Ship Driver Safety Practices 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of an EPIRB on a vessel?
- To transmit a distress signal and position to search-and-rescue satellites (Correct answer)
- To measure water depth
- To control navigation lights
- To improve radio reception
Correct answer: To transmit a distress signal and position to search-and-rescue satellites
An EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon) alerts rescue authorities with the vessel's location in an emergency.
Question 2: Which channel is the international VHF distress and calling channel?
- Channel 16 (Correct answer)
- Channel 9
- Channel 22
- Channel 6
Correct answer: Channel 16
VHF Channel 16 is reserved for distress, safety, and calling.
Question 3: When should every person aboard wear a life jacket regardless of swimming ability?
- In rough conditions, emergencies, or when required for non-swimmers and children (Correct answer)
- Only when the boat is docked
- Only at night
- Never, if the boat has rails
Correct answer: In rough conditions, emergencies, or when required for non-swimmers and children
Life jackets should be worn in hazardous conditions and are especially critical for children and non-swimmers.
Question 4: What is the correct spoken word to begin a distress radio call?
- Mayday, Mayday, Mayday (Correct answer)
- Hello, hello
- Help, help
- Over and out
Correct answer: Mayday, Mayday, Mayday
"Mayday" repeated three times signals grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance.
Question 5: Why must fire extinguishers be mounted in accessible, marked locations rather than stored in a locker?
- So they can be reached instantly during a fast-developing fire (Correct answer)
- To keep them out of the weather only
- Because regulations forbid lockers entirely
- To balance the vessel's weight
Correct answer: So they can be reached instantly during a fast-developing fire
Fires spread quickly, so extinguishers must be immediately reachable to be effective.
Question 6: What hazard does carbon monoxide present aboard a vessel?
- It is an odorless, toxic gas from engine exhaust that can cause poisoning (Correct answer)
- It only affects electronics
- It is harmless in open air
- It improves engine efficiency
Correct answer: It is an odorless, toxic gas from engine exhaust that can cause poisoning
Carbon monoxide from exhaust is colorless and odorless and can accumulate to lethal levels in cabins and around the stern.
Question 7: Before allowing passengers aboard, what safety briefing item is most important?
- Location and use of life jackets and emergency exits (Correct answer)
- The boat's top speed
- The fuel brand used
- The captain's license number
Correct answer: Location and use of life jackets and emergency exits
Passengers must know where safety equipment is and how to exit in an emergency.
Ship Driver Safety Practices 3
What is the purpose of an EPIRB on a vessel?