“200”, Aptitude Test Questions and Answers for VTS Operator II – Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA).

 

“200”, Aptitude Test Questions and Answers for VTS Operator II – Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA).

 

 

This set of 200 multiple choice questions is designed to prepare candidates for the VTS Operator II online aptitude test in Tanzania. The questions reflect the core duties and responsibilities of a Vessel Traffic Services operator, including radar operation, vessel monitoring, electronic navigation systems, maritime communication protocols, emergency response coordination, and adherence to international maritime regulations such as GMDSS, SOLAS, and STCW. Each question tests the candidate’s understanding, situational awareness, and ability to make accurate, safety-focused decisions in a complex maritime environment. The format follows a practical approach, using realistic scenarios to reflect the actual demands of the VTS role.

 

Prepared by:

VTS Operators and Compiled by

Johnson Yesaya Mgelwa.

A lawyer stationed in Dar-es-salaam.

0628729934.

Date: June 10, 2025

 

Dear applicants,

This collection of questions and answers has been carefully prepared to help all of you to understand the key areas tested during the interview. The goal is to provide a useful, and practical study guide so you can all perform confidently and fairly in the selection process. I wish you the best of luck, and may this resource support you in achieving success!

 

Warm regards,

Johnson Yesaya Mgelwa

For Personal Use by Applicants Preparing for VTS Operator II interview at Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA).

ALL QUESTIONS ARE COMPILED TOGETHER.

1. Which equipment is primarily used to monitor vessel movement in a VTS center?
A. GPS receiver B. Radar system C. Sonar equipment D. AIS decoder
Answer: B. Radar system

2. What is the main role of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)?
A. Fuel management B. Cargo loading C. Maritime communication D. Engine control
Answer: C. Maritime communication

3. In vessel traffic monitoring, what does plotting a vessel's position help determine?
A. Depth of seabed B. Type of cargo C. Direction and speed D. Length of vessel
Answer: C. Direction and speed

4. What is one of the functions of an Electronic Navigation System (ENS)?
A. Dock management B. Shoreline construction C. Navigation assistance D. Cargo scheduling
Answer: C. Navigation assistance

5. Which of the following is a crucial skill for interpreting radar images?
A. Meteorological analysis B. Chart plotting C. Linguistic fluency D. Fuel efficiency tracking
Answer: B. Chart plotting

6. When monitoring vessels, which factor is least relevant?
A. Cargo type B. Speed C. Direction D. Position
Answer: A. Cargo type

7. What action should a VTS operator take if a vessel is on a collision course?
A. Ignore and observe B. Notify port police C. Communicate with vessel immediately D. Contact local fishermen
Answer: C. Communicate with vessel immediately

8. Which system allows ships and coastal authorities to exchange navigational data?
A. GMDSS B. AIS C. GIS D. RADAR
Answer: B. AIS

9. What is one of the main goals of coordinating traffic information in a port?
A. Increase tourism B. Facilitate safe berthing C. Promote fuel savings D. Manage ship crews
Answer: B. Facilitate safe berthing

10. How often should a VTS operator maintain lookout via system monitors?
A. Weekly B. Occasionally C. Continuously D. During storms only
Answer: C. Continuously

11. Which regulation covers Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) on ships 500 GRT or more?
A. Reg. IV/1 B. Reg. III/2 C. Reg. II/1 D. Reg. I/4
Answer: C. Reg. II/1

12. What is the recommended method to respond during a search and rescue alert?
A. Wait for port manager B. Take no action C. Coordinate maritime communication D. Close VTS operations
Answer: C. Coordinate maritime communication

13. What does maintaining a proper lookout by radar help prevent?
A. Radio failure B. Crew fatigue C. Vessel collision D. Cargo delay
Answer: C. Vessel collision

14. Which communication protocol is standard for emergency calls at sea?
A. Morse code B. VHF channel 16 C. Email system D. Mobile phone
Answer: B. VHF channel 16

15. What does “berthing” mean in maritime operations?
A. Anchoring offshore B. Refueling a vessel C. Docking a vessel at a pier D. Offloading passengers
Answer: C. Docking a vessel at a pier

16. What is one essential responsibility during port traffic coordination?
A. Selling fuel B. Tracking engine oil C. Monitoring vessel positions D. Booking hotels for crews
Answer: C. Monitoring vessel positions

17. Which of the following is a characteristic of a good VTS operator?
A. Aggressiveness B. Lack of attention C. Alertness D. Physical strength
Answer: C. Alertness

18. What is the role of AIS in vessel tracking?
A. Transmitting engine data B. Sending cargo reports C. Sharing position and identity D. Monitoring weather
Answer: C. Sharing position and identity

19. What kind of information must be communicated timely to vessels?
A. Next port of call B. Traffic status and environmental conditions C. Number of crew D. Name of captain
Answer: B. Traffic status and environmental conditions

20. Why is continuous monitoring important in VTS operations?
A. To record hours of work B. To avoid miscommunication C. To ensure timely rescue and coordination D. To promote tourism
Answer: C. To ensure timely rescue and coordination

21. What is an important feature of ENS?
A. Adjusting ship’s weight B. Reporting crew shifts C. Enhancing navigation safety D. Measuring container size
Answer: C. Enhancing navigation safety

22. What does the term “anchorage” refer to?
A. Area for cargo loading B. Location for fishing C. Safe area to drop anchor D. Place for oil drilling
Answer: C. Safe area to drop anchor

23. How does radar assist in vessel tracking?
A. Detects engine power B. Shows fuel consumption C. Displays vessel location and motion D. Plays audio alerts
Answer: C. Displays vessel location and motion

24. Which skill is required for interpreting ENS data?
A. Driving skills B. Mechanical repair C. Spatial awareness D. Singing ability
Answer: C. Spatial awareness

25. Who benefits most from traffic coordination in a busy port?
A. Food vendors B. Ship agents C. All vessels D. Local shops
Answer: C. All vessels

26. Which of the following is not a responsibility of a VTS operator?
A. Fuel pricing B. GMDSS operation C. Radar monitoring D. Traffic coordination
Answer: A. Fuel pricing

27. Which of these activities supports maritime safety most directly?
A. Preparing meals on board B. Monitoring vessel routes C. Painting ship decks D. Issuing tickets
Answer: B. Monitoring vessel routes

28. What does GMDSS stand for?
A. General Marine Defense Signal System B. Global Maritime Distress and Safety System C. Global Maritime Delivery Standard System D. General Maritime Data Safety Standard
Answer: B. Global Maritime Distress and Safety System

29. Why is communication accuracy important in VTS?
A. For saving fuel B. For crew motivation C. To avoid accidents D. To ensure higher wages
Answer: C. To avoid accidents

30. A vessel in distress near a port should first contact:
A. Police B. Local fisherman C. VTS station D. Cargo manager
Answer: C. VTS station

31. Which frequency band is typically used in marine VHF radios?
A. 10–30 MHz B. 156–174 MHz C. 88–108 MHz D. 300–400 MHz
Answer: B. 156–174 MHz

32. What does “plotting” mean in navigation?
A. Fuel estimation B. Cooking route meals C. Marking vessel position on chart D. Checking vessel crew list
Answer: C. Marking vessel position on chart

33. What’s the first step during a search and rescue alert?
A. File a report B. Inform police C. Start coordination and communication D. Switch off systems
Answer: C. Start coordination and communication

34. What type of training enhances VTS competency?
A. Welding B. VTS operations training C. Firefighting D. Catering
Answer: B. VTS operations training

35. How should communication with vessels be conducted?
A. Loud shouting B. Walkie-talkies C. Standardized maritime phrases via radio D. Mobile text messages
Answer: C. Standardized maritime phrases via radio

36. What’s the purpose of AIS in port monitoring?
A. To report weather B. To display satellite images C. To identify and track ships D. To monitor ship food stocks
Answer: C. To identify and track ships

37. Which document verifies a person's qualification to work as an OICNW?
A. National ID B. Certificate of Competence C. School Leaving Certificate D. Logbook
Answer: B. Certificate of Competence

38. Which sea condition might require immediate VTS assistance?
A. Calm weather B. High traffic congestion C. Morning sunrise D. Low humidity
Answer: B. High traffic congestion

39. Which is part of environmental factors affecting port safety?
A. Crew behavior B. Wind speed and visibility C. Passenger count D. Meal quality on board
Answer: B. Wind speed and visibility

40. Which vessel requires more attention in monitoring?
A. Anchored vessels B. Drifting vessels C. Docked vessels D. Empty vessels
Answer: B. Drifting vessels

41. What is the meaning of GRT in maritime terms?
A. Gross Registered Tonnage B. General Radio Transmitter C. Great River Transportation D. Gross Real Time
Answer: A. Gross Registered Tonnage

42. What should a VTS operator do when vessels get too close?
A. Inform the kitchen staff B. Record the event silently C. Alert both vessels and provide guidance D. Turn off radar
Answer: C. Alert both vessels and provide guidance

43. What is the best tool for plotting real-time vessel positions?
A. Compass B. Stopwatch C. Electronic chart system D. Diary
Answer: C. Electronic chart system

44. What are the three key factors in vessel traffic monitoring?
A. Color, height, weight B. Position, speed, direction C. Distance, crew, passengers D. Time, day, location
Answer: B. Position, speed, direction

45. Which equipment is used for long-range maritime communication?
A. Bluetooth speaker B. VHF handset C. MF/HF Radio D. Mobile phone
Answer: C. MF/HF Radio

46. Which international convention governs standards for seafarer training and certification?
A. UNCLOS B. SOLAS C. STCW D. MARPOL
Answer: C. STCW

47. Which vessel status requires immediate communication from VTS?
A. Sleeping crew B. Engine maintenance C. Distress alert D. Weather check
Answer: C. Distress alert

48. What is the primary use of radar in VTS?
A. Check seawater temperature B. Locate fish C. Detect and track ships D. Operate cranes
Answer: C. Detect and track ships

49. When is VTS required to coordinate maritime search and rescue?
A. On public holidays only B. In all emergencies within port limits C. When there is fog D. When crew requests
Answer: B. In all emergencies within port limits

50. Why is horizontal communication flow important in VTS?
A. To increase staff wages B. To reduce travel time C. To maintain vessel traffic safety D. To hire more workers
Answer: C. To maintain vessel traffic safety

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