PWC PWC Emergency Procedures 2

Question 1

What is the correct procedure for a PWC operator if they suspect a passenger has suffered a spinal injury after a fall?

Accepted Answer

Keep the person still and horizontal, supporting the head and neck until professional help arrives

Answer

Moving a person with a suspected spinal injury can cause permanent paralysis; keeping the head, neck, and body in alignment and minimizing movement until EMS arrives is critical.

Question 2

What is VHF Channel 16 used for and why is it important for PWC operators?

Accepted Answer

The international distress and calling frequency monitored by the Coast Guard and other vessels

Answer

VHF Channel 16 is the international distress frequency monitored 24/7 by the USCG; a MAYDAY call on Channel 16 is the fastest way to summon emergency assistance.

Question 3

What is a MAYDAY call and when should a PWC operator use it?

Accepted Answer

A distress call used when there is immediate danger to life or the vessel is sinking

Answer

MAYDAY is the highest priority distress call, used only when life is in immediate danger; it is spoken three times followed by vessel name, position, nature of distress, and number of persons aboard.

Question 4

What is a PAN-PAN call used for in maritime communications?

Accepted Answer

An urgency call for situations that are serious but not immediately life-threatening

Answer

PAN-PAN (spoken three times) is an urgency signal used for serious situations — medical concerns, mechanical failure — that may develop into an emergency but are not yet life-threatening.

Question 5

How should you treat a person who has inhaled water and is showing signs of secondary drowning?

Accepted Answer

Seek immediate medical attention even if they initially seem fine, as symptoms can be delayed

Answer

Secondary (dry) drowning involves delayed respiratory distress from fluid inhaled into the lungs; symptoms can appear hours later and require immediate medical evaluation.

PWC - Personal Watercraft Practice Test

PWC - Personal Watercraft Practice Test

PWC PWC Emergency Procedures 2