Free OUPV Deck General and Safety Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Your vessel has several partially filled fuel tanks. How does the 'free surface effect' created by the liquid in these tanks impact the vessel's stability?
- It increases the vessel's initial stability by lowering the center of gravity.
- It has no significant impact on a vessel under 100 gross tons.
- It decreases initial stability by creating a virtual rise in the vessel's center of gravity. (Correct answer)
- It only affects the vessel's stability when turning at high speed.
Correct answer: It decreases initial stability by creating a virtual rise in the vessel's center of gravity.
When a tank is partially filled, the liquid can slosh from side to side as the vessel rolls. This movement of liquid acts like a weight shifting to the low side, which effectively raises the vessel's center of gravity (G). This 'virtual rise' in G reduces the metacentric height (GM), thereby decreasing the vessel's initial stability and its ability to resist rolling.
Question 2: Under MARPOL Annex V, which of the following is an illegal method of garbage disposal for a vessel operating 4 nautical miles from the nearest land?
- Discharging food waste that has been ground to less than 1 inch.
- Discharging paper, rags, and glass. (Correct answer)
- Incinerating plastic waste and discharging the ash.
- Collecting all garbage in bags for disposal ashore.
Correct answer: Discharging paper, rags, and glass.
MARPOL Annex V strictly prohibits the discharge of plastics, dunnage, and general refuse like paper, rags, and glass into the sea. Food waste may be discharged if it is ground to pass through a 25mm (approx. 1 inch) screen and the vessel is more than 3 nautical miles from the nearest land and not in a special area.
Question 3: You are the operator of a 45-foot uninspected passenger vessel. According to USCG regulations for a vessel of this size, what is the MINIMUM required carriage of portable fire extinguishers?
- One B-I extinguisher.
- Two B-I extinguishers or one B-II extinguisher.
- Three B-I extinguishers or one B-I and one B-II extinguisher. (Correct answer)
- One B-II extinguisher.
Correct answer: Three B-I extinguishers or one B-I and one B-II extinguisher.
For motorboats between 40 and 65 feet in length, the USCG requires a minimum of three B-I type portable fire extinguishers. Alternatively, one B-II and one B-I extinguisher can be carried to meet the requirement.
Question 4: As the operator of an OUPV, you are required to conduct safety drills with your crew. What is the minimum frequency for conducting these drills, including man overboard and fire drills?
- Before the first voyage of the day.
- At least once per week.
- At least once per month. (Correct answer)
- Only when new crew members are hired.
Correct answer: At least once per month.
Regulations require the master of a vessel to conduct safety drills with the crew at least once each month. These drills must cover actions to be taken in emergencies such as fire, man overboard, and abandoning ship. A record of these drills should be maintained.
Question 5: A hydrostatic release mechanism on an inflatable liferaft is designed to automatically perform which function?
- Inflate the liferaft once it is in the water.
- Release the liferaft from its cradle if the vessel sinks. (Correct answer)
- Cut the painter line after the liferaft is safely away from the vessel.
- Activate the Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).
Correct answer: Release the liferaft from its cradle if the vessel sinks.
A hydrostatic release unit (HRU) is a pressure-activated device. If the vessel sinks, the water pressure will cause the HRU to activate at a depth of approximately 1.5 to 4 meters, releasing the liferaft container from its cradle and allowing it to float to the surface. The painter line remains attached to the vessel, and its tension will then inflate the raft.
Question 6: Which of the following items is required to be checked or replaced during the mandatory annual servicing of a USCG-approved inflatable liferaft?
- The CO2 inflation cylinder, which must be replaced every year regardless of condition.
- All food and water rations, which must be replaced every two years.
- Dated items, such as pyrotechnics and batteries, if their expiration date falls before the next scheduled annual service. (Correct answer)
- The sea anchor, which is required to be replaced at every servicing.
Correct answer: Dated items, such as pyrotechnics and batteries, if their expiration date falls before the next scheduled annual service.
During the required annual servicing at an approved facility, all equipment is inspected. Any items with an expiration date, such as flares, batteries for lights, and seasickness medication, must be replaced if their date of expiry occurs before the next required servicing date (within the next 12 months).
Free OUPV Deck General and Safety Questions and Answers 1
Your vessel has several partially filled fuel tanks.
How does the 'free surface effect' created by the liquid in these tanks impact the vessel's stability?