DWO Safety Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a man overboard alarm is activated on watch, what is the FIRST action the OOW should take?
- Reduce speed and maneuver to return to the casualty (Correct answer)
- Notify the master and all departments
- Launch the rescue boat immediately
- Broadcast a DSC distress alert
Correct answer: Reduce speed and maneuver to return to the casualty
The immediate priority is to maneuver the vessel back toward the casualty to keep them in sight and reduce drift.
Question 2: Under SOLAS, a muster list must be posted in which locations?
- Bridge only
- In crew cabins and public spaces (Correct answer)
- Engine room only
- Captain's cabin and radio room
Correct answer: In crew cabins and public spaces
SOLAS requires muster lists to be prominently displayed in crew cabins, public spaces, and other conspicuous positions throughout the ship.
Question 3: What is the purpose of an Immersion Suit (survival suit)?
- To provide buoyancy only
- To protect against hypothermia and aid flotation in cold water (Correct answer)
- To signal rescuers via built-in radio
- To allow diving to recover equipment
Correct answer: To protect against hypothermia and aid flotation in cold water
Immersion suits protect the wearer from hypothermia by retaining body heat and also provide positive buoyancy.
Question 4: Which type of fire extinguisher is suitable for a Class B (flammable liquid) fire on a vessel?
- Water extinguisher
- CO2 or dry chemical extinguisher (Correct answer)
- Sand bucket only
- Foam is prohibited; use water mist
Correct answer: CO2 or dry chemical extinguisher
CO2 and dry chemical extinguishers are effective on Class B fires because they smother flames without spreading the burning liquid.
Question 5: What does the term 'dead ship condition' mean for emergency preparedness?
- Vessel is anchored and crew is ashore
- Main propulsion and essential services are non-operational (Correct answer)
- Vessel has lost all navigational lights
- All crew are at muster stations
Correct answer: Main propulsion and essential services are non-operational
A dead ship condition means the main propulsion plant, boilers, and auxiliary systems are all out of operation.
Question 6: A vessel's Safety Management System (SMS) under ISM Code requires the master to do which of the following?
- Delegate all safety decisions to the chief officer
- Ensure the SMS is implemented and report non-conformities to shore management (Correct answer)
- Maintain the SMS documents ashore only
- Update the SMS annually without crew input
Correct answer: Ensure the SMS is implemented and report non-conformities to shore management
The ISM Code requires the master to implement the SMS and communicate deficiencies and non-conformities to the company.
Question 7: How often must onboard fire drills be conducted according to SOLAS for vessels on international voyages?
- Once per month (Correct answer)
- Once per week
- Once every three months
- Once per voyage
Correct answer: Once per month
SOLAS Chapter III requires fire drills and abandon ship drills to be conducted at least once per month.
DWO Safety Procedures 2
When a man overboard alarm is activated on watch, what is the FIRST action the OOW should take?