Passenger Safety and Service Flashcards

When is it appropriate to use a personal locator beacon (PLB) or EPIRB?

Answer: Only in a genuine distress situation where life is in danger

PLBs and EPIRBs must only be activated in genuine emergencies because a false activation wastes costly search-and-rescue resources.

What should an operator do if a passenger is injured and requires evacuation that the vessel cannot provide?

Answer: Use VHF Channel 16 or a cell phone to call for emergency assistance and provide the vessel's position

Calling for emergency assistance on Channel 16 or by phone and providing your GPS position is the fastest way to get professional medical help to an injured passenger.

How does overloading a pleasure craft affect passenger safety?

Answer: It reduces freeboard, increases the risk of swamping, and can make the vessel unstable and difficult to control

Overloading reduces freeboard and stability, making swamping and capsizing far more likely in any sea condition.

A passenger has been in the sun for several hours and shows signs of heat exhaustion including pale, moist skin and dizziness. What action should the operator take?

Answer: Move the passenger to shade, have them lie down, and provide cool water to drink while heading toward medical assistance

Moving to shade, lying down, and cool hydration treat heat exhaustion; rapid full-body cooling in cold water could cause shock.

What is the role of a vessel operator when a passenger is showing signs of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Answer: Immediately move the passenger into fresh air, shut down the engine, and seek emergency medical assistance

Carbon monoxide poisoning requires immediate removal from the source, fresh air, and emergency medical help as CO can be fatal within minutes.

Which behavior by a passenger is MOST likely to cause a capsizing incident on a small open boat?

Answer: Suddenly standing and shifting weight to the side to point at something in the water

Sudden, unannounced shifts in weight — especially when standing — can rapidly destabilize a small vessel and cause capsizing.

Before a passenger dives or jumps into the water from your vessel, what should the operator verify?

Answer: That the engine is off, the area is clear of other vessels and underwater hazards, and the water depth is sufficient

Engine shutdown prevents propeller strikes, and checking depth and hazards prevents injuries from impact with the bottom or submerged objects.