AB Deck Safety and Pollution Questions and Answers

Question 1

Your vessel is taking on fuel (bunkering) from a shore facility. Which of the following is a critical pollution prevention measure that must be taken BEFORE the transfer begins?

Accepted Answer

Plug all deck scuppers and have spill response equipment ready.

Answer

Plugging all deck scuppers is a primary containment measure to prevent any spilled fuel from escaping overboard into the water. Having the Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) spill kit readily available ensures an immediate response can be mounted if a spill does occur. While the other options are important safety and operational checks, physically containing a potential spill on deck is a direct pollution prevention action.

Question 2

Under MARPOL Annex V, which of the following types of garbage is strictly prohibited from being discharged into the sea at any time or location?

Accepted Answer

Plastics, including synthetic ropes and fishing nets

Answer

MARPOL Annex V establishes a general prohibition on the discharge of all garbage unless expressly allowed. Plastics, in any form, are completely banned from discharge anywhere at sea due to their persistence and severe harm to marine life. The other listed items may be discharged under specific conditions related to the ship's distance from land and whether it is in a designated 'Special Area'.

Question 3

A fellow crew member has collapsed after entering a recently opened ballast tank. As the first person on the scene, what is your most important immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Activate the ship's general alarm and inform the bridge.

Answer

The crew member has likely succumbed to a hazardous atmosphere (oxygen deficiency or toxic gas). The primary rule of enclosed space rescue is to never enter without proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and a standby person, as you would likely become a second victim. The most critical first step is to raise the alarm to summon the trained and equipped rescue team and inform the ship's command.

Question 4

Which of the following is required to be part of a vessel's Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) equipment locker?

Accepted Answer

Absorbent pads, containment booms, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Answer

A SOPEP locker must contain equipment specifically for responding to an oil spill. This includes materials to absorb oil (pads, rolls), contain the spill (booms, socks), and protect the responders (PPE like gloves and goggles). While other equipment is vital for the ship, it is not part of the dedicated oil spill response inventory mandated by the SOPEP.

Question 5

To minimize the risk of slips, trips, and falls on deck, which of the following is the BEST practice?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining clear walkways and promptly cleaning up any spills.

Answer

Good housekeeping is a fundamental principle of deck safety. Keeping decks, walkways, and passages clear of equipment, ropes, and debris removes trip hazards. Promptly cleaning up any liquid spills (oil, water, fish slime, etc.) mitigates slip hazards. While proper PPE like non-slip boots is important, preventing the hazard in the first place is the most effective measure.

(AB) Able Seaman Exam Practice Test

(AB) Able Seaman Exam Practice Test

AB Deck Safety and Pollution Questions and Answers