AB Lifesaving and Survival Craft Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A hydrostatic release unit (HRU) for a life raft is designed to automatically release the raft under what condition?
- When the vessel's abandon ship alarm is sounded
- When it is submerged to a depth of 1.5 to 4 meters (Correct answer)
- Upon manual activation by a crew member from the bridge
- After being exposed to a significant fire or high temperature
Correct answer: When it is submerged to a depth of 1.5 to 4 meters
A hydrostatic release unit (HRU) is a pressure-activated mechanism. It is designed to automatically deploy a life raft when the vessel sinks and the HRU reaches a water depth of 1.5 to 4 meters, where the hydrostatic pressure is sufficient to trigger the release.
Question 2: While participating in an abandon ship drill, you are tasked with launching a davit-launched lifeboat. According to SOLAS regulations, what is the maximum time allowed to launch all survival craft with their full complement of persons and equipment after the signal is given?
- 5 minutes
- 20 minutes
- 10 minutes (Correct answer)
- 30 minutes
Correct answer: 10 minutes
SOLAS regulations require that all survival craft, fully loaded with their assigned persons and equipment, must be capable of being launched within a period of 10 minutes from the time the abandon-ship signal is given.
Question 3: Which of the following items is required by SOLAS to be included in the normal equipment of every lifeboat?
- A satellite phone
- Two buoyant rescue quoits, attached to not less than 30 meters of buoyant line (Correct answer)
- A personal flotation device (PFD) for each person
- Enough fuel for 72 hours of operation at 6 knots
Correct answer: Two buoyant rescue quoits, attached to not less than 30 meters of buoyant line
According to SOLAS Chapter III, the standard equipment for a lifeboat must include two buoyant rescue quoits, each attached to at least 30 meters of buoyant line, for rescuing people from the water. While PFDs are critical, they are worn by individuals, not stowed as lifeboat equipment. Fuel requirements are for 24 hours of operation, and a satellite phone is not standard required equipment.
Question 4: A vessel is sinking, and the crew is unable to launch the life rafts manually. An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is mounted with a Category 1 bracket. What is the sequence of automatic activation?
- The EPIRB must be manually switched on to transmit a signal.
- The hydrostatic release unit activates, releasing the EPIRB, which then floats free and begins transmitting. (Correct answer)
- The EPIRB automatically activates once it loses its connection to the ship's power supply.
- The EPIRB transmits a signal only after the life raft painter line is pulled taut.
Correct answer: The hydrostatic release unit activates, releasing the EPIRB, which then floats free and begins transmitting.
A Category 1 EPIRB is designed for automatic, float-free operation. When the vessel sinks, the hydrostatic release unit (HRU) is triggered by water pressure, releasing the EPIRB from its bracket. Once the EPIRB is floating on the surface, it automatically activates and begins transmitting a distress signal to satellites.
Question 5: On the container of an inflatable life raft, you see the marking 'SOLAS A PACK'. What does this indicate?
- The raft is approved for use only on arctic voyages.
- The raft contains equipment suitable for long-duration survival in any ocean. (Correct answer)
- It is the smallest capacity life raft approved under SOLAS.
- The raft is designed to be launched automatically by a davit system.
Correct answer: The raft contains equipment suitable for long-duration survival in any ocean.
The 'SOLAS A PACK' marking indicates that the life raft is equipped with a specific set of survival equipment suitable for vessels on long international voyages, where rescue may be slow to arrive. The 'SOLAS B PACK' has less equipment and is for vessels on short international voyages.
Question 6: Your vessel must abandon ship. As you approach the lifeboat, you notice a small, open valve near the bottom of the hull with a cap attached by a lanyard. What is the purpose of this device?
- To provide ventilation to the engine compartment.
- To allow seawater in for ballast when the boat is empty.
- To drain accumulated rainwater when the boat is stowed, and it closes automatically when waterborne. (Correct answer)
- To serve as an emergency bilge suction connection point.
Correct answer: To drain accumulated rainwater when the boat is stowed, and it closes automatically when waterborne.
This device is the lifeboat's drain valve, also known as a garboard drain. Its purpose is to automatically drain any water (like rainwater) that collects in the boat while it is in its stowage. The valve is designed to close automatically to prevent water entry once the lifeboat is afloat. The attached cap is for securing it manually.
AB Lifesaving and Survival Craft Questions and Answers
A hydrostatic release unit (HRU) for a life raft is designed to automatically release the raft under what condition?