DWO Emergency Response 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What signal is used internationally to indicate 'Abandon Ship'?
- More than 6 short blasts followed by 1 long blast on the ship's whistle (Correct answer)
- 3 long blasts on the ship's whistle
- Continuous sounding of the ship's whistle for 30 seconds
- 5 short blasts on the ship's whistle
Correct answer: More than 6 short blasts followed by 1 long blast on the ship's whistle
SOLAS specifies the abandon-ship signal as more than 6 short blasts followed by 1 long blast on the ship's whistle or alarm.
Question 2: Which class of fire involves energized electrical equipment?
- Class C (Correct answer)
- Class A
- Class B
- Class D
Correct answer: Class C
Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment; the extinguishing agent must be non-conductive to prevent electrocution.
Question 3: When using an EPIRB, which satellite system receives the 406 MHz distress signal?
- COSPAS-SARSAT (Correct answer)
- Inmarsat
- GPS NAVSTAR
- Iridium
Correct answer: COSPAS-SARSAT
COSPAS-SARSAT is the international satellite system that receives and processes 406 MHz EPIRB distress signals and relays them to rescue coordination centers.
Question 4: A vessel is taking on water rapidly. Which of the following is the correct priority order under damage control principles?
- Close watertight doors, locate the breach, stop flooding, dewater (Correct answer)
- Dewater first, then locate the breach
- Locate the breach, then sound abandon ship
- Open all hatches to equalize pressure
Correct answer: Close watertight doors, locate the breach, stop flooding, dewater
Closing watertight doors limits flooding spread, finding the breach allows targeted plugging, and dewatering follows only after flooding is controlled.
Question 5: A fire in the paint locker should be fought using which method FIRST?
- Fixed CO2 or foam smothering system, keeping the space sealed (Correct answer)
- Direct water spray into the locker
- Portable dry chemical extinguisher applied through the open door
- Ventilating the locker to remove fumes
Correct answer: Fixed CO2 or foam smothering system, keeping the space sealed
Smothering agents applied through fixed systems without opening the locker prevent oxygen from feeding the fire and avoid exposing crew to toxic fumes.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a Secondary Means of Escape from an enclosed space?
- To provide an alternative exit if the primary access is blocked by fire or flooding (Correct answer)
- To allow fresh air ventilation during normal operations
- To serve as an emergency anchor point for safety lines
- To provide access for fire hoses
Correct answer: To provide an alternative exit if the primary access is blocked by fire or flooding
SOLAS requires a secondary means of escape from enclosed spaces to ensure crew can exit if the primary route is compromised.
Question 7: During a medical emergency at sea, the DWO should contact which service for remote medical advice?
- CIRM (Centro Internazionale Radio Medico) or USCG MEDICO via radio (Correct answer)
- The nearest port authority by VHF
- The ship's insurance company by satellite phone
- The flag state maritime authority
Correct answer: CIRM (Centro Internazionale Radio Medico) or USCG MEDICO via radio
MEDICO services such as CIRM or USCG MEDICO on channel 16 provide free remote medical guidance to vessels at sea.
DWO Emergency Response 3
What signal is used internationally to indicate 'Abandon Ship'?