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NIMASA STCW PSSR practice questions

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Question 1Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

Under SOLAS, a totally enclosed lifeboat is required to have sufficient buoyancy to keep the boat afloat when it is flooded and still carrying its full complement of persons and equipment. What must also remain available in that flooded condition?

  1. A towline attached to the parent vessel
  2. Air supply for at least thirty minutes
  3. Positive stability so the boat floats upright and is not capsized Correct answer.
  4. Enough reserve buoyancy to support the engine and fuel system only

Explanation

A totally enclosed lifeboat must be capable of floating upright with positive stability when flooded and loaded with its full complement and equipment. This ensures survivors can remain aboard and be located rather than the boat capsizing. Towlines and air supplies are separate requirements.

Question 2Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

Which item of lifeboat equipment is specifically intended to help control the boat's movement and hold it in position during a rescue or recovery operation near the water surface?

  1. A compass
  2. A sea anchor (drogue) Correct answer.
  3. A bailer
  4. A boathook

Explanation

The sea anchor, or drogue, is streamed from the bow to keep the boat heading into the wind and sea and to slow drift. It is part of the standard lifeboat equipment list and is used to hold the boat in a controlled position. Boathooks, bailers and compasses serve entirely different purposes.

Question 3Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

A rescue boat carried under SOLAS must be capable of being launched and recovered rapidly. Which feature best supports this requirement?

  1. A single fixed lifting point with no release gear
  2. Permanent stowage on the open deck without a davit
  3. A dedicated launching appliance with a quick-release mechanism and powered recovery Correct answer.
  4. A gravity davit that requires manual cranking only

Explanation

Rescue boats need a launching appliance that allows rapid launch and recovery, typically with a quick-release hook and a powered winch for recovery. This is essential because rescue boats must respond quickly to persons in the water. Stowage without a davit or a purely manual system would not meet the rapid recovery requirement.

Question 4Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

In a totally enclosed lifeboat, what is the primary purpose of the water spray system fitted to the exterior of the boat?

  1. To provide a protective water film against fire on the water surface Correct answer.
  2. To wash the boat's windows during recovery
  3. To cool the engine compartment
  4. To increase the boat's buoyancy

Explanation

The exterior water spray system creates a film of water over the enclosed lifeboat to protect occupants from a burning oil slick on the sea surface. It is a fire-protection feature, not a cleaning or cooling system. It does not contribute to buoyancy.

Question 5Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

A lifeboat's painter is attached to the bow. What is the correct function of the painter during launching and after the boat is waterborne?

  1. To tow the lifeboat behind the parent vessel at sea
  2. To hold the lifeboat alongside the embarkation deck and then release it once afloat Correct answer.
  3. To act as a sea anchor to control drift
  4. To secure the lifeboat to its davit during stowage

Explanation

The painter keeps the lifeboat attached to the ship during launching so it can be controlled and held alongside the embarkation point. Once the boat is afloat and loaded, the painter is released so the boat can move clear. It is not a towing line, a securing line for stowage, or a sea anchor.

Question 6Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

Which of the following best describes the required marking on the outside of a lifeboat so that it can be identified from the air?

  1. The boat's serial number only
  2. The ship's name and port of registry in letters at least 100 mm high Correct answer.
  3. The boat's dimensions and date of manufacture
  4. The name of the manufacturer and the SOLAS chapter

Explanation

Lifeboats must be marked with the name of the ship and her port of registry in clearly visible characters, typically at least 100 mm high, plus the number of persons it is permitted to carry. This aids identification from the air and from other vessels. Serial numbers, dimensions and manufacturer details do not meet the identification requirement on their own.

Question 7Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

A free-fall lifeboat is stowed on an inclined ramp at the stern. Which statement correctly describes how it is normally launched?

  1. It slides down the ramp and enters the water under its own weight after the release mechanism is operated Correct answer.
  2. It is thrown overboard by the crew after being lifted by crane
  3. It is launched by inflating a gas cylinder that pushes it sideways
  4. It is lowered by a davit winch to the water before release

Explanation

A free-fall lifeboat is released from its inclined stowage and slides down the ramp, entering the water under gravity. The occupants are secured in seats to withstand the acceleration and impact. It does not rely on a davit winch or crane for normal launch.

Question 8Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

What is the primary reason lifeboat seats in a free-fall or totally enclosed lifeboat are fitted with head restraints?

  1. To keep occupants comfortable during long drifts
  2. To allow occupants to sleep during the voyage
  3. To provide buoyancy to the seat
  4. To protect the head and neck from impact forces during launch and water entry Correct answer.

Explanation

Head restraints protect occupants from head and neck injury caused by the sudden acceleration and deceleration forces during free-fall launch and water entry. They are a safety feature, not a comfort feature. They do not provide buoyancy.

Question 9Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

Which of the following items is required to be carried in a lifeboat to enable survivors to attract attention and signal their position?

  1. A first aid kit and seasickness tablets
  2. A set of distress flares and a waterproof electric torch Correct answer.
  3. A fishing line and hooks
  4. A fire axe and a bucket

Explanation

Lifeboats carry pyrotechnic distress signals and a waterproof electric torch so survivors can attract attention and signal their position, especially at night. Fire axes, first aid kits and fishing gear may be carried but serve different purposes and are not the primary signalling equipment.

Question 10Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

A lifeboat's engine is required to be capable of starting in cold conditions. Which feature is provided to assist starting when the engine is cold?

  1. A decompression lever only
  2. A manually operated hand-start crank only
  3. A means to pre-heat the engine or a cold-start aid Correct answer.
  4. A compressed air supply for the fuel tank

Explanation

Lifeboat engines are fitted with a cold-start aid, such as a pre-heater or starting aid, so the engine can be started reliably in low temperatures. A hand-start crank alone may not be sufficient without a cold-start aid. Compressed air for the fuel tank is not a starting aid.

Question 11Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

What is the purpose of the automatic release hook (hydrostatic release unit) fitted to a life raft's stowage?

  1. To inflate the raft when it is launched manually
  2. To control the raft's inflation pressure
  3. To secure the raft to the deck during heavy weather
  4. To release the raft automatically if the ship sinks before the raft can be launched manually Correct answer.

Explanation

A hydrostatic release unit releases the liferaft automatically when the ship sinks to a certain depth, allowing the raft to float free and inflate. It is a backup to manual launching. It does not control inflation pressure or secure the raft during normal weather.

Question 12Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

Which statement correctly describes the buoyancy arrangement of a rigid lifeboat that is not totally enclosed?

  1. It is fitted with built-in buoyancy tanks or compartments Correct answer.
  2. It is kept afloat by the occupants' lifejackets
  3. It uses inflatable tubes around the gunwale
  4. It relies solely on the buoyancy of the hull material

Explanation

A rigid lifeboat is fitted with built-in buoyancy tanks or compartments to keep it afloat when flooded. The hull material alone does not provide sufficient reserve buoyancy. Lifejackets are personal flotation and do not keep the boat afloat.

Question 13Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

A rescue boat is required to be capable of recovering an unconscious person from the water. Which design feature most directly supports this?

  1. A large fuel tank for extended range
  2. A high freeboard to keep water out
  3. A rigid canopy over the whole boat
  4. A low freeboard or a recovery platform at the waterline Correct answer.

Explanation

A low freeboard or a recovery platform at the waterline allows the crew to bring an unconscious person aboard without lifting them over a high side. This is a key design requirement for rescue boats. High freeboard, large fuel capacity and a full canopy do not assist recovery from the water.

Question 14Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

What is the function of the lifeboat's bow cover, or canopy, in a partially enclosed lifeboat?

  1. To provide shade for the helmsman only
  2. To act as a sail to propel the boat
  3. To protect occupants from wind, spray and weather, and to help keep water out Correct answer.
  4. To store the sea anchor

Explanation

The bow cover or canopy protects occupants from wind, spray and weather and helps prevent water from entering the boat. It is a weather-protection feature, not a sail or storage compartment. It is not limited to shading the helmsman.

Question 15Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

Which piece of equipment is required in a lifeboat to enable the occupants to cut free from entanglements after launching?

  1. A fire axe and a strong knife Correct answer.
  2. A hand pump
  3. A compass and a chart
  4. A pair of oars

Explanation

A fire axe and a strong knife are carried so occupants can cut free from entanglements, such as lines or wreckage, after launching. Oars, navigation equipment and hand pumps serve other purposes and cannot cut lines.

Question 16Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

A totally enclosed lifeboat is fitted with an air supply system. What is the purpose of this system?

  1. To pressurise the fuel tank
  2. To cool the engine during operation
  3. To provide breathable air inside the enclosed space when the hatches are closed Correct answer.
  4. To inflate the lifeboat's buoyancy chambers

Explanation

The air supply system provides breathable air to occupants when the lifeboat is fully enclosed and hatches are shut, for example when passing through fire or when the interior atmosphere becomes stale. It does not inflate buoyancy chambers, cool the engine or pressurise the fuel tank.

Question 17Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

Which of the following correctly describes the required capacity marking on a lifeboat?

  1. The date of the boat's last inspection
  2. The weight of the boat in kilograms
  3. The number of persons the boat is permitted to carry, marked clearly Correct answer.
  4. The maximum speed of the boat in knots

Explanation

A lifeboat must be marked with the number of persons it is permitted to carry, so that it is clear how many survivors it can safely hold. Weight, speed and inspection dates are not the required capacity marking.

Question 18Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

A lifeboat is fitted with a means of propulsion independent of the ship. Which statement correctly describes the required propulsion for a lifeboat?

  1. It must rely on the ship's engine through a towline
  2. It must be capable of being rowed only
  3. It must have a compression-ignition engine with sufficient fuel for a specified period Correct answer.
  4. It must be propelled by oars and a sail

Explanation

A lifeboat must be fitted with a compression-ignition engine and carry sufficient fuel for a specified period of running, so it can move independently of the parent ship. Rowing alone, towing from the ship, or sail power does not meet the requirement.

Question 19Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

When a lifeboat is launched by a davit, what is the purpose of the limit switch on the davit winch?

  1. To stop the winch before the boat reaches the water
  2. To release the boat's painter automatically
  3. To prevent the davit arm from being raised or lowered beyond its safe operating limits Correct answer.
  4. To control the boat's speed through the water

Explanation

The limit switch stops the winch before the davit arm travels beyond its designed safe limits, preventing mechanical damage or an unsafe condition. It does not control the boat's speed in the water or release the painter, and it does not stop the boat before it reaches the water.

Question 20Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

A lifeboat's equipment list includes a manual pump. What is the primary purpose of this pump?

  1. To pump fuel to the engine
  2. To remove water that has entered the boat Correct answer.
  3. To pump air into the enclosed space
  4. To inflate the buoyancy chambers

Explanation

The manual pump, or bailer system, is provided to remove water that has entered the lifeboat. It is not a fuel pump, an inflation device or an air supply system. Keeping the boat dry is essential for stability and occupant safety.

Question 21Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

Which of the following is a required feature of the release mechanism of a lifeboat on-load release gear?

  1. It must be capable of being released under load and must have a clear indication of the loaded and unloaded condition Correct answer.
  2. It must be operated only from outside the boat
  3. It must be capable of being released only when the boat is fully waterborne
  4. It must be locked permanently to prevent accidental release

Explanation

On-load release gear must allow release under load and must clearly indicate whether the hook is loaded or unloaded, so the crew can release safely and avoid accidental release. It is not restricted to waterborne release, is operated from inside the boat, and is not permanently locked.

Question 22Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

A lifeboat's fuel tank is required to be protected against spillage and fire. Which arrangement best meets this requirement?

  1. A tank mounted on the exterior of the boat
  2. A tank located in a protected space with a shut-off valve and a fire-resistant enclosure Correct answer.
  3. A tank located above the engine with an open filler
  4. A tank made of plastic with no shut-off valve

Explanation

The fuel tank should be located in a protected space, fitted with a shut-off valve and enclosed in a fire-resistant arrangement to reduce fire risk. An open filler, exterior mounting or a plastic tank without a shut-off valve would not provide the required protection.

Question 23Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

What is the purpose of the liferaft's painter when the raft is launched manually?

  1. To inflate the raft when the painter is pulled after the raft is thrown overboard Correct answer.
  2. To tow the raft to the ship's side
  3. To act as an anchor to hold the raft in position
  4. To secure the raft to the deck during stowage

Explanation

The liferaft painter is attached to the ship and, when pulled after the raft is thrown overboard, actuates the inflation system. It is not a towing line, a stowage securing line or an anchor. The raft inflates as the painter is pulled.

Question 24Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

A lifeboat is required to be self-righting when totally enclosed. What does this mean in practice?

  1. The boat will remain capsized until manually righted
  2. The boat will inflate a buoyancy bag to right itself
  3. The boat will sink if it capsizes
  4. The boat will automatically return to an upright position if it capsizes Correct answer.

Explanation

A self-righting totally enclosed lifeboat is designed so that, if it capsizes, it will automatically return to the upright position, protecting the occupants. It does not sink, remain capsized or rely on an inflatable bag to right itself.

Question 25Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

When a lifeboat is being recovered after a drill, which action best protects the crew from injury?

  1. Recovering the boat without checking the davit limit switch
  2. Ensuring the boat is securely hooked on and clear of personnel before hoisting Correct answer.
  3. Standing under the boat as it is hoisted
  4. Hoisting the boat with the release gear in the open position

Explanation

Before hoisting, the boat must be securely hooked on and all personnel kept clear to prevent injury from a falling or swinging boat. Standing under the boat, hoisting with the release gear open, or ignoring the limit switch would create serious hazards.

Question 26Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

Under SOLAS requirements, what is the minimum number of buoyant oars that a lifeboat must carry?

  1. Two
  2. One
  3. Four Correct answer.
  4. Six

Explanation

SOLAS requires lifeboats to be equipped with a minimum of four buoyant oars, plus a steering oar where applicable. This ensures the boat can be manoeuvred if the engine fails or in confined waters.

Question 27Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

A lifeboat is fitted with a manually operated sprinkler system for fire protection. What is the primary purpose of this system?

  1. To provide drinking water for survivors
  2. To cool the lifeboat's engine
  3. To create a water spray curtain that protects the boat from fire Correct answer.
  4. To wash down the lifeboat's interior

Explanation

The sprinkler system is designed to spray water over the exterior of the lifeboat, forming a protective curtain that reduces the risk of fire reaching the boat and its occupants. It is not intended for drinking, engine cooling, or cleaning.

Question 28Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

When a totally enclosed lifeboat is launched, the release mechanism must be capable of being operated under which condition?

  1. Only when the boat is fully loaded with its full complement
  2. Only by a person outside the boat using a remote handle
  3. Under load, with the boat still suspended, to allow on-load release Correct answer.
  4. Only when the boat is waterborne and the falls are slack

Explanation

Totally enclosed lifeboats are fitted with on-load release gear that allows the hooks to be released while the boat is still suspended and under load. This enables launching in conditions where the boat may not be waterborne, and the mechanism must be designed to prevent accidental release.

Question 29Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

Which statement correctly describes the retro-reflective material required on a lifeboat?

  1. It is required only on the canopy of a totally enclosed lifeboat.
  2. It must be fitted on the outside of the boat and on the canopy to aid detection by radar and searchlights. Correct answer.
  3. It is required only on the boat's interior to help occupants find equipment.
  4. It is optional if the boat is painted international orange.

Explanation

Lifeboats must have retro-reflective tape or patches on the exterior and on the canopy so that searchlights and radar can detect them, especially at night or in low visibility. The material is in addition to, not replaced by, the orange hull colour.

Question 30Survival craft and rescue boat construction, equipment and outfit

A lifeboat is equipped with a compressed-air supply for its engine. Which arrangement best ensures the engine can be started in an emergency?

  1. The air bottle is connected directly to the engine without any isolation valve.
  2. The air bottle is kept at low pressure to reduce risk and is topped up by a hand pump before starting.
  3. The air bottle is charged to full pressure and isolated by a valve that is opened only when starting. Correct answer.
  4. The air bottle is discharged after each test and left empty until the next drill.

Explanation

The starting-air bottle must be kept fully charged and isolated by a valve so that air is conserved until needed. Opening the valve at starting delivers the stored energy to crank the engine, ensuring reliable starting in an emergency.

Question 31Launching and recovery arrangements, davits and release gear

Under STCW and SOLAS requirements, how often must lifeboat launching appliances, including davits and their associated release gear, undergo a thorough examination and dynamic test?

  1. Only when a defect is reported
  2. Every 5 years
  3. Every 6 months
  4. Every 12 months Correct answer.

Explanation

SOLAS III/20 and STCW require that lifeboat launching appliances be thoroughly examined and dynamically tested at intervals not exceeding 12 months, with additional weekly and monthly inspections in between. The annual thorough examination covers the davits, falls, winches and release gear as a system.

Question 32Launching and recovery arrangements, davits and release gear

On a lifeboat davit arrangement, what is the primary function of the limit switch fitted to the winch?

  1. To stop the winch motor before the davit arm or boat reaches its mechanical stop Correct answer.
  2. To release the brake automatically when the boat touches the water
  3. To sound the general alarm during abandon-ship drill
  4. To measure the tension in the wire fall during recovery

Explanation

A limit switch on the winch interrupts the power or control circuit so the davit arm or boat cannot be driven hard against its mechanical stop, preventing over-tensioning and structural damage. It is a travel-limiting safety device, not a load or alarm device.

Question 33Launching and recovery arrangements, davits and release gear

Which component of a lifeboat release gear is designed to allow the boat to be released only when it is waterborne or the falls are slack?

  1. The davit limit switch
  2. The hydrostatic interlock Correct answer.
  3. The winch brake band
  4. The boat fall equaliser

Explanation

A hydrostatic interlock prevents the release handle from operating while the boat is still suspended and under load, allowing release only when the boat is waterborne or the falls are slack. This is a key on-load release safety feature required after the SOLAS amendments on release gear.

Question 34Launching and recovery arrangements, davits and release gear

During a weekly inspection, what should be confirmed about the lifeboat davit falls?

  1. That the falls have been renewed within the last month
  2. That the falls are fully slack on the drum
  3. That the falls are properly secured at their drum ends and show no obvious damage or kinks Correct answer.
  4. That the falls have been proof-load tested that week

Explanation

Weekly inspections confirm that falls are properly secured at the drum ends, are free of obvious damage, kinks or broken wires, and are correctly wound. Proof-load testing and renewal are periodic activities, not weekly ones.

Question 35Launching and recovery arrangements, davits and release gear

Which of the following best describes the purpose of marking the davit structure with the safe working load and the boat's maximum permitted mass?

  1. To ensure the boat and its full complement do not exceed the designed capacity of the davit system Correct answer.
  2. To record the date of the last davit inspection
  3. To identify the manufacturer of the davit
  4. To show the required brake holding load for the winch

Explanation

Markings of safe working load and maximum permitted boat mass ensure that the boat, equipment and persons do not exceed the designed capacity of the davit and falls. Exceeding these limits is a structural and safety hazard.

Question 36Launching and recovery arrangements, davits and release gear

What is the function of the davit's boat fall guide or sheave arrangement?

  1. To lock the davit arm in the stowed position
  2. To measure the angle of the davit arm
  3. To provide additional buoyancy to the lifeboat
  4. To lead the falls from the winch drum to the boat without chafing or fouling Correct answer.

Explanation

Fall guides and sheaves route the wire falls from the winch drum to the boat, keeping them clear of obstructions and preventing chafing or fouling during launch and recovery. They are a routing and wear-protection feature.

Question 37Launching and recovery arrangements, davits and release gear

Before lowering a lifeboat during a drill, which action confirms the release gear is properly reset and the interlock is engaged?

  1. Checking that the boat is fully loaded with the entire crew
  2. Checking that the boat's engine is running at full speed
  3. Checking that the release handle is in the fully reset position and the interlock indicator shows engaged Correct answer.
  4. Checking that the painter is already released

Explanation

Before lowering, the release gear must be confirmed in the fully reset position with the hydrostatic interlock engaged, as shown by the indicator or a physical check. Lowering with a partially reset hook risks premature release.

Question 38Launching and recovery arrangements, davits and release gear

What does the term 'on-load release' mean in the context of lifeboat release gear?

  1. The hook is released by the winch brake
  2. The hook can only be released after the boat is waterborne
  3. The hook is released by pulling the painter
  4. The hook can be released while the boat is still suspended and bearing its weight on the falls Correct answer.

Explanation

An on-load release allows the hook to open while the boat is suspended and its weight is still carried by the falls. Because this creates a risk if operated prematurely, it must be fitted with a hydrostatic interlock and be carefully maintained.

Question 39Launching and recovery arrangements, davits and release gear

During a monthly inspection of a lifeboat davit, which item should be checked on the winch brake?

  1. That the brake is left fully disengaged for ventilation
  2. That the brake is adjusted to allow slow creep during recovery
  3. That the brake holds the boat and falls without slipping when the control is released Correct answer.
  4. That the brake lining is painted to match the davit

Explanation

Monthly inspection includes confirming that the winch brake holds the load without slipping when the control is released. A slipping brake is a serious hazard during recovery and must be corrected before further use.

Question 40Launching and recovery arrangements, davits and release gear

A davit fall shows several broken wires near a termination and some corrosion. What is the correct course of action?

  1. Report it and have the fall assessed against the rejection criteria, replacing it if limits are exceeded Correct answer.
  2. Shorten the fall by cutting off the damaged section and re-terminating at sea
  3. Apply grease and record it for the next annual inspection only
  4. Continue using it until the next five-year renewal

Explanation

Broken wires and corrosion near a termination must be reported and assessed against the established rejection criteria, such as the number of broken wires over a length and the degree of deterioration. If limits are exceeded, the fall must be replaced before further use.

Question 41Launching and recovery arrangements, davits and release gear

How should a lifeboat be recovered using the davit winch to avoid over-stressing the falls and release gear?

  1. Recover slowly and smoothly, avoiding shock loading and stopping when the boat is properly stowed Correct answer.
  2. Recover at maximum winch speed to reduce time in the air
  3. Allow the boat to drop slightly before taking the load to test the brake
  4. Keep the release handle held open during recovery

Explanation

Recovery should be slow and smooth to avoid shock loading, which can over-stress the falls, davit and release gear. The winch should stop when the boat is correctly stowed and secured.

Question 42Launching and recovery arrangements, davits and release gear

What is the purpose of the davit's stowage securing arrangement, such as a stowage pin or latch?

  1. To tension the falls for storage
  2. To prevent the winch brake from being applied
  3. To hold the davit arm or boat securely in the stowed position when not in use Correct answer.
  4. To lock the release hook closed during launching

Explanation

Stowage securing arrangements hold the davit arm or boat in the stowed position so it cannot swing or move when the vessel rolls or during normal operations. They are removed only when preparing to launch.

Question 43Launching and recovery arrangements, davits and release gear

Which of the following is a required check on the hydrostatic interlock during inspection?

  1. That the interlock prevents release when the boat is suspended and operates freely when waterborne Correct answer.
  2. That the interlock is painted over to prevent corrosion
  3. That the interlock is disconnected when the boat is in the davits
  4. That the interlock can be manually bypassed with a screwdriver during drills

Explanation

Inspection must confirm that the hydrostatic interlock prevents release while the boat is suspended under load and that it operates freely and correctly when the boat is waterborne. Bypassing or disabling it defeats a critical safety function.

Question 44Launching and recovery arrangements, davits and release gear

During a launch, the boat is lowered and the falls become slack. What should the operator do next?

  1. Release the hook using the release handle, then confirm the boat is clear before moving away Correct answer.
  2. Cut the falls to free the boat
  3. Immediately hoist the boat back up to test the winch
  4. Release the painter before the falls go slack

Explanation

Once the boat is waterborne and the falls are slack, the release hook can be operated to free the boat, after which the boat should move clear of the ship. Releasing before the falls are slack risks a dangerous drop.

Question 45Launching and recovery arrangements, davits and release gear

What does a 'dynamic test' of a lifeboat launching appliance involve?

  1. Testing the boat's engine at full power while it is stowed
  2. Measuring the thickness of the davit structure with an ultrasonic gauge
  3. Operating the davit and winch with the boat to verify the system functions correctly under working conditions Correct answer.
  4. Applying a static proof load to the davit with the boat removed

Explanation

A dynamic test operates the launching appliance, including the davit and winch, with the boat to verify the system functions correctly under working conditions. It differs from static proof-load testing and from structural thickness measurement.

Question 46Launching and recovery arrangements, davits and release gear

A crew member reports that the lifeboat release handle moves stiffly and does not return fully. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Apply force to free the handle and continue the drill
  2. Record the defect for correction at the next annual survey
  3. Lubricate the handle with any available oil and continue without reporting
  4. Stop use of the appliance, report the defect and have the release gear examined and corrected before further drills Correct answer.

Explanation

A stiff or non-returning release handle indicates a defect in critical release gear and the appliance must be taken out of use until examined and corrected. Continuing drills with a defective release mechanism risks inadvertent release or failure to release.

Question 47Launching and recovery arrangements, davits and release gear

Which factor most directly determines the required brake holding capacity of a lifeboat winch?

  1. The maximum load on the falls, including the boat, equipment and persons, with an appropriate safety factor Correct answer.
  2. The length of the painter
  3. The colour of the davit structure
  4. The number of crew assigned to the winch

Explanation

Brake holding capacity must be sufficient to hold the maximum load on the falls, including the boat, its equipment and persons, with an appropriate safety factor. It is a load-based design parameter unrelated to colour, crewing or painter length.

Question 48Launching and recovery arrangements, davits and release gear

Why must the davit falls be maintained at the correct tension and evenly wound on the drum?

  1. To keep the wire bright and free of paint
  2. To prevent slack turns from jamming or kinking and to ensure even load distribution during launch Correct answer.
  3. To increase the boat's buoyancy
  4. To allow the brake to be left off

Explanation

Correct tension and even winding prevent slack turns from jamming, kinking or crushing on the drum, and ensure the load is distributed evenly during launch and recovery. Poor winding can cause shock loads and wire damage.

Question 49Launching and recovery arrangements, davits and release gear

In the context of lifeboat davits, what is meant by 'tricing' or 'hanging-off' arrangement?

  1. A type of brake lining for the winch
  2. A device for measuring davit arm angle
  3. A method of releasing the hook under load
  4. A means of holding the boat inboard against the ship's side during preparation and boarding Correct answer.

Explanation

Tricing or hanging-off arrangements hold the boat inboard against the ship's side during preparation and boarding so it does not swing. They are released as part of the launch sequence once the boat is ready to be lowered.

Question 50Launching and recovery arrangements, davits and release gear

What is a key risk of recovering a lifeboat with the release hook not fully reset?

  1. The hook may open under load, dropping the boat Correct answer.
  2. The winch brake will overheat
  3. The davit limit switch will fail
  4. The fall guides will seize

Explanation

If the release hook is not fully reset, it may open under load during recovery, causing the boat to drop. Confirming full reset and interlock engagement before recovery is therefore essential.