World Maritime Day Quiz

What K-word measurement of boat speed is a measure of one nautical mile per hour?

• Kilowatt

• Kelvin

• Knot

• Kilobyte

Answer explanation

The term knot dates back to the 17th century when sailors measured their ship’s speed using a “common log.” The common log was a rope with knots at regular intervals attached to a piece of wood shaped like a piece of pizza.

What’s the term for the person who sells (and often delivers) supplies, groceries, and parts to a ship at sea?

• Chandler

• Ship Supplier

• Nautical Merchant

• Maritime Provisioner

Answer explanation

In the 19th century, ship chandlers played a crucial role in maritime trade, providing not only supplies and provisions but also a social hub for sailors. They often stocked items like tobacco, alcohol, and even musical instruments to keep sailors entertained during long voyages. These chandleries became places where sailors could socialize, share stories, and relax when they were on land, making ship chandlers an essential part of the seafaring community.

If you don’t offload your cargo within the specified time limit you agreed to, what’s the word for the fee you’ll be charged by the shipping line?

• Port Penalty

• Laytime Charge

• Demurrage

• Overstay Tariff

Answer explanation

"Demurrage" comes from an old French word, "demeurer", meaning "to linger or tarry

Which ship is famously associated with the discovery of America in 1492?

• Santa Maria

• HMS Victory

• Mayflower

• Titanic

Answer explanation

Originally named La Gallega, meaning “The Galician” in Spanish, the Santa Maria was constructed in the Spanish port of Pontevedra, in the province of Galicia. The ship was built using traditional shipbuilding techniques of the time, with a wooden hull and a sturdy framework.

Which famous canal connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and is a vital maritime trade route?

• English Channel

• Panama Canal

• Suez Canal

• Berling Strait

Answer explanation

Coined as the “Canal of the Pharaohs”, it was thought that the ancient waterway wound through the desert to the Nile River, and from there to the Mediterranean Sea. Aristotle depicted Pharaoh Senusret III as officiator of a canal that connected the Red Sea and the Nile River around 1850 B.C. A range of sources also illustrates Pharaoh Necho II and Persian conqueror Darius the Great having worked on the same route. Nonetheless, the Canal of the Pharaohs is often credited as the forerunner of the Suez Canal.

Which is the largest port in the world by total cargo throughput?

• Port of Singapore

• Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands

• Port of Los Angeles, USA

• Shanghai Port, China

Answer explanation

1. The Port of Shanghai was established in 1842 after the signing of the Treaty of Nanking, which ended the First Opium War between China and Great Britain. The Port of Shanghai is connected to over 600 ports in more than 200 countries and regions around the world.

2. In addition to container shipping, the port also handles a range of other cargo, including bulk cargo, liquid bulk cargo, and roll-on/roll-off cargo.

What does the term "maritime piracy" refer to?

• Robbery on the high seas

• Fishing in international waters

• Eco-friendly shipping practices

• Navigation of submarines

Answer explanation

The source of modern piracy in Somalia was the collapse of their government. It comes as no surprise to anyone that the rest of the world seized the chance to take advantage of Somalia’s new unprotected and unenforced state. Neighbouring countries began illegally fishing and dumping waste in their waters and angry Somalian fishermen began to board these vessels and demand the fees that should have been collected by the government.

Which type of cargo ship is specifically designed to transport oil and petroleum products?

• Tanker

• Container Ship

• Bulk Carrier

• Ro-Ro Ship

Answer explanation

Like all merchant ships, tankers exist to transport a commodity from one place to another. In this case, this will normally either be carrying crude oil from oil fields to refineries, or petroleum products including fuel oil, diesel fuel, petrochemicals and gasoline/petrol from refineries to a distribution point nearer to the market of consumption.

What is the primary purpose of the Maritime Industry?

• To provide luxurious cruise experiences

• To promote marine conservation efforts

• To mine deep-sea resources

• To transport goods and people by sea

Answer explanation

As of 2022, the shipping industry is responsible for transporting and delivering more than 95% of global trade by volume—roughly 11 billion tons annually. This is an almost unbelievable number, especially considering the fact that this feat is carried out by only 50,000 merchant vessels.

What is the main objective of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)?

• To promote sustainable fishing practices in international waters.

• To establish and enforce speed limits for ships in congested maritime areas.

• To ensure the safety and security of international shipping.

• To regulate the design of luxury cruise liners for environmental sustainability.

Answer explanation

The IMO measures cover all aspects of international shipping – including ship design, construction, equipment, manning, operation and disposal – to ensure that this vital sector remains safe, environmentally sound, energy-efficient and secure.