STCW Seafarer Safety & Emergency Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to STCW, what is the minimum rest period that a watchkeeper must receive within any 24-hour period?
- 6 hours
- 8 hours
- 10 hours (Correct answer)
- 12 hours
Correct answer: 10 hours
STCW requires a minimum of 10 hours of rest in any 24-hour period, which may be split into no more than two periods, one of which must be at least 6 hours.
Question 2: When entering a confined space suspected to contain a toxic atmosphere, what must be done before entry?
- Enter quickly and limit exposure time to under 5 minutes
- Test the atmosphere and obtain a valid permit to work (Correct answer)
- Open all hatches and wait 10 minutes before entering
- Have a second crew member stand nearby outside the space
Correct answer: Test the atmosphere and obtain a valid permit to work
Confined space entry requires atmospheric testing for oxygen, flammable gases, and toxic substances, plus a formal permit-to-work signed by a responsible officer.
Question 3: What action should be taken when a man overboard is sighted?
- Reduce speed, note the time, and call the captain
- Shout 'Man overboard,' throw a lifebuoy, and alert the bridge immediately (Correct answer)
- Maintain course and speed while deploying rescue boat
- Sound five short blasts on the ship's horn and stand by
Correct answer: Shout 'Man overboard,' throw a lifebuoy, and alert the bridge immediately
Immediate actions include alerting others, throwing a lifebuoy with light and smoke signal, keeping sight of the person, and notifying the bridge.
Question 4: What does 'PASS' stand for in the context of using a portable fire extinguisher?
- Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep (Correct answer)
- Point, Activate, Spray, Secure
- Pull, Alert, Suppress, Signal
- Prepare, Aim, Shoot, Scan
Correct answer: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
PASS is a memory aid: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side.
Question 5: Under SOLAS, which vessel is required to carry an immersion suit for every person on board?
- All vessels in tropical waters only
- Cargo ships and passenger ships on international voyages (Correct answer)
- Only vessels carrying hazardous cargo
- Vessels operating more than 200 nautical miles from shore
Correct answer: Cargo ships and passenger ships on international voyages
SOLAS requires cargo ships and passenger ships on international voyages to carry approved immersion suits for every person on board.
Question 6: Which signal indicates 'abandon ship' on a vessel's alarm system?
- One prolonged blast of the ship's whistle
- Three long blasts on the ship's whistle
- More than six short blasts followed by one long blast on the whistle and alarm bells (Correct answer)
- Continuous sounding of the general alarm bell for 30 seconds
Correct answer: More than six short blasts followed by one long blast on the whistle and alarm bells
The abandon ship signal is more than six short blasts followed by one long blast on the whistle and the same signal on the internal alarm.
Question 7: What is the primary hazard when fighting a fire in a paint locker?
- The locker is typically located in an inaccessible area of the ship
- Paints and solvents are highly flammable and may produce toxic fumes (Correct answer)
- Paint lockers are pressurized and may explode when opened
- Water damage to stored materials makes cleanup difficult
Correct answer: Paints and solvents are highly flammable and may produce toxic fumes
Paint lockers contain flammable liquids and solvents that can fuel rapid fire spread and release toxic combustion products.
STCW Seafarer Safety & Emergency Procedures 3
According to STCW, what is the minimum rest period that a watchkeeper must receive within any 24-hour period?