Practice Test GeeksSVOP - Small Vessel Operator Proficiency Practice Test
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Emergency Procedures and Safety Flashcards

6 cards from real SVOP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 Emergency Procedures and Safety flashcards as text

  1. What is the immediate action when a crew member falls overboard on a small commercial vessel?

    Answer: Shout 'man overboard', throw a lifebuoy toward the person, assign a lookout, and execute a recovery manoeuvre

    Man overboard (MOB) response: immediately shout the alarm, throw a buoyant device toward the person, post a lookout who keeps eyes on the victim at all times, mark the position (GPS/MOB button), and execute a recognised MOB manoeuvre such as the Williamson Turn or Quick Stop.

  2. What is the correct procedure for using a portable fire extinguisher (PASS technique)?

    Answer: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side

    PASS: Pull the pin (breaks the tamper seal), Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire (the fuel source, not the flames), Squeeze the handle, Sweep from side to side across the base of the fire.

  3. What are the signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, and what is the immediate action?

    Answer: Headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion — immediately move persons to fresh air and call for emergency medical help

    CO is odourless and colourless. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and confusion. Immediate action: fresh air, no ignition sources, seek medical attention, and ventilate the vessel.

  4. What is the 'HELP' position and when should it be used?

    Answer: Heat Escape Lessening Posture — drawing knees to chest and crossing arms over the chest to reduce heat loss when in cold water

    HELP (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) minimises heat loss from the body's core when immersed in cold water by protecting the groin, armpits, and neck. It can extend survival time by up to 50% compared to swimming or treading water.

  5. When sending a MAYDAY call on VHF radio, what information must be included?

    Answer: MAYDAY spoken three times, vessel name and call sign, position, nature of distress, persons aboard, any useful information, and OVER

    A MAYDAY call on Ch 16 includes: 'MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY', vessel name × 3, call sign, position (lat/long or bearing/distance from known point), nature of distress, persons on board, any other helpful information, then OVER.

  6. What is the purpose of a muster drill on a commercial passenger vessel, and how often must it be conducted?

    Answer: To familiarise passengers with emergency procedures — required before departure or at the start of service each day

    Transport Canada requires muster drills (safety briefings) to be conducted before departure so passengers know the location of lifejackets, emergency exits, and how to act in an emergency. For commercial vessels, this is a legal requirement, not optional.