SAMS Safety Systems and Equipment 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A SAMS surveyor is evaluating an EPIRB and finds it is a 121.5 MHz model. What should the surveyor report?
- The unit is fully compliant and operational
- 121.5 MHz EPIRBs are obsolete and no longer monitored by satellite (Correct answer)
- The unit needs recalibration to 406 MHz
- 121.5 MHz is acceptable only for vessels under 26 feet
Correct answer: 121.5 MHz EPIRBs are obsolete and no longer monitored by satellite
Cospas-Sarsat discontinued satellite monitoring of 121.5 MHz EPIRBs in 2009; only 406 MHz EPIRBs are now recognized for distress alerting.
Question 2: Which type of fire suppression system is most appropriate for a gasoline engine compartment on a recreational vessel?
- Sprinkler system with fresh water
- Fixed CO2 total-flooding system (Correct answer)
- Foam deluge system
- Dry chemical powder system
Correct answer: Fixed CO2 total-flooding system
Fixed CO2 total-flooding systems are commonly used for enclosed engine compartments because CO2 suppresses combustion without damaging the engine.
Question 3: What does a 'B-II' fire extinguisher classification indicate?
- Suitable for Class B fires with a 5-lb capacity rating
- Suitable for Class B fires with a minimum 10-lb or equivalent extinguishing capacity (Correct answer)
- A backup unit for use only in a B-category emergency
- A marine-specific label for boat-approved extinguishers
Correct answer: Suitable for Class B fires with a minimum 10-lb or equivalent extinguishing capacity
USCG classification B-II indicates the extinguisher is rated for Class B (flammable liquid) fires and meets the minimum size requirement for vessels over 26 feet.
Question 4: During a survey, a surveyor notices the immersion suits aboard a commercial vessel have not been donned or inspected in over 12 months. Under SOLAS, what is the required inspection frequency for immersion suits?
- Every 5 years at a certified service station
- Monthly inspection and annual service by a certified technician (Correct answer)
- Only when the vessel changes ownership
- Bi-annually by the vessel's crew
Correct answer: Monthly inspection and annual service by a certified technician
SOLAS requires monthly inspection of immersion suits by the crew and annual servicing by an approved service station.
Question 5: A vessel's flare kit contains hand-held red flares with a manufacture date of 42 months ago. Are they still USCG-acceptable?
- Yes, flares are accepted for up to 5 years from manufacture
- No, USCG pyrotechnic signals expire 42 months from manufacture date (Correct answer)
- Yes, as long as they are stored in a watertight container
- No, flares must be replaced annually regardless of manufacture date
Correct answer: No, USCG pyrotechnic signals expire 42 months from manufacture date
USCG-approved pyrotechnic visual distress signals expire 42 months from the date of manufacture stamped on the device.
Question 6: What is the correct mounting height range for a throwable ring buoy (Type IV PFD) on a recreational motorboat to ensure quick deployment?
- Secured below deck for protection from the elements
- Readily accessible on deck, not stored in a locked compartment (Correct answer)
- Mounted on the mast at least 6 feet above deck
- Stowed in the engine compartment for fire emergencies
Correct answer: Readily accessible on deck, not stored in a locked compartment
Type IV throwable devices must be immediately accessible on deck so they can be thrown to a person overboard without delay.
Question 7: Which standard does ABYC publish specifically addressing gasoline fuel system safety on recreational boats?
- ABYC H-32
- ABYC H-24 (Correct answer)
- ABYC E-11
- ABYC A-1
Correct answer: ABYC H-24
ABYC H-24 covers gasoline fuel systems for recreational and small commercial vessels, addressing hose, fittings, and tank requirements.
SAMS Safety Systems and Equipment 3
A SAMS surveyor is evaluating an EPIRB and finds it is a 121.5 MHz model.
What should the surveyor report?