STCW Personal Survival 3

Question 1

How long can an immersion suit typically protect a survivor in cold water (at or near 0°C)?

Accepted Answer

At least 6 hours

Answer

SOLAS requires an approved immersion suit to maintain the wearer's body temperature for at least 6 hours in water temperatures from 0°C to 2°C.

Question 2

What action should survivors take immediately after boarding an inflatable liferaft?

Accepted Answer

Cut the painter line and stream the sea anchor

Answer

After boarding, survivors should cut the painter line to prevent the raft being dragged under if the ship sinks, then stream the sea anchor to stabilize the raft.

Question 3

In survival situations, why is drinking seawater dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Its high salt content accelerates dehydration by forcing the kidneys to use more water to excrete salt

Answer

Seawater has a salt concentration of about 3.5%, far above what kidneys can process efficiently, so consuming it causes net dehydration and can accelerate death.

Question 4

What is the purpose of the hydrostatic release unit (HRU) on a liferaft container?

Accepted Answer

To automatically release and float the liferaft free if the vessel sinks

Answer

The HRU is designed to release the liferaft from its cradle and allow it to float free and inflate automatically when the vessel sinks to a depth of 1.5–4 meters.

Question 5

When using a rocket parachute flare, in which direction should you aim if there is low cloud cover?

Accepted Answer

At 45° into the wind so the flare drifts back toward observers

Answer

If cloud base is low, the flare should be fired at about 45° into the wind so it burns below the cloud base and drifts back toward potential rescuers.

(STCW) Standards Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers Practice Test

(STCW) Standards Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers Practice Test

STCW Personal Survival 3