Question 46 CEL01 - Chief Engineer - Limited

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for Option A (Correct Answer):** Option A, "Deciding what to do as a result of a severe accident occurring in the engine room," represents an **unprogrammed decision**. Unprogrammed decisions are novel, unstructured, and complex. They deal with unique or exceptional problems where no standard operating procedures (SOPs), established rules, or predetermined algorithms exist for handling the exact situation. A severe accident, such as a major fire, flooding, or equipment explosion, is highly situational, unpredictable, and requires immediate, tailored decision-making based on the specific variables of the event. Therefore, the response must be different each time because the nature, location, and severity of the accident will vary. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** * **B) Deciding what to do for scheduling familiarization training when new engine department personnel report aboard:** This is a **programmed decision**. Familiarization training follows established policies, checklists, and standardized schedules (SOPs) designed to ensure all new personnel receive consistent, necessary information. While the exact time might shift, the overall structure and content of the decision process are routine. * **C) Deciding what to do upon failure of an engine department watchstander to report for watch on time without permission:** This is a **programmed decision**. Employee disciplinary issues or absenteeism are handled using existing departmental or company policies, regulations, and standardized progressive disciplinary procedures. The decision process is structured and repetitive. * **D) Deciding what to do in preparing a maintenance schedule for the upcoming month:** This is a **programmed decision**. Maintenance scheduling is a routine, recurring, and structured process based on established criteria, equipment manuals, statutory requirements, and predetermined scheduling software or frameworks. While the specific tasks change monthly, the *process* of creating the schedule is standardized and routine.