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NIMASA STCW PST practice questions

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Question 1Emergency situations and mustering procedures

Under STCW, what is the primary purpose of a muster station on board a vessel?

  1. To assemble crew and passengers for roll call and instructions during an emergency Correct answer.
  2. To provide a sheltered area for maintenance work during heavy weather
  3. To store lifejackets and immersion suits when not in use
  4. To serve as the designated smoking area when the vessel is alongside

Explanation

A muster station is the designated assembly point where persons report so that a head count can be taken and instructions issued before abandoning ship or fighting an emergency. It is not a storage area; equipment is normally kept at or near the station but the station's function is assembly and accountability.

Question 2Emergency situations and mustering procedures

What signal is used on a vessel to indicate the general emergency alarm?

  1. Three long blasts repeated at one-minute intervals
  2. One continuous blast of at least ten seconds on the ship's whistle only
  3. Seven or more short blasts followed by one long blast on the whistle and internal alarm Correct answer.
  4. A single short ring of the general alarm bell

Explanation

The general emergency alarm is seven or more short blasts followed by one long blast on the ship's whistle and the internal alarm system. This distinctive pattern is recognised internationally so that everyone on board can identify it immediately.

Question 3Emergency situations and mustering procedures

During an abandon-ship situation, when should a person don a lifejacket?

  1. Only after entering the water to avoid restricting movement on deck
  2. After the survival craft has been launched and is clear of the vessel
  3. Only if the vessel is actually sinking below the waterline
  4. Immediately on hearing the abandon-ship order, before proceeding to the survival craft Correct answer.

Explanation

A lifejacket should be put on immediately when the abandon-ship order is given, before moving to the survival craft, because there may be no time or space to don it later. Wearing it early keeps both hands free and ensures flotation if a person enters the water unexpectedly.

Question 4Emergency situations and mustering procedures

What does the abandon-ship signal normally consist of?

  1. The general emergency alarm followed by a verbal order from the master to abandon ship Correct answer.
  2. Three short blasts on the whistle followed by silence
  3. The continuous ringing of the ship's bell for two minutes
  4. A single long blast on the whistle repeated every five minutes

Explanation

The abandon-ship signal is normally the general emergency alarm followed by a clear verbal order from the master to abandon ship. The verbal order confirms that the situation genuinely requires leaving the vessel.

Question 5Emergency situations and mustering procedures

In the context of mustering procedures, what is the role of the muster list?

  1. It assigns each crew member specific emergency duties and their muster station Correct answer.
  2. It lists the vessel's cargo and stowage positions
  3. It records the dates of fire and boat drills for port state inspection
  4. It records the names of persons who have paid for their passage

Explanation

The muster list assigns every crew member specific duties and a muster station so that the emergency response is organised and every position is covered. It is posted in conspicuous places so that all persons can check their assignment.

Question 6Emergency situations and mustering procedures

When must a passenger vessel conduct an abandon-ship drill according to STCW requirements?

  1. Once every six months during a scheduled dry-docking
  2. Before the vessel sails, or immediately after departure if not possible before sailing Correct answer.
  3. At least once every month while the vessel is in service
  4. Only when requested by the flag state surveyor

Explanation

Passenger vessels must conduct an abandon-ship drill before sailing, or immediately after departure if it cannot be held before sailing. This ensures that persons on board are familiar with procedures from the start of the voyage.

Question 7Emergency situations and mustering procedures

A crew member hears the general emergency alarm and proceeds to the muster station, but the muster list shows another person assigned to their position. What is the correct action?

  1. Report to the officer in charge and follow the reassignment given at muster Correct answer.
  2. Leave the muster station and return to the cabin until called
  3. Wait at the station until the other person arrives and then swap duties
  4. Take over the other person's duty without informing anyone

Explanation

At muster, the officer in charge confirms attendance and can reassign duties to cover absences or changes. Reporting and following that instruction keeps the emergency response coordinated and avoids gaps or duplication of duties.

Question 8Emergency situations and mustering procedures

During a muster, a person is found to be missing from their assigned station. What is the standard first action?

  1. Launch the survival craft immediately to search the water
  2. Sound the abandon-ship signal to alert the whole vessel
  3. Assume the person is in another station and continue the drill
  4. Report the absence to the officer in charge so a search and head count can be organised Correct answer.

Explanation

A missing person must be reported to the officer in charge so that a head count can be reconciled and a search organised. Launching craft or sounding abandon ship before the person's location is known could worsen the situation.

Question 9Emergency situations and mustering procedures

What information is normally given to persons at the muster station before they proceed to the survival craft?

  1. The names of all persons on board and their cabin numbers
  2. Instructions on which craft to board, how to don immersion suits, and the order of boarding Correct answer.
  3. The vessel's cargo manifest and stability calculations
  4. The weather forecast for the next 24 hours

Explanation

At muster, the officer in charge gives clear instructions on which survival craft to board, how to don immersion suits or lifejackets, and the order of boarding. This briefing ensures an orderly and safe evacuation.

Question 10Emergency situations and mustering procedures

A person is directed to enter a totally enclosed lifeboat at its stowage position. What should they do first?

  1. Stand on the boat's canopy to check the davit wires
  2. Jump into the boat from the deck above
  3. Board in an orderly manner and secure the seat belt before the boat is launched Correct answer.
  4. Remove the lifejacket to fit through the hatch more easily

Explanation

Persons should board the enclosed lifeboat in an orderly manner and fasten their seat belts before launching, because the boat may swing or drop during launch. The seat belt protects occupants from injury during the descent and in heavy seas.

Question 11Emergency situations and mustering procedures

Why is a roll call taken at the muster station rather than relying on a visual count alone?

  1. It provides a documented record that each named person has reported Correct answer.
  2. It is required only for passengers, not crew
  3. It is faster than counting people
  4. It replaces the need for a muster list

Explanation

A roll call matches names to the muster list and produces a documented record that each person has reported. A visual count alone cannot identify who is missing or confirm that every assigned position is filled.

Question 12Emergency situations and mustering procedures

During an emergency, a crew member's assigned duty is to close watertight doors. What should they do if the door will not close fully?

  1. Wedge the door open to allow others to pass
  2. Leave it open and continue to the muster station without reporting
  3. Force the door with a crowbar until it seals
  4. Report the defect to the officer in charge and stand by as directed Correct answer.

Explanation

If a watertight door cannot be closed, the defect must be reported to the officer in charge so that the effect on stability and flooding can be assessed. Standing by as directed allows the officer to decide on alternative measures.

Question 13Emergency situations and mustering procedures

What is the purpose of the emergency escape route markings and lighting on board?

  1. To mark the boundaries of crew recreation areas
  2. To show where cargo may be stowed
  3. To guide persons to the nearest exit and muster station when normal lighting fails Correct answer.
  4. To indicate the location of the ship's office

Explanation

Low-location lighting and escape route markings guide persons along escape routes to exits and muster stations when normal lighting fails. They are essential for evacuation in smoke-filled or darkened spaces.

Question 14Emergency situations and mustering procedures

A passenger at the muster station is panicking and refusing to follow instructions. What is the most appropriate response from a crew member?

  1. Order the passenger to return to their cabin
  2. Ignore the passenger and continue with other duties
  3. Physically restrain the passenger immediately
  4. Speak calmly, give clear simple instructions, and stay with the passenger until they comply Correct answer.

Explanation

Calm, clear and simple instructions help a panicking person regain control and follow the evacuation procedure. Staying with them until they comply prevents them from obstructing others or being left behind.

Question 15Emergency situations and mustering procedures

Why must a person check that their lifejacket is correctly fitted before the survival craft is launched?

  1. To comply with a requirement to wear it only inside the craft
  2. To ensure the whistle is removed
  3. To reduce the weight of the survival craft
  4. To confirm the jacket will keep the head above water and will not slip off on entry Correct answer.

Explanation

A correctly fitted lifejacket keeps the wearer's head above water and stays in place when entering the water, even from a height. A loose or wrongly fastened jacket can slip off or fail to turn an unconscious person face up.

Question 16Emergency situations and mustering procedures

A vessel is alongside in port and the master orders a fire and abandon-ship drill. What is the main benefit of conducting the drill while in port?

  1. It allows the crew to practise procedures and identify deficiencies in a controlled environment Correct answer.
  2. It allows passengers to disembark without using the gangway
  3. It satisfies the requirement to test the vessel's cargo handling equipment
  4. It replaces the need for a muster list

Explanation

Drills in port allow the crew to practise emergency procedures and identify deficiencies, such as blocked routes or faulty equipment, before a real emergency occurs. Deficiencies found are then corrected and recorded.

Question 17Emergency situations and mustering procedures

During an abandon-ship drill, the officer in charge notes that a lifeboat's engine fails to start. What is the correct follow-up action?

  1. Ignore the defect because the drill is only a practice
  2. Record the defect, report it to the master, and arrange for repair before the next drill or sailing Correct answer.
  3. Cancel all future drills until the next scheduled survey
  4. Launch the lifeboat to test whether it will still float

Explanation

Defects found during drills must be recorded and reported so that repairs are carried out and the equipment is ready for a real emergency. Ignoring the defect would leave the survival craft unusable if needed.

Question 18Emergency situations and mustering procedures

A crew member assigned to a lifeboat is injured and cannot perform their duty during an emergency. How should the muster organisation handle this?

  1. Ask passengers to take over the crew member's duty
  2. Abandon the drill and wait for the injured person to recover
  3. The officer in charge reassigns the duty to a designated alternate from the muster list Correct answer.
  4. Continue with the original assignment and leave the post unmanned

Explanation

The muster list includes designated alternates so that if a crew member is unavailable, the duty can be reassigned without delay. The officer in charge makes the reassignment to keep every critical post covered.

Question 19Emergency situations and mustering procedures

Why is it important that the muster list is posted in conspicuous locations such as the bridge, engine room and crew mess?

  1. To replace the need for a roll call at the muster station
  2. To allow visitors to sign the list as a record of attendance
  3. So that every person can readily confirm their station and duties without delay Correct answer.
  4. To satisfy the requirement that the list is printed on coloured paper

Explanation

Posting the muster list conspicuously ensures that every person can quickly confirm their assigned station and duties, which is essential when an emergency occurs without warning. It supports, but does not replace, the roll call.

Question 20Emergency situations and mustering procedures

During a real emergency, the general emergency alarm sounds while some crew are working in a confined space below deck. What is the correct sequence of actions for those crew?

  1. Wait in the confined space for a rescue team to arrive
  2. Continue working until the task is finished, then proceed to muster
  3. Sound the abandon-ship signal from inside the space
  4. Secure the work area, exit the confined space safely, and proceed to their muster station Correct answer.

Explanation

Crew in a confined space must first make the area safe and exit safely before proceeding to their muster station, because remaining below deck during an emergency exposes them to danger. They then report for roll call so their presence is confirmed.

Question 21Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

Under STCW, what is the primary purpose of a personal flotation device (lifejacket) carried aboard ship?

  1. To signal rescue craft using reflective tape only
  2. To provide thermal protection during abandon-ship in cold water
  3. To serve as a cushion for working aloft on rigging
  4. To keep an unconscious person's head above water and turn the body face-up Correct answer.

Explanation

A lifejacket is designed to support the wearer in the water and, critically, to rotate an unconscious or exhausted person into a face-up position so the airway stays clear. Thermal protection is a separate function provided by immersion suits or anti-exposure coveralls.

Question 22Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

Which personal life-saving appliance is specifically designed to protect a person from hypothermia during abandonment in cold water?

  1. Lifebuoy with a self-igniting light
  2. Rocket parachute flare
  3. Work vest with whistle
  4. Immersion suit Correct answer.

Explanation

An immersion suit provides insulation and waterproofing to reduce body heat loss in cold water, and is donned before abandoning ship. Lifebuoys, flares and work vests do not provide thermal protection.

Question 23Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

What is the main function of retro-reflective tape fitted on lifejackets and lifebuoys?

  1. To show the direction of the wind at night
  2. To make the device visible when illuminated by a searchlight Correct answer.
  3. To mark the buoyancy rating of the device
  4. To indicate the date of the last inspection

Explanation

Retro-reflective tape returns light back toward its source, so a rescue vessel's searchlight makes the appliance highly visible at night. It does not encode inspection dates, wind direction or buoyancy ratings.

Question 24Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

A lifebuoy on a cargo ship is required to be fitted with which of the following to assist rapid location at night?

  1. A radar reflector only
  2. A sea anchor and a drogue
  3. A whistle and a mirror
  4. A self-igniting light and a smoke signal Correct answer.

Explanation

Lifebuoys positioned for immediate throwing are typically fitted with a self-igniting light and, on at least some units, a self-activating smoke signal to aid location in darkness. Radar reflectors, whistles and drogues are not the standard night-location fit for these lifebuoys.

Question 25Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

Before donning a lifejacket during an abandon-ship drill, what should a crew member check first?

  1. That the whistle has been silenced
  2. That all straps, buckles and closures are intact and correctly fastened Correct answer.
  3. That the lifejacket is the largest size on board
  4. That the reflective tape has been removed

Explanation

A lifejacket must be in good condition with intact straps and closures so it stays securely in place and functions correctly in the water. Size should fit the wearer, and reflective tape and whistles are required features, not items to remove or disable.

Question 26Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

When entering the water from height during an abandon-ship, why should a person cross their arms over the lifejacket and hold it down?

  1. To prevent the lifejacket from riding up and striking the face on impact Correct answer.
  2. To make the reflective tape face upwards
  3. To reduce body surface area for warmth
  4. To keep the whistle close to the mouth

Explanation

On water entry the lifejacket can be forced upward by impact, so holding it down with crossed arms prevents it from riding up and injuring the face or head. This technique is taught during abandon-ship drills.

Question 27Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

What is the correct action if a lifejacket's CO2 cylinder has been fired during a drill and must be recharged?

  1. Leave the jacket uncharged but keep it in the locker
  2. Test it by inflating orally and leave it as is
  3. Replace the cylinder and rearm the mechanism before the jacket returns to service Correct answer.
  4. Discard the lifejacket and replace it with a new one

Explanation

An inflatable lifejacket that has been fired must have a new CO2 cylinder fitted and the firing mechanism rearmed before it goes back into service. Returning an uncharged jacket to service would leave a crew member without reliable buoyancy.

Question 28Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

Which statement best describes the buoyancy role of a lifebuoy compared with a lifejacket?

  1. A lifebuoy provides thermal protection while a lifejacket does not
  2. A lifebuoy is thrown to a person in the water while a lifejacket is worn Correct answer.
  3. A lifebuoy is worn on the body while a lifejacket is thrown
  4. Both are worn continuously during normal watchkeeping

Explanation

A lifebuoy is a throwing appliance used to support a person already in the water or to mark a position, whereas a lifejacket is worn on the body. Neither is worn continuously during normal watchkeeping, and neither provides thermal protection.

Question 29Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

A crew member must abandon ship into cold water. Which combination of appliances gives the best protection?

  1. Anti-exposure coverall worn over bare skin
  2. Immersion suit over warm clothing plus a lifejacket Correct answer.
  3. Work vest and safety helmet
  4. Swim shorts and a lifebuoy

Explanation

An immersion suit worn over warm clothing, together with a lifejacket, combines thermal insulation with buoyancy and face-up flotation. Bare skin or a work vest offers little insulation, and a lifebuoy is not worn for abandonment.

Question 30Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

What is the purpose of the whistle attached to a lifejacket?

  1. To warn other vessels of a collision risk
  2. To indicate that the lifejacket has been inspected
  3. To signal the start of a drill
  4. To attract attention when the wearer is in the water Correct answer.

Explanation

The whistle is a small, reliable sound-signalling device that lets a person in the water attract the attention of rescuers. It is not used for collision warnings, drill signals or inspection records.

Question 31Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

During a man-overboard situation, what is the correct use of a lifebuoy with a self-igniting light?

  1. Throw it only after the rescue boat is launched
  2. Throw it immediately toward the person and let it mark the position Correct answer.
  3. Hold it on deck until the vessel has stopped
  4. Attach it to the person's lifejacket before throwing

Explanation

A lifebuoy should be thrown toward the person in the water as soon as possible so it provides buoyancy and, with its light, marks the position for the rescue. Delaying the throw or waiting for the vessel to stop loses valuable time.

Question 32Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

Which of the following is a required feature of a lifejacket intended for use by a person wearing oilskins?

  1. A built-in radar transponder
  2. A detachable weighted keel
  3. Adjustable straps that accommodate bulky clothing Correct answer.
  4. A rigid helmet attachment

Explanation

Lifejackets must be adjustable so they can be fitted securely over bulky clothing such as oilskins, ensuring the device stays in place in the water. Radar transponders, weighted keels and helmet attachments are not standard lifejacket features.

Question 33Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

What is the main reason lifejackets are stowed in clearly marked, readily accessible locations?

  1. To simplify inventory counting during inspection
  2. To allow rapid donning in an emergency without searching Correct answer.
  3. To protect the reflective tape from sunlight
  4. To keep the devices away from passengers

Explanation

Quick access is essential because abandon-ship situations allow little time; clearly marked stowage lets crew and passengers find and don lifejackets rapidly. Inventory, tape protection and passenger separation are not the primary reasons.

Question 34Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

A lifebuoy is fitted with a quick-release bracket. What is the correct way to deploy it?

  1. Pull the bracket off the rail and throw both together
  2. Lift the buoy clear of the bracket and throw it toward the casualty Correct answer.
  3. Unscrew the bracket bolts before throwing
  4. Cut the retaining line with a knife

Explanation

A quick-release bracket is designed so the buoy can be lifted clear and thrown immediately without tools. Cutting lines, throwing the bracket or unbolting it wastes time and damages fittings.

Question 35Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

Which statement about the buoyancy of a lifejacket in the water is correct?

  1. It supports the wearer's head above water and keeps the mouth clear Correct answer.
  2. It provides buoyancy only when the wearer is conscious
  3. It keeps the wearer fully submerged to reduce heat loss
  4. It relies on the wearer treading water to stay afloat

Explanation

A lifejacket is designed to keep the head above water and the mouth clear of the surface, even for an unconscious wearer. It does not submerge the wearer, depend on consciousness or require active swimming.

Question 36Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

What is the purpose of a lifejacket's crotch strap?

  1. To reduce the buoyancy of the jacket
  2. To carry the whistle and light
  3. To prevent the lifejacket from riding up over the head in the water Correct answer.
  4. To attach the lifejacket to the ship's rail

Explanation

A crotch strap holds the lifejacket down so it cannot ride up over the head when the wearer is in the water or on impact. It is not for securing to the ship, carrying accessories or altering buoyancy.

Question 37Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

Which of the following best explains why an immersion suit is often worn with a lifejacket rather than alone?

  1. The lifejacket provides the thermal insulation
  2. The suit cannot be worn in salt water without a lifejacket
  3. The suit provides insulation but the lifejacket ensures face-up flotation Correct answer.
  4. The suit is too heavy to wear without additional buoyancy

Explanation

An immersion suit mainly provides thermal protection; a lifejacket adds the buoyancy and self-righting flotation needed to keep the airway clear. The suit is not too heavy, does not supply insulation from the lifejacket, and is suitable for salt water.

Question 38Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

During a drill, a crew member finds a lifejacket with a torn outer cover exposing the buoyancy foam. What is the correct action?

  1. Use it only for daytime drills
  2. Mark it for use by the smallest person on board
  3. Report it and remove it from service for repair or replacement Correct answer.
  4. Tape over the tear and return it to the locker

Explanation

A damaged lifejacket may not provide reliable buoyancy and must be reported and taken out of service until repaired or replaced. Taping, limited use or reassignment does not restore its protective function.

Question 39Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

A vessel carries lifebuoys marked for different purposes. Which lifebuoy is typically fitted with a buoyant lifeline?

  1. The lifebuoy used as a fender during mooring
  2. The lifebuoy kept on the bridge wing for man-overboard response Correct answer.
  3. The lifebuoy displayed as a decoration in the mess room
  4. The lifebuoy stored in the engine room for firefighting

Explanation

Lifebuoys intended for quick man-overboard response, such as those on bridge wings, are commonly fitted with a buoyant lifeline so the buoy can be retrieved or the casualty pulled in. Decorative, firefighting and fender uses are not appropriate.

Question 40Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

Which factor most affects the survival time of a person in the water wearing only a lifejacket in cold conditions?

  1. The length of the reflective tape
  2. The number of whistles on the jacket
  3. The water temperature and the person's thermal protection Correct answer.
  4. The colour of the lifejacket

Explanation

Survival time in cold water is dominated by water temperature and the insulation the person has, such as an immersion suit. Colour, whistle count and tape length affect detection but not heat loss.

Question 41Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

A lifejacket's automatic inflation mechanism is activated by a water-sensitive element. Why must the jacket be kept dry in stowage?

  1. Moisture can trigger accidental inflation and render the jacket unserviceable Correct answer.
  2. Dry stowage is required only for passenger jackets
  3. Moisture increases the buoyancy beyond design limits
  4. Dry stowage makes the reflective tape brighter

Explanation

A water-sensitive firing element can activate if the jacket becomes wet in stowage, causing accidental inflation and leaving the jacket unserviceable until recharged. Dry stowage prevents this and applies to all inflatable lifejackets.

Question 42Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

In an abandon-ship situation, why should a person avoid jumping into the water wearing a lifejacket if a ladder or lowering device is available?

  1. Jumping voids the lifejacket warranty
  2. Controlled entry reduces impact injury and keeps the lifejacket in place Correct answer.
  3. Jumping is prohibited by the lifejacket manufacturer
  4. Ladders are required for all abandon-ship drills

Explanation

Controlled entry by ladder or lowering device reduces the risk of impact injury and helps keep the lifejacket correctly positioned. Manufacturer prohibitions, warranties and universal ladder requirements are not the reason.

Question 43Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

What is the primary reason lifejackets are fitted with a light that activates automatically in water?

  1. To help rescuers locate the wearer in darkness Correct answer.
  2. To warn the wearer of cold water
  3. To signal the ship's position to other vessels
  4. To illuminate the interior of the lifeboat

Explanation

A water-activated light on a lifejacket helps search teams locate a person in the water at night. It is not intended to light a lifeboat, warn of cold water or signal the ship's position.

Question 44Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

Which statement correctly describes the difference between a lifebuoy and a life raft in personal survival terms?

  1. A lifebuoy is a collective craft while a life raft is worn on the body
  2. Both are worn on the body during abandonment
  3. A lifebuoy is a personal throwing aid while a life raft is a collective survival craft Correct answer.
  4. A life raft is thrown to a casualty while a lifebuoy is boarded

Explanation

A lifebuoy is a personal throwing appliance for immediate buoyancy, whereas a life raft is a collective survival craft boarded after abandonment. Neither is worn on the body, and their roles are not reversed.

Question 45Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

During a pre-departure check, a crew member notices that a lifebuoy's self-igniting light battery has expired. What is the correct action?

  1. Test it by throwing the lifebuoy overboard
  2. Ignore it because the light is optional
  3. Replace the battery or the light unit before departure Correct answer.
  4. Remove the light and leave the lifebuoy without one

Explanation

An expired battery means the light may fail when needed, so the battery or light unit must be replaced before departure. Ignoring, removing or throwing the buoy overboard does not restore the required function.

Question 46Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

Under STCW personal survival training, what is the primary function of a lifejacket's retro-reflective tape?

  1. To indicate the jacket's date of last inspection
  2. To increase the buoyancy of the jacket in cold water
  3. To hold the whistle securely against the chest
  4. To make the wearer easier to detect by searchlights and radar-equipped lookouts at night Correct answer.

Explanation

Retro-reflective tape returns light back toward its source, so a searchlight beam from a rescue vessel or aircraft makes the wearer stand out brightly in darkness. It also improves detection on radar displays in some conditions. It has no buoyancy or securing role.

Question 47Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

A lifebuoy on the bridge wing is fitted with a smoke signal and a self-igniting light. What is the intended purpose of this combination during a man-overboard at night?

  1. To illuminate the deck so the crew can launch the rescue boat
  2. To provide flotation for a second person in the water
  3. To warn other vessels of a navigational hazard near the ship
  4. To mark the casualty's position with both a light and a visible smoke plume for the rescue team Correct answer.

Explanation

A lifebuoy with light and smoke is a position marker: the light gives a continuous visual reference at night and the smoke shows wind direction and drift to the rescue boat crew. It is thrown to mark where the person entered the water, not to light the deck or warn of hazards.

Question 48Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

What is the correct action when a foam-filled lifejacket has been compressed flat during long storage and the foam feels stiff and thin?

  1. Test it by inflation or by a recognised buoyancy check and replace it if it fails Correct answer.
  2. Store it in a warm compartment to soften the foam before use
  3. Wear it only in warm water where buoyancy loss matters less
  4. Return it to service once the outer cover is wiped clean

Explanation

Foam buoyancy material can deteriorate or become compressed, and a jacket only proves serviceable through an approved buoyancy or inflation test. A jacket that fails the test must be withdrawn and replaced, not cleaned and returned to service. Warm storage does not restore lost buoyancy.

Question 49Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

In accordance with SOLAS life-saving appliance requirements, which item must be provided with every lifejacket so that a survivor can attract attention?

  1. A hand-held VHF radio
  2. A small magnetic compass
  3. A whistle secured by a lanyard Correct answer.
  4. A pack of distress flares

Explanation

Each lifejacket must carry a whistle firmly attached by a lanyard so the wearer can signal to rescuers. Distress flares and radios are carried in the survival craft or its equipment pack, not on each jacket. A compass is not a lifejacket fitting.

Question 50Types and use of personal life-saving appliances

A crew member must don a lifejacket while wearing bulky foul-weather gear. Which donning practice best ensures the jacket will stay in place and turn an unconscious wearer face-up?

  1. Wear the jacket loosely over the oilskins so it can be removed quickly
  2. Fasten all straps snugly, including the crotch strap, and check the fit before entering the water Correct answer.
  3. Put the jacket on only after entering the water to avoid snagging the oilskins
  4. Tighten only the waist strap and leave the chest strap slack for comfort

Explanation

A lifejacket only performs its righting and flotation function when all straps, including the crotch strap, are snug against the body. Loose straps allow the jacket to ride up or slip off, especially over smooth foul-weather clothing, and defeat the face-up turning action. The jacket must be donned and checked before abandoning ship.