Lifesaving and Survival Craft Flashcards

What is the minimum number of immersion suits required to be carried on a cargo vessel in US waters?

Answer: One for every person on board

SOLAS requires one immersion suit for every person on board cargo vessels operating in cold water regions.

During a man overboard drill, which side of the vessel should the rescue boat be launched from?

Answer: The leeward side

The rescue boat is launched from the leeward side to provide a lee for the rescue operation and reduce risk to the boat.

What color smoke is produced by a distress signal pyrotechnic used during daytime?

Answer: Orange

Daytime distress smoke signals produce orange smoke, which is highly visible against sea and sky.

An EPIRB operating on 406 MHz transmits distress signals to which satellite system?

Answer: GEOSAR/LEOSAR (COSPAS-SARSAT)

406 MHz EPIRBs transmit to the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite network, which includes both geostationary and polar-orbiting satellites.

How should a lifeboat engine be tested during a weekly inspection?

Answer: Run it for at least 3 minutes

SOLAS requires lifeboats engines to be run for at least 3 minutes during each weekly inspection.

What is the purpose of a painter line on a liferaft?

Answer: To activate the CO2 inflation system when pulled

The painter line connects the liferaft container to the vessel; pulling it activates the hydrostatic inflator or manual inflation.

What is the recommended body position for a person in the water without an immersion suit to reduce heat loss?

Answer: Assume the HELP (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) position

HELP position (knees drawn to chest, arms crossed over the chest) minimizes heat loss from the groin, armpits, and chest.