Post: Seaman - Port

Paper Code: 157/2016

Date of Test: 22nd November 2016

Year Category: 2016

Exam Overview:

The Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) conducted the examination for the post of Seaman in the Port Department. This exam aimed to assess the candidate’s knowledge and skills in maritime operations, port management, and navigation. The role of a Seaman in the Port Department includes handling various ship operations, maintaining port facilities, ensuring safety procedures are followed, and assisting in the logistics of maritime operations.

Exam Pattern:

The exam was conducted in a Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) format, focusing on maritime knowledge, port operations, safety procedures, and general awareness.

• Total Questions: 100
• Time Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes (75 minutes)
• Maximum Marks: 100
• Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Syllabus Coverage:

The syllabus for the Seaman exam covered various topics related to maritime operations, port safety, navigation skills, and general knowledge. Below are the key areas covered in the syllabus:

1. Maritime Operations and Port Management:

• Port Operations: Understanding the functions and operations of a port, including docking, loading/unloading cargo, and handling logistics.
• Ship Navigation and Safety: Knowledge of basic navigation techniques, the role of a Seaman in ship operations, and safety procedures onboard.
• Cargo Handling: Procedures for handling different types of cargo, including hazardous materials, and ensuring safe loading/unloading.
• Ship Maintenance: Knowledge of maintaining the ship’s machinery, equipment, and safety systems.

1. Safety and Emergency Procedures:

• Safety Protocols: Knowledge of the safety equipment, fire safety procedures, emergency evacuation, and life-saving drills.
• First Aid and Medical Assistance: Understanding basic first aid, emergency medical procedures, and injury prevention in a maritime environment.
• Accident Prevention: Identifying potential hazards in port operations and maritime activities and taking steps to prevent accidents.

1. General Knowledge:

• International Maritime Laws: Understanding basic maritime laws, conventions, and regulations related to sea travel and port operations.
• Recent Developments in Port Management: Awareness of current trends in port management, including technological advancements in maritime logistics and safety.
• India’s Port Infrastructure: Knowledge about major ports in India, port regulations, and infrastructure related to the shipping industry.

1. General English and Arithmetic:

• Basic English grammar, sentence construction, and comprehension, as Seamen need effective communication skills.
• Arithmetic related to measurement, time, distance, and basic calculations relevant to maritime activities.

Key Skills Assessed:

• Maritime Knowledge: Understanding of ships, navigation, and port operations.
• Safety and Emergency Response: Ability to handle emergency situations, perform first aid, and ensure safety protocols are followed.
• Technical Skills: Basic technical knowledge related to ship machinery, equipment, and port handling systems.
• General Awareness: Knowledge of maritime regulations, laws, and current developments in the shipping industry.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication in the maritime environment, including English language proficiency.

Sample Question Topics:

• Maritime Operations and Port Management:
• The primary responsibility of a Seaman in port operations is to:
• What is the role of a Docking Pilot in ship navigation?
• Which of the following is used to safely load cargo onto a ship?
• (A) Crane
• (B) Hydraulic jack
• (C) Conveyor belt
• (D) All of the above
• Safety and Emergency Procedures:
• What is the first step in a fire emergency on a ship?
• The lifeboat drills are conducted to ensure:
• What is the function of a life jacket?
• (A) Provide floatation
• (B) Signal for rescue
• (C) Protect against cold
• (D) All of the above
• General Knowledge:
• Which of the following is the largest port in India?
• SOLAS stands for:
• (A) Safety of Life at Sea
• (B) Shipping Ordinance and Safety Act
• (C) Sea Ordinance and Life Act
• (D) None of the above
• General English:
• Choose the correct sentence:
• “The ship ________ at the port yesterday.”
• (A) arrived
• (B) arrive
• (C) will arrive
• (D) arriving
• Find the synonym of the word “navigate”.
• Arithmetic:
• If a ship sails at a speed of 25 knots for 4 hours, how far has it traveled?
• A ship carries 150 containers and the load limit is 10 tons per container. What is the total weight the ship can carry?

Preparation Tips for Candidates:

• Understand Port Operations: Study the basics of port management, cargo handling, and operations related to ship navigation.
• Learn Maritime Safety Protocols: Be familiar with the safety equipment onboard ships, fire safety procedures, and life-saving drills.
• Review International Maritime Laws: Familiarize yourself with international regulations such as SOLAS and the basic principles of maritime law.
• Practice Basic Arithmetic: Focus on time, speed, distance calculations, and measurements commonly used in maritime activities.
• Improve English Communication: Practice communication skills, as effective language skills are important for coordination in maritime operations.

Download the Question Paper:

You can download the Kerala PSC Seaman - Port (Paper Code: 157/2016) question paper from the following link: