B

16. Damage stability in 2000 Code is:

A) Deterministic only
B) Probabilistic
C) Optional
D) Not required

Answer: B

17. Craft Operating Manual is:

A) Optional
B) Required
C) For cargo ships only
D) Issued by crew

Answer: B

18. Maximum wave height allowed is:

A) Unlimited
B) Defined in Permit to Operate
C) Decided by Master only
D) Not specified

Answer: B

19. Steering failure protection requires:

A) Single system
B) No requirement
C) Redundant control
D) Manual steering only

Answer: C

20. Electrical power must include:

A) Only main generator

B) Emergency source
C) Shore supply only
D) Batteries only

Answer: B

21. HSC operate generally:

A) Mid-ocean
B) Polar waters
C) Near coast
D) Fishing zones

Answer: C

22. Fire detection systems must be:

A) Manual only
B) Automatic
C) Portable only
D) Not required
Answer: B

23. HSC Code Chapters include:

A) Fishing gear rules

B) Nuclear propulsion
C) Buoyancy & Stability
D) Canal navigation

Answer: C

24. Weather limitation is primarily due to:

A) Passenger comfort only

B) High speed & structural limits
C) Fuel saving
D) Port regulations

Answer: B

25. Subdivision in HSC is:

A) Extensive like tankers

B) Limited compared to conventional ships
C) Not required
D) Optional

Answer: B

26. Main philosophy of HSC safety:

A) Survive major flooding

B) Prevent accidents & ensure rapid evacuation
C) Heavy subdivision
D) Ice strengthening

Answer: B

27. Surveys include:

A) Initial, annual, periodical
B) Cargo only
C) ISPS only
D) None

Answer: A

28. Radiocommunication must comply with:

A) ISPS
B) MARPOL
C) GMDSS
D) ILO

Answer: C

29. HSC Code is equivalent safety to:

A) MARPOL
B) SOLAS
C) STCW
D) COLREG

Answer: B

30. Evacuation analysis is mandatory in:

A) 1994 Code
B) 2000 Code
C) MARPOL
D) STCW

Answer: B

31. The Master must ensure compliance with:

A) Route limitations
B) Fishing limits
C) Load line zones only
D) Charter party
Answer: A

32. Stability after damage must ensure:

A) Immediate sinking
B) Residual stability
C) Zero GM
D) Dry deck

Answer: B

33. Emergency power must supply:

A) Propulsion only
B) Navigation & safety systems
C) Accommodation only
D) Cargo pumps

Answer: B

34. The Code allows innovative designs like:

A) Oil rigs
B) Hydrofoils
C) Bulk carriers
D) LNG terminals

Answer: B

35. Permit to Operate is issued by:

A) Crew
B) Flag Administration
C) Port Authority only
D) Owner

Answer: B

36. Passenger HSC require stricter:

A) Fuel control
B) Fire & evacuation measures
C) Paint coating
D) Anchors

Answer: B

37. Anchoring requirements are covered in:

A) Chapter on Machinery
B) Chapter on Mooring & Anchoring
C) Fire chapter
D) Radio chapter

Answer: B

38. HSC Code emphasizes:

A) Heavy steel hull

B) Risk-based design
C) Slow steaming
D) Long ocean voyages

Answer: B

39. Marine Evacuation System is:

A) Cargo loading gear

B) Rapid evacuation arrangement
C) Fire pump
D) Steering system

Answer: B

40. Intact stability must consider:

A) Wind heeling
B) Fishing nets
C) Ice load
D) Ballast exchange
Answer: A

41. HSC may include:

A) Surface Effect Ships

B) Oil tankers
C) Bulk carriers
D) Dredgers

Answer: A

42. Safety level must be:

A) Lower than SOLAS

B) Equivalent to SOLAS
C) Optional
D) As per owner

Answer: B

43. Remote control systems must have:

A) Alarm & monitoring

B) No alarm
C) Manual override prohibited
D) No redundancy

Answer: A

44. Maintenance must follow:

A) Owner preference
B) Approved plan
C) Port rule
D) Charterer rule

Answer: B

45. Weather monitoring is responsibility of:

A) Cook
B) Master
C) Surveyor
D) Agent

Answer: B

46. Structural strength must consider:

A) High impact loads

B) Fishing loads
C) Canal loads
D) Cargo gear only

Answer: A

47. HSC Code does NOT apply to:

A) International voyages
B) Domestic crafts only
C) Passenger HSC
D) Cargo HSC

Answer: B

48. The 1994 Code mainly used:

A) Probabilistic method
B) Deterministic method
C) No stability rules
D) Ice rules

Answer: B

49. Failure of one system should:

A) Cause total blackout

B) Be compensated by redundancy
C) Stop voyage immediately
D) Sink vessel
Answer: B

50. Core safety philosophy of HSC:

A) Heavy subdivision
B) Redundancy + route limitation + rapid evacuation
C) Unlimited sea operation
D) Cargo priority

Answer: B

Here is a DG Shipping AECS-style MOCK TEST (Advanced Level) on the IMO High-
Speed Craft (HSC) Code under the International Maritime Organization framework of the
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

This set contains:

 🔥 Calculation-based MCQs
 🎯 Tricky conceptual questions
 ⚙️Engineering-focused questions (useful for MEO/Chief Mate)
 🧠 Examiner trap-type questions

🚢 DG SHIPPING AECS – MOCK TEST

(ADVANCED)
Total Questions: 50

Difficulty: Moderate to High

🔢 PART A – NUMERICAL & SPEED FORMULA (1–8)

1. A craft has displacement volume of 800 m³. The minimum speed to qualify
as HSC is approximately:
A) 12 knots
B) 14 knots
C) 16 knots
D) 18 knots

(Use: V = 3.7 ∇^0.1667)

Answer: B
(800^0.1667 ≈ 3.7 → 3.7 × 3.7 ≈ 13.7 knots)

2. If a vessel’s maximum speed is below 3.7 ∇^0.1667, it:

A) Automatically becomes cargo ship

B) Cannot be classified as HSC
C) Must comply with MARPOL only
D) Is exempt from SOLAS

Answer: B

3. Increasing displacement while keeping speed constant will:

A) Increase HSC eligibility

B) Reduce eligibility as HSC
C) Have no effect
D) Increase GM

Answer: B

4. The exponent 0.1667 in formula approximately equals:

A) 1/3
B) 1/2
C) 1/6
D) 1/8

Answer: C

5. The formula primarily accounts for:

A) Propeller diameter
B) Hull length
C) Hydrodynamic scaling
D) Cargo density

Answer: C

6. If displacement doubles, required qualifying speed:

A) Doubles
B) Increases slightly
C) Decreases
D) Remains same

Answer: B

7. Speed criteria ensures:

A) Fuel efficiency
B) Structural load calculation
C) True high-speed operational risk
D) Ballast compliance

Answer: C

8. A vessel meeting speed criteria but operating domestically:

A) Must comply with HSC Code

B) May be exempt under national rules
C) Is illegal
D) Must follow MARPOL Annex I only

Answer: B

⚙️PART B – DAMAGE STABILITY & STRUCTURE

(9–18)

9. The 2000 Code uses which damage approach?

A) Deterministic only
B) Probabilistic survivability index
C) No flooding allowed
D) Load line method

Answer: B

10. Limited subdivision in HSC is compensated by:

A) Heavy hull
B) Increased freeboard
C) System redundancy
D) Slow speed

Answer: C

11. Aluminium structure under fire:

A) Gains strength
B) No change
C) Rapidly loses strength
D) Becomes waterproof

Answer: C

12. Residual stability means:

A) Stability before damage

B) Stability after damage
C) Zero GM
D) Negative GZ

Answer: B

13. Turning at high speed mainly affects:

A) Draft
B) Dynamic stability
C) Cargo density
D) Anchoring force
Answer: B

14. Structural design must consider:

A) Slamming loads
B) Fishing nets
C) Dock lines only
D) Paint thickness

Answer: A

15. If one propulsion unit fails, craft must:

A) Drift
B) Maintain safe control
C) Anchor immediately
D) Declare distress

Answer: B

16. Damage stability criteria ensure:

A) Survival in defined sea state

B) Unlimited flooding
C) Cargo safety only
D) Fuel economy

Answer: A

17. Increased free surface effect:

A) Improves stability
B) Reduces GM
C) Has no effect
D) Increases displacement

Answer: B

18. HSC safety philosophy is closer to:

A) Prevention-based approach
B) Post-sinking survival
C) Deep-sea tankers
D) Ice breakers

Answer: A

🔥 PART C – FIRE SAFETY (19–26)

19. Fire insulation is critical due to:

A) Passenger comfort
B) Aluminium structural weakness
C) Fuel consumption
D) Weather limits

Answer: B

20. Fixed fire-extinguishing systems are required in:

A) Accommodation only
B) Machinery spaces
C) Galley only
D) Bridge only

Answer: B

21. Fire detection must be:

A) Manual
B) Automatic
C) Portable
D) Optional

Answer: B

22. Evacuation analysis became mandatory in:

A) 1994 Code
B) 2000 Code
C) MARPOL
D) ISM Code

Answer: B

23. Rapid fire growth risk is higher due to:

A) Lightweight materials
B) Steel bulkheads
C) Concrete decks
D) Low speed

Answer: A

24. Fire zones are designed to:

A) Increase cargo space

B) Limit fire spread
C) Reduce GM
D) Improve speed

Answer: B

25. Evacuation time target is approx:

A) 2 hours
B) 1 hour
C) 30 minutes
D) 6 hours

Answer: C

26. Passenger HSC have stricter:

A) Anchoring rules
B) Fire & escape standards
C) Fuel rules
D) Hull coating rules
Answer: B

📡 PART D – OPERATIONAL & CERTIFICATION (27–

40)

27. Permit to Operate is route-specific and issued by:

A) Owner
B) Flag Administration
C) Master
D) Port agent

Answer: B

28. Weather limitations are included in:

A) Load line certificate

B) Permit to Operate
C) MARPOL annex
D) ISPS certificate

Answer: B

29. Emergency power must supply:

A) Propulsion only
B) Essential safety services
C) Galley
D) HVAC only

Answer: B

30. Craft Operating Manual includes:

A) Fishing plans
B) Route limitations
C) Cargo manifest
D) Crew salary
Answer: B

31. HSC Code primarily applies to:

A) Domestic voyages
B) International voyages
C) Fishing boats
D) Warships

Answer: B

32. Redundancy reduces risk of:

A) Speed increase
B) Total system failure
C) Weather change
D) Cargo shift

Answer: B

33. GMDSS compliance is required under:

A) MARPOL
B) SOLAS
C) STCW
D) MLC

Answer: B

34. Surveys required include:

A) Initial
B) Annual
C) Periodical
D) All of the above

Answer: D

35. Master must ensure:

A) Weather within limits
B) Maximum speed always
C) Zero ballast
D) Unlimited operation

Answer: A

36. Navigation equipment includes:

A) Radar
B) AIS
C) GPS
D) All of the above

Answer: D

37. Maintenance must follow:

A) Approved maintenance plan

B) Owner preference
C) Port rules
D) Charter party

Answer: A

38. Remote alarm systems must:

A) Be silent
B) Provide monitoring & alarms
C) Be manual only
D) Be optional

Answer: B

39. Cargo HSC differ mainly in:

A) Speed
B) Passenger evacuation standards
C) Hull shape
D) Weather rules
Answer: B

40. Equivalent level of safety means:

A) Lower than SOLAS

B) Same as conventional ships under SOLAS
C) Optional compliance
D) Higher speed only

Answer: B

🎯 PART E – TRICKY EXAMINER QUESTIONS (41–50)

41. HSC without Permit to Operate may:

A) Sail internationally
B) Sail domestically only
C) Not operate
D) Operate in emergency

Answer: C

42. Most critical risk in HSC grounding is due to:

A) High kinetic energy

B) Paint damage
C) Cargo shift
D) Ballast loss

Answer: A

43. If evacuation exceeds prescribed time:

A) Craft complies
B) Craft fails requirement
C) No issue
D) Only crew affected

Answer: B
44. Increase in speed increases:

A) Kinetic energy exponentially

B) Draft
C) Freeboard
D) GM

Answer: A

45. Stability assessment includes:

A) Wind heeling
B) Turning effect
C) Passenger crowding
D) All of the above

Answer: D

46. Essential auxiliary systems include:

A) Steering
B) Fuel supply
C) Cooling
D) All of the above

Answer: D

47. 1994 Code mainly used:

A) Probabilistic
B) Deterministic
C) Hybrid
D) No stability

Answer: B

48. Marine Evacuation System enables:

A) Cargo transfer
B) Rapid passenger evacuation
C) Firefighting
D) Anchoring

Answer: B

49. Operational limitations reduce:

A) Fuel consumption
B) Structural stress & risk
C) Passenger count
D) Crew size

Answer: B

50. Core HSC concept combines:

A) Heavy subdivision
B) Route limitation + Redundancy + Rapid evacuation
C) Unlimited operation
D) Slow steaming

Answer: B

ULTRA-TRICKY DG Shipping AECS Mock Test

(Examiner-trap style questions on IMO HSC Code)

Framework: Developed by the International Maritime Organization under the International

Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

🚢 DG SHIPPING – ULTRA TRICKY

MOCK (25 MCQs)
⚠️These test concepts, not memory.

1.
A craft satisfies the speed formula but operates internationally without route limitation
approval. It:

A) Fully complies
B) Violates operational requirement
C) Needs only Load Line
D) Needs MARPOL approval

Answer: B

2.
If displacement increases by 8 times, qualifying speed increases by approximately:

A) 8 times
B) 4 times
C) 2 times
D) Slightly above 1.3 times

Answer: C
(Because exponent ≈ 1/6 → 8^(1/6) ≈ 2)

3.
The greatest structural risk during high-speed operation is due to:

A) Static loading
B) Hydrostatic pressure
C) Slamming & dynamic loads
D) Anchor tension

Answer: C

4.
If one steering system fails and no redundancy exists, the craft:

A) Still complies
B) Fails HSC essential system requirement
C) Can operate at half speed legally
D) Needs class approval only
Answer: B

5.
Why is subdivision less extensive in HSC?

A) To reduce cost
B) To reduce weight
C) To increase cargo
D) To improve GM

Answer: B

6.
The philosophy of HSC damage stability is primarily:

A) Survive unlimited flooding

B) Avoid damage + controlled survivability
C) Deep ocean survival
D) Ice damage survival

Answer: B

7.
Aluminium superstructure under fire mainly loses:

A) Density
B) Elastic modulus rapidly
C) Paint
D) Buoyancy

Answer: B

8.
If evacuation analysis shows 45 minutes required, the craft:
A) Complies
B) Requires operational restriction only
C) Fails requirement
D) Needs more lifebuoys

Answer: C

9.
Free surface effect is more critical in HSC because:

A) Small GM margins
B) Larger cargo tanks
C) Deep draft
D) Steel hull

Answer: A

10.
Emergency power failure affecting navigation equipment would violate:

A) MARPOL Annex V
B) HSC essential safety services requirement
C) Load line
D) STCW

Answer: B

11.
The Permit to Operate mainly controls:

A) Engine power
B) Crew wages
C) Environmental limits & route
D) Fuel sulphur

Answer: C
12.
Increased speed increases kinetic energy proportional to:

A) V
B) V²
C) √V
D) Constant

Answer: B

13.
The 2000 HSC Code improved safety mainly by introducing:

A) Heavy steel hull requirement

B) Probabilistic stability & evacuation modeling
C) Slower speed limits
D) Mandatory lifeboats

Answer: B

14.
If weather exceeds permitted wave height:

A) Master may proceed at discretion

B) Craft must not operate
C) Speed may increase
D) No issue

Answer: B

15.
Dynamic stability during turning is affected by:

A) Centrifugal force
B) Anchor drag
C) Cargo lashings
D) Fuel density
Answer: A

16.
Redundancy reduces probability of:

A) Speed loss
B) Total mission failure
C) Cargo shift
D) Passenger count

Answer: B

17.
If a vessel meets SOLAS but not HSC Code, it:

A) Can still operate as HSC

B) Must comply with conventional SOLAS passenger ship rules
C) Needs no certification
D) Only requires class certificate

Answer: B

18.
Most critical evacuation design factor is:

A) Number of toilets
B) Escape route width & congestion analysis
C) Cargo hatch size
D) Paint color

Answer: B

19.
Why are lifeboats often replaced by MES?
A) To save fuel
B) Rapid mass evacuation need
C) Cheaper
D) Class requirement

Answer: B

20.
Structural fire protection in aluminium vessels aims to:

A) Improve speed
B) Delay temperature rise in load-bearing members
C) Reduce noise
D) Increase draft

Answer: B

21.
If propulsion redundancy fails during voyage:

A) Continue at full speed

B) Abort voyage as per operating manual
C) Ignore
D) Increase RPM

Answer: B

22.
Wind heeling moment must be considered under:

A) Intact stability
B) MARPOL
C) ISPS
D) Tonnage convention

Answer: A
23.
The core safety comparison of HSC vs conventional ships is:

A) More subdivision
B) Prevention-based vs survival-based
C) Slower speed
D) Larger crew

Answer: B

24.
Which is NOT a major HSC concern?

A) Slamming
B) Rapid evacuation
C) Ice accretion (normally)
D) Redundancy

Answer: C

25.
The ultimate objective of the HSC Code is to:

A) Increase commercial speed

B) Provide safety equivalent to SOLAS at high speeds
C) Reduce fuel use
D) Increase passenger capacity

Answer: B

Framework: Adopted by the International Maritime Organization under the International

Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).
✅ INSTRUCTIONS
• Each question has ONE correct answer
• Difficulty: Mixed (Easy + Moderate + Tricky)
• Covers: Stability, Structure, Fire, LSA, Machinery, Operations, Certification, Numericals

PART A – FUNDAMENTALS (1–20)

1. HSC Code is mandatory under:
A) MARPOL
B) SOLAS
C) STCW
D) Load Line
Ans: B
2. 2000 HSC Code applies to vessels built after:
A) 1998
B) 2000
C) 1 July 2002
D) 2005
Ans: C

A) 3.7 ∇^0.1667
3. Speed formula is:

B) 4.5 ∇^0.2
C) 2.0 ∇^0.5
D) 1.8 ∇

4. ∇ represents:
Ans: A

A) Deadweight
B) Draft
C) Displacement volume
D) Tonnage
Ans: C
5. HSC primarily operate:
A) Ocean crossing
B) Coastal/short routes
C) Polar
D) Rivers only
Ans: B
6. Evacuation time requirement approx:
A) 1 hour
B) 2 hours
C) 30 minutes
D) 4 hours
Ans: C
7. Subdivision in HSC is generally:
A) Extensive
 B) Moderate
C) Limited
D) Not required
Ans: C
8. Limited subdivision is compensated by:
A) Ballast
B) Redundancy
C) Freeboard
D) Speed reduction
Ans: B
9. Permit to Operate is issued by:
A) Owner
B) Flag Administration
C) Port State
D) Master
Ans: B
10. Weather limitations are stated in:
A) CSR
B) Safety Certificate
C) Permit to Operate
D) Load Line
Ans: C
11. 1994 Code mainly used:
A) Probabilistic approach
B) Deterministic approach
C) Hybrid
D) No stability
Ans: B
12. 2000 Code introduced:
A) Ice rules
B) Probabilistic damage stability
C) Oil tanker rules
D) Fishing code
Ans: B
13. Aluminium under fire:
A) Gains strength
B) No effect
C) Loses strength quickly
D) Becomes rigid
Ans: C
14. HSC safety philosophy is:
A) Post-damage survival
B) Prevention + rapid evacuation
C) Heavy steel design
D) Deep-sea endurance
Ans: B
15. Marine Evacuation System is used for:
A) Cargo
B) Firefighting
C) Rapid passenger evacuation
 D) Anchoring
Ans: C
16. GMDSS compliance is required under:
A) MARPOL
B) SOLAS
C) STCW
D) ILO
Ans: B
17. Emergency power must supply:
A) Propulsion
B) Essential safety systems
C) Galley
D) HVAC
Ans: B
18. Intact stability must consider:
A) Wind heeling
B) Paint load
C) Dock weight
D) Anchor size
Ans: A
19. Redundancy ensures:
A) Speed increase
B) Reduced total failure risk
C) Cargo expansion
D) Less crew
Ans: B
20. HSC Code applies mainly to:
A) Domestic crafts only
B) International voyages
C) Fishing vessels
D) Warships
Ans: B

PART B – NUMERICAL & SPEED

CONCEPT (21–35)
21. Exponent 0.1667 ≈
A) 1/3
B) 1/2
C) 1/6
D) 1/8
Ans: C
22. If displacement increases 64 times, required speed increases approx:
A) 64 times
B) 4 times
C) 2 times
 D) 8 times
Ans: C

23. Kinetic energy ∝

(64^(1/6)=2)

A) V
B) V²
C) √V
D) Constant
Ans: B
24. High kinetic energy increases:
A) Slamming severity
B) GM
C) Freeboard
D) Draft
Ans: A
25. Free surface reduces:
A) Draft
B) GM
C) Speed
D) Buoyancy
Ans: B
26. Damage stability ensures:
A) Unlimited flooding
B) Residual stability
C) No trim
D) Zero list
Ans: B
27. Turning at high speed introduces:
A) Centrifugal force
B) Anchor drag
C) Cargo shift only
D) None
Ans: A
28. If vessel fails speed criteria:
A) Still HSC
B) Not HSC
C) Exempt
D) Only cargo HSC
Ans: B
29. Speed formula accounts mainly for:
A) Hydrodynamic scaling
B) Paint area
C) Fuel rate
D) Cargo type
Ans: A
30. If speed doubles, kinetic energy becomes:
A) Double
B) Four times
C) Half
 D) Same
Ans: B
31. Wind heeling is checked under:
A) Damage stability
B) Intact stability
C) MARPOL
D) ISPS
Ans: B
32. Residual stability is after:
A) Launch
B) Damage
C) Drydock
D) Ballasting
Ans: B
33. Slamming loads are:
A) Static
B) Dynamic
C) Thermal
D) Chemical
Ans: B
34. Larger displacement requires:
A) Lower qualifying speed
B) Higher qualifying speed
C) Same speed
D) No criteria
Ans: B
35. Formula ensures vessel is genuinely:
A) Fast displacement ship
B) High-speed craft
C) Fishing boat
D) Tug
Ans: B

PART C – FIRE & SAFETY (36–55)

36. Fire zones limit:
A) Speed
B) Fire spread
C) Cargo
D) GM
Ans: B
37. Fixed CO₂ system protects:
A) Bridge
B) Machinery space
C) Deck
D) Anchor locker
Ans: B
38. Evacuation analysis mandatory in:
A) 1994 Code
B) 2000 Code
C) MARPOL
D) STCW
Ans: B
39. Passenger crowding affects:
A) Stability & evacuation
B) Speed only
C) Fuel only
D) Draft only
Ans: A
40. Aluminium melting point is lower than steel, hence:
A) Less insulation needed
B) More insulation required
C) No fire system needed
D) Steel preferred always
Ans: B
41. Essential auxiliary systems include steering redundancy:
A) True
B) False
Ans: A
42. Emergency lighting is powered by:
A) Main engine
B) Emergency source
C) Shore supply
D) Wind
Ans: B
43. HSC must carry lifeboats in all cases:
A) True
B) False
Ans: B
44. MES enables evacuation directly to:
A) Liferafts
B) Water
C) Dock
D) Bridge
Ans: A
45. Fire detection should be:
A) Manual
B) Automatic
C) Optional
D) Portable only
Ans: B
46. If fire compromises aluminium deck, structural integrity:
A) Improves
B) Reduces rapidly
C) Same
D) Increases GM
Ans: B
 47. Fire insulation rating delays:
A) Heat transfer
B) Fuel use
C) Speed
D) GM loss
Ans: A
48. High-speed grounding risk is high due to:
A) Weight
B) Kinetic energy
C) Paint
D) Anchor
Ans: B
49. Damage control training required:
A) Yes
B) No
Ans: A
50. Safety level must be equivalent to:
A) MARPOL
B) SOLAS
C) STCW
D) Load Line
Ans: B

PART D – OPERATIONAL &

CERTIFICATION (56–80)
56. Surveys include:
A) Initial
B) Annual
C) Periodical
D) All
Ans: D
57. Craft Operating Manual contains:
A) Route limits
B) Cargo rates
C) Salary
D) Charter
Ans: A
58. Exceeding permitted wave height means:
A) Proceed
B) Reduce speed only
C) Must not operate
D) Ignore
Ans: C
59. Master responsible for weather compliance:
A) True
 B) False
Ans: A
60. Electrical installations must ensure:
A) Redundancy
B) Decoration
C) Extra lighting
D) Cargo heating
Ans: A
61. Remote alarms must provide:
A) Monitoring
B) Silence
C) Manual only
D) Optional
Ans: A
62. HSC Code does not apply to warships:
A) True
B) False
Ans: A
63. Cargo HSC have less stringent evacuation rules than passenger HSC:
A) True
B) False
Ans: A
64. Stability booklet must be approved:
A) Yes
B) No
Ans: A
65. Loss of one generator should not disable essential systems:
A) True
B) False
Ans: A
66. Permit to Operate validity depends on:
A) Route & compliance
B) Fuel
C) Crew nationality
D) Cargo type
Ans: A
67. If redundancy lost during voyage:
A) Continue unlimited
B) Follow operating manual
C) Ignore
D) Increase speed
Ans: B
68. Steering gear alarm must be provided:
A) Yes
B) No
Ans: A
69. Fire drills required:
A) Yes
B) No
Ans: A
70. Maintenance must follow approved plan:
A) True
B) False
Ans: A
71. HSC Code emphasizes risk-based design:
A) True
B) False
Ans: A
72. Weather restriction reduces structural stress:
A) True
B) False
Ans: A
73. If evacuation exceeds standard time craft:
A) Complies
B) Fails
Ans: B
74. Dynamic effects are more significant than static in HSC:
A) True
B) False
Ans: A
75. Damage stability index ensures survivability probability:
A) True
B) False
Ans: A
76. Liferaft capacity must cover:
A) 50% persons
B) All persons
C) Crew only
D) Passengers only
Ans: B
77. Bridge visibility critical due to:
A) High speed
B) Decoration
C) Comfort
D) Paint
Ans: A
78. Navigation equipment redundancy required:
A) Yes
B) No
Ans: A
79. HSC Code allows innovative designs:
A) True
B) False
Ans: A
80. Objective of Code:
A) Increase trade
B) Equivalent safety at high speed
C) Reduce cost
D) Increase cargo
Ans: B
PART E – HIGH-LEVEL TRICKY (81–
100)
81. Prevention philosophy replaces heavy subdivision: A
82. Increased speed increases collision severity: A
83. Wind + turning may cause combined heeling risk: A
84. Damage survival depends on residual GZ: A
85. Aluminium requires structural fire protection: A
86. Permit to Operate is route-specific: A
87. HSC Code equal or lower safety than SOLAS? → Equal
88. Emergency source independent of main power: A
89. Operational manual mandatory onboard: A
90. Slamming increases fatigue stress: A
91. Passenger HSC more stringent than cargo: A
92. Stability criteria include crowding effects: A
93. Speed formula prevents misclassification: A
94. Redundancy reduces catastrophic failure probability: A
95. Weather monitoring mandatory: A
96. Fire boundary insulation protects load-bearing structure: A
97. Damage control equipment required: A
98. Surveys ensure continued compliance: A
99. Risk-based approach prominent in 2000 Code: A
100. HSC core principle = Redundancy + Route restriction + Rapid evacuation: A