AB Lifesaving and Survival Craft Questions and Answers

Question 1

A hydrostatic release unit (HRU) for a life raft is designed to automatically release the raft under what condition?

Accepted Answer

When it is submerged to a depth of 1.5 to 4 meters

Answer

A hydrostatic release unit (HRU) is a pressure-activated mechanism. It is designed to automatically deploy a life raft when the vessel sinks and the HRU reaches a water depth of 1.5 to 4 meters, where the hydrostatic pressure is sufficient to trigger the release.

Question 2

While participating in an abandon ship drill, you are tasked with launching a davit-launched lifeboat. According to SOLAS regulations, what is the maximum time allowed to launch all survival craft with their full complement of persons and equipment after the signal is given?

Accepted Answer

10 minutes

Answer

SOLAS regulations require that all survival craft, fully loaded with their assigned persons and equipment, must be capable of being launched within a period of 10 minutes from the time the abandon-ship signal is given.

Question 3

Which of the following items is required by SOLAS to be included in the normal equipment of every lifeboat?

Accepted Answer

Two buoyant rescue quoits, attached to not less than 30 meters of buoyant line

Answer

According to SOLAS Chapter III, the standard equipment for a lifeboat must include two buoyant rescue quoits, each attached to at least 30 meters of buoyant line, for rescuing people from the water. While PFDs are critical, they are worn by individuals, not stowed as lifeboat equipment. Fuel requirements are for 24 hours of operation, and a satellite phone is not standard required equipment.

Question 4

A vessel is sinking, and the crew is unable to launch the life rafts manually. An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is mounted with a Category 1 bracket. What is the sequence of automatic activation?

Accepted Answer

The hydrostatic release unit activates, releasing the EPIRB, which then floats free and begins transmitting.

Answer

A Category 1 EPIRB is designed for automatic, float-free operation. When the vessel sinks, the hydrostatic release unit (HRU) is triggered by water pressure, releasing the EPIRB from its bracket. Once the EPIRB is floating on the surface, it automatically activates and begins transmitting a distress signal to satellites.

Question 5

On the container of an inflatable life raft, you see the marking 'SOLAS A PACK'. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

The raft contains equipment suitable for long-duration survival in any ocean.

Answer

The 'SOLAS A PACK' marking indicates that the life raft is equipped with a specific set of survival equipment suitable for vessels on long international voyages, where rescue may be slow to arrive. The 'SOLAS B PACK' has less equipment and is for vessels on short international voyages.

(AB) Able Seaman Exam Practice Test

(AB) Able Seaman Exam Practice Test

AB Lifesaving and Survival Craft Questions and Answers