AB Lifesaving and Survival Craft 5

Question 1

What is the required service interval for an inflatable liferaft under SOLAS?

Accepted Answer

Every 12 months

Answer

Inflatable liferafts must be serviced at an approved service station every 12 months (or as otherwise specified).

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of a tripping line attached to a sea anchor on a liferaft?

Accepted Answer

To collapse the sea anchor for retrieval

Answer

Pulling the tripping line collapses the sea anchor, allowing it to be retrieved without hauling against full water resistance.

Question 3

Under US regulations, how frequently must lifeboat/rescue boat drills be conducted on cargo vessels?

Accepted Answer

Once per week

Answer

SOLAS requires crew to participate in at least one abandon ship and fire drill every week on cargo vessels.

Question 4

What factor most significantly affects the time to loss of consciousness from hypothermia in water?

Accepted Answer

Water temperature

Answer

Water temperature is the most critical factor; cold water rapidly conducts heat away from the body, causing hypothermia much faster than cold air.

Question 5

When a liferaft is boarded after abandoning ship, what should be the first action?

Accepted Answer

Cut the painter line if the vessel is sinking

Answer

The painter must be cut once all survivors are aboard if the sinking vessel could pull the raft under.

(AB) Able Seaman Exam Practice Test