MTC Safety Systems & Standards 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What color is a USCG-approved visual distress signal (VDS) flare required to burn?
- Orange
- White
- Red (Correct answer)
- Green
Correct answer: Red
USCG-approved pyrotechnic VDS flares must burn red to be internationally recognized as a distress signal.
Question 2: Under 46 CFR, what bilge pump capacity is required for uninspected passenger vessels under 65 feet?
- At least 50 GPM
- At least 25 GPM
- Sufficient to control bilge water accumulation under normal conditions (Correct answer)
- No minimum is specified; owner discretion applies
Correct answer: Sufficient to control bilge water accumulation under normal conditions
46 CFR requires bilge pumps sufficient to control water accumulation under normal operating conditions rather than a fixed GPM minimum for these vessels.
Question 3: What interval does the USCG require for re-inspection of inflatable liferafts?
- Every 6 months
- Every year (Correct answer)
- Every 3 years
- Every 5 years
Correct answer: Every year
USCG regulations require inflatable liferafts to be inspected at an approved facility annually.
Question 4: Which agency enforces MARPOL Annex V garbage discharge restrictions in U.S. waters?
- EPA only
- USCG and EPA jointly (Correct answer)
- NOAA
- FMC
Correct answer: USCG and EPA jointly
Both the USCG and EPA share enforcement authority over MARPOL Annex V garbage restrictions in U.S. waters.
Question 5: What is the maximum permissible oil content in bilge water discharged beyond 12 nautical miles under MARPOL Annex I?
- 5 ppm
- 15 ppm (Correct answer)
- 50 ppm
- 100 ppm
Correct answer: 15 ppm
MARPOL Annex I permits discharge of bilge water with oil content not exceeding 15 ppm beyond 12 nautical miles from shore.
Question 6: Which type of fire extinguisher agent is most appropriate for a galley grease fire on a vessel?
- CO2
- Dry chemical (ABC)
- Water mist
- Class K wet chemical (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Class K wet chemical
Class K wet chemical extinguishers are specifically rated for cooking oil and grease fires common in galley environments.
Question 7: What is the function of a hydrostatic release unit (HRU) on an inflatable liferaft?
- Releases the raft automatically when water pressure reaches 1.5–4 meters depth (Correct answer)
- Inflates the raft when a lanyard is pulled manually
- Activates the EPIRB if the vessel lists more than 30 degrees
- Locks the raft to the cradle during heavy seas
Correct answer: Releases the raft automatically when water pressure reaches 1.5–4 meters depth
An HRU automatically releases and inflates the liferaft when it senses water pressure at 1.5–4 meters depth as a vessel sinks.
MTC Safety Systems & Standards 3
What color is a USCG-approved visual distress signal (VDS) flare required to burn?