AB Firefighting and Emergency Procedures 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The Emergency Fire Control Plan posted aboard a vessel shows:
- Evacuation routes to lifeboats only
- Location of fire-fighting equipment, fire zones, and detection systems (Correct answer)
- Personal protective equipment stowage locations only
- Cargo manifest and stowage plan
Correct answer: Location of fire-fighting equipment, fire zones, and detection systems
The fire control plan displays fire zones, locations of fire-fighting appliances, detection systems, and means of stopping ventilation and closing watertight doors.
Question 2: When fighting a fire in a confined space, a firefighter's air supply in an SCBA typically lasts how long under heavy work conditions?
- 60 to 90 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- 15 to 30 minutes (Correct answer)
- 5 to 10 minutes
Correct answer: 15 to 30 minutes
Under strenuous activity, a standard 30-minute SCBA cylinder is often depleted in 15–30 minutes due to increased breathing rate.
Question 3: Which signal on a ship's general alarm indicates a fire emergency?
- Seven short blasts followed by one long blast
- One long continuous blast
- Three short blasts
- Continuous ringing of bells for at least 10 seconds (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Continuous ringing of bells for at least 10 seconds
The general alarm for fire (and other emergencies) is a continuous ringing of the ship's bell or alarm for at least 10 seconds.
Question 4: Which type of portable extinguisher is best suited for a galley grease fire (Class K)?
- CO2 extinguisher
- Water mist extinguisher
- Dry chemical (ABC) extinguisher
- Wet chemical extinguisher (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Wet chemical extinguisher
Wet chemical extinguishers are specifically designed for Class K cooking oil fires, as they saponify the grease and prevent re-ignition.
Question 5: What precaution must be taken BEFORE activating a CO2 total flooding system in an engine room?
- Increase ventilation to dilute the gas
- Ensure all personnel have evacuated the space (Correct answer)
- Start the emergency fire pump
- Sound three short blasts on the ship's whistle
Correct answer: Ensure all personnel have evacuated the space
CO2 is lethal in the concentrations used for firefighting; all personnel must evacuate and be accounted for before release.
Question 6: What does a thermal imaging camera (TIC) allow firefighters to do aboard a ship?
- Measure oxygen levels in a compartment
- Detect hidden heat sources and hot spots through smoke (Correct answer)
- Communicate with the bridge during emergencies
- Identify the type of combustible material burning
Correct answer: Detect hidden heat sources and hot spots through smoke
A TIC detects infrared radiation and displays heat signatures, allowing firefighters to locate victims or hot spots through dense smoke.
Question 7: Which document describes the specific duties of each crew member during a fire emergency?
- Certificate of Inspection
- Muster List (Station Bill) (Correct answer)
- Cargo Securing Manual
- Safety Management Certificate
Correct answer: Muster List (Station Bill)
The Muster List (Station Bill) specifies each crew member's emergency duties, station assignments, and actions for fire and other emergencies.
AB Firefighting and Emergency Procedures 4
The Emergency Fire Control Plan posted aboard a vessel shows: