AB Deck Safety and Pollution 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When must a 'confined space entry permit' be obtained before entering a void space on a vessel?
- Only when the space has been used to store chemicals
- Before every entry, regardless of previous access history (Correct answer)
- Only when the oxygen level is below 19.5%
- Only for spaces not entered in the last 30 days
Correct answer: Before every entry, regardless of previous access history
A confined space entry permit must be obtained before every entry because atmospheric conditions can change rapidly at any time.
Question 2: What is the purpose of the 'Garbage Management Plan' required by MARPOL Annex V?
- To estimate cargo weight for stability calculations
- To provide written procedures for collecting, storing, and disposing of garbage (Correct answer)
- To track crew overtime during garbage handling
- To schedule port waste reception facility bookings
Correct answer: To provide written procedures for collecting, storing, and disposing of garbage
The Garbage Management Plan provides written procedures that all crew must follow for handling, storing, and disposing of ship-generated garbage.
Question 3: A seaman notices a trail of oil on the water alongside the ship. The FIRST action should be:
- Spread oil-absorbent material immediately
- Notify the officer on watch immediately (Correct answer)
- Check the engine room bilge pump status
- Log the observation and report at watch change
Correct answer: Notify the officer on watch immediately
Immediate notification to the officer on watch is the first action so the source can be identified and stopped, preventing further pollution.
Question 4: What does the abbreviation 'PPE' stand for in a maritime safety context?
- Port Personnel Entry
- Personal Protective Equipment (Correct answer)
- Pollution Prevention Equipment
- Planned Preventive Examination
Correct answer: Personal Protective Equipment
PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment, such as hard hats, gloves, goggles, and safety boots used to protect workers from hazards.
Question 5: Under MARPOL Annex II, noxious liquid substances (NLS) are categorized to determine:
- Their market value at port
- The type of prewash and discharge procedures required (Correct answer)
- Which crew members may handle them
- The insurance premium for the voyage
Correct answer: The type of prewash and discharge procedures required
NLS categories (X, Y, Z) under MARPOL Annex II determine the prewash requirements and discharge procedures before tank cleaning effluent can be released.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes a 'dead man switch' as used in maritime safety equipment?
- An automatic helm correction device
- A safety device that stops a machine if the operator loses control or consciousness (Correct answer)
- A fire suppression trigger in the engine room
- An emergency bilge pump activator
Correct answer: A safety device that stops a machine if the operator loses control or consciousness
A dead man switch automatically stops equipment if the operator releases pressure or becomes incapacitated, preventing runaway machinery.
Question 7: How should a seaman safely handle a wire rope with a 'meat hook' (broken strand protruding)?
- Grip it firmly and proceed normally
- Use heavy leather gloves and handle the wire with the hook pointing away (Correct answer)
- Discard the wire immediately without touching it
- Tape over the protruding strand with electrical tape
Correct answer: Use heavy leather gloves and handle the wire with the hook pointing away
Heavy leather gloves and careful handling with the protruding strand directed away prevent serious lacerations from broken wire strands.
AB Deck Safety and Pollution 3
When must a 'confined space entry permit' be obtained before entering a void space on a vessel?