PCOC Emergency Response Protocols 2

Question 1

A passenger falls overboard in cold water. What is the FIRST action you should take?

Accepted Answer

Throw a life ring or buoyant object immediately

Answer

Throwing a buoyant object gives the person something to hold while you maneuver the vessel for rescue.

Question 2

When signaling distress using a handheld flare, how should you hold it?

Accepted Answer

Downwind and away from your body

Answer

Holding the flare downwind keeps burning debris and sparks away from the boat and people.

Question 3

Your vessel is taking on water faster than your manual bilge pump can handle. What should you do next?

Accepted Answer

Send a distress call and prepare to abandon ship

Answer

If flooding cannot be controlled, immediate distress signaling and preparing to abandon ship protects lives.

Question 4

Which VHF channel is designated for distress, urgency, and safety calls in the US?

Accepted Answer

Channel 16

Answer

Channel 16 is the international distress and calling frequency monitored by the Coast Guard and other vessels.

Question 5

A crewmember has a suspected spinal injury after a collision. How should you move them?

Accepted Answer

Keep them still and immobilized until professional help arrives

Answer

Moving a person with a potential spinal injury can worsen the injury; keep them still and wait for trained rescuers.

(PCOC) Pleasure Craft Operator Card Practice Test