Ship Driver Emergency Procedures and Distress Signals 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What should be included in a Mayday distress call?
- Vessel name, position, nature of distress, number of people, description of vessel (Correct answer)
- Just vessel name and position
- Vessel name, home port, and insurance info
- Coast Guard station name and phone number
Correct answer: Vessel name, position, nature of distress, number of people, description of vessel
A complete Mayday includes: Mayday × 3, vessel name × 3, position, nature of distress, number of persons aboard, vessel description, and 'Over.'
Question 2: What is the correct technique for a Williamson Turn in a man overboard (MOB) situation?
- Full stop, reverse, then proceed forward
- Hard turn in the direction of the casualty, then reverse the rudder to come back on reciprocal course (Correct answer)
- Circle the victim at low speed
- Anchor near the casualty and call for help
Correct answer: Hard turn in the direction of the casualty, then reverse the rudder to come back on reciprocal course
The Williamson Turn involves an immediate hard turn toward the side the person fell from, then a counter-turn to bring the vessel back on a reciprocal course to the person.
Question 3: What is the Coast Guard reporting requirement after a vessel accident?
- Report any accident within 72 hours to the nearest officer in charge
- Report only if there is loss of life
- Report only if damage exceeds $2,000 or there is injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid (Correct answer)
- No federal reporting is required for small vessels
Correct answer: Report only if damage exceeds $2,000 or there is injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid
Federal regulations require reporting boating accidents when there is death, injury requiring medical treatment, disappearance, or property damage exceeding $2,000.
Question 4: What should you do first when fire breaks out in the engine compartment?
- Open the hatch and use a fire extinguisher directly
- Shut off the fuel supply and discharge the engine compartment extinguisher without opening the hatch (Correct answer)
- Jump overboard immediately
- Call the marina on VHF
Correct answer: Shut off the fuel supply and discharge the engine compartment extinguisher without opening the hatch
Shut off fuel immediately and discharge a fixed or handheld extinguisher through the access port — opening the hatch feeds oxygen and can cause flashover.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a vessel's float plan?
- To register the vessel with the state
- To inform a shore contact of your trip details so they can report overdue vessels (Correct answer)
- To apply for a USCG documentation number
- To calculate fuel requirements for a trip
Correct answer: To inform a shore contact of your trip details so they can report overdue vessels
A float plan left with a trusted shore contact includes destination, departure time, expected return, vessel description, and number of passengers for SAR purposes.
Question 6: What is the signal mirror used for in a survival situation?
- Navigation at night
- Reflecting sunlight to attract rescuers up to 10 miles away (Correct answer)
- Starting a fire for warmth
- Reading nautical charts in low light
Correct answer: Reflecting sunlight to attract rescuers up to 10 miles away
A signal mirror reflects sunlight in a powerful flash visible to rescuers up to 10 miles away, making it one of the most effective daytime distress signals.
Ship Driver Emergency Procedures and Distress Signals 2
What should be included in a Mayday distress call?