Emergency Procedures & Fire Fighting Flashcards

What is the 'abandon ship' signal?

Answer: Seven or more short blasts followed by one long blast on the ship's whistle and/or general alarm

The abandon ship signal is seven (or more) short blasts followed by one long blast on the ship's whistle and the general alarm bells. This signal means all crew and passengers must proceed immediately to muster stations.

What is the correct sequence for launching a lifeboat?

Answer: Muster, brief passengers, don life jackets, embark, close hatches, release gripes, lower, release falls when waterborne

The proper sequence is: muster at lifeboat station, brief passengers, all don life jackets, embark in order (passengers first on passenger vessels), close and secure hatches, release securing arrangements, lower to water, then release falls (hooks) when waterborne.

What is the purpose of a EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) in the GMDSS?

Answer: To transmit a distress signal on 406 MHz to Cospas-Sarsat satellites, providing vessel identity and position to rescue authorities

A 406 MHz EPIRB transmits to the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system, which calculates the vessel's position and passes identity and location to the relevant Rescue Coordination Centre. It operates for at least 48 hours and can locate the vessel to within 5 km (or much better with GPS).

What are the basic first aid priorities when attending to an injured person on board?

Answer: Danger-Response-Airway-Breathing-Circulation (DR ABC) — ensure scene safety first, then assess the casualty

The primary survey follows DR ABC: check for Danger (scene safety), establish the casualty's Response, check the Airway is clear, confirm Breathing, and check Circulation. This systematic approach ensures life-threatening conditions are found and treated first.

What is hypothermia and how is it managed at sea?

Answer: Abnormally low core body temperature (below 35°C) from cold water or air exposure — warm the person gradually, insulate from cold, and seek medical advice

Hypothermia is core body temperature below 35°C, caused by cold water or air exposure. Management: remove from cold, insulate (don't rub limbs), give warm sweet drinks if conscious, monitor airway, and seek medical advice via radio. Rewarming must be gradual to avoid cardiac arrhythmia.

What is the MCA requirement for medical stores on a UK commercial vessel?

Answer: Medical stores appropriate to the vessel's category and number of crew, as specified in the MCA Merchant Shipping (Medical Stores) Regulations

The Merchant Shipping (Medical Stores) Regulations prescribe minimum medical store requirements based on vessel category (A, B, C) which relates to the area of operation. Category A (ocean-going) requires the most comprehensive stores including prescription medicines.