PST Exit Exam Mock - Questions and Answers Set 3

The general emergency alarm signal, typically seven short blasts followed by one long blast on the ship's whistle and internal alarm, is used to notify everyone on board about an emergency situation, requiring them to proceed immediately to their designated muster stations as specified in the muster list. This is a fundamental aspect of ship safety and emergency procedures under STCW and SOLAS.

When being hoisted by a helicopter, the safest body position is to keep your arms crossed over your chest and all limbs close to your body. This minimizes the risk of snagging on the hoist gear, reduces the risk of injury from the downdraft, and maintains a streamlined profile. Facing away from the helicopter can help prevent debris from being blown into your eyes and reduces discomfort from the rotor wash. Never attempt to grab the hoist line before it is firmly in your grasp or attached to your rescue device.

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It is absolutely critical that the drain plug (or 'garboard plug') of a lifeboat is securely closed before launching. If it is open, the boat will immediately start taking on water upon reaching the sea, which could cause it to swamp, capsize, or sink, endangering the occupants. The plug is designed to be opened *after* the boat is afloat, when required, to drain any accumulated bilge water.

Cold water shock is the immediate physiological response to sudden immersion in cold water. It typically causes an involuntary gasp for air (often leading to water inhalation), rapid and uncontrolled breathing (hyperventilation), a sudden increase in heart rate, and elevated blood pressure. These effects can be fatal within minutes, even before hypothermia sets in, due to panic, cardiac arrest, or aspiration of water.

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According to Chapter IV of the LSA Code, a liferaft's emergency equipment typically includes items like a first-aid outfit, drinking water, food rations, signaling devices (pyrotechnics, whistle), paddles/oars, sea anchor, repair kit, bailer, and sponges. A motorized outboard engine is not standard equipment for a liferaft; propulsion is typically manual with paddles/oars or assisted by a sea anchor for stability/drift control.

In a survival situation, fresh water is extremely precious. Survival guidelines strongly recommend rationing water strictly, often advising against consuming any water during the first 24 hours (if injury/illness allows) to allow the body to adjust. After this, small, controlled amounts are distributed to prolong the supply. Drinking seawater is strictly forbidden as it leads to severe dehydration and kidney failure.

The EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) is designed to float free from a sinking vessel or be manually activated. It transmits a distress signal on specific frequencies (e.g., 406 MHz) to satellites, which then relay the position to a shore-based rescue coordination center, enabling long-range location of the survival craft.

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For davit-launched liferafts, the correct and safest procedure is for passengers and crew to board the liferaft while it is still secured on deck. Once everyone is safely inside, the liferaft is then lowered to the water using the davit system. This minimizes the risk of injury during boarding and ensures a controlled abandonment, as per IMO Model Course 1.19 and STCW guidelines.

IMO requirements, specified in the LSA Code, state that a life jacket shall be capable of being donned by a person quickly and without assistance within 30 seconds. This standard ensures that in an emergency, individuals can rapidly prepare themselves for potential immersion, minimizing delay and increasing chances of survival.

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A life jacket must fit snugly and be securely fastened to effectively keep the wearer afloat and prevent it from dislodging or riding up, particularly when entering the water or encountering waves. If it's too loose, it may not provide adequate support or could even come off, compromising safety.

Jumping from a significant height into water can cause severe injury due to the impact force. Correct jumping techniques (e.g., holding onto the lifejacket, covering the nose and mouth, legs together, feet first) are taught to minimize this risk. The general rule is 'don't jump unless necessary' because entering the water carries inherent risks, and a survival craft is always preferable.

A red parachute flare is a powerful distress signal designed to attract the immediate attention of a potential search and rescue (SAR) unit. It should be used strategically when a rescue ship or aircraft is sighted, as its bright light and high trajectory make it visible over a large area, especially at night or in low visibility. Using it indiscriminately depletes limited resources without maximizing the chance of rescue.

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A common and recommended survival strategy in a survival craft, particularly for the first 24 hours, is to refrain from drinking water, provided there is no medical necessity. This allows the body to acclimatize to the stress and helps to reduce initial thirst, conserving precious water supplies for later stages when dehydration becomes a more significant threat. Water rationing usually commences after this initial period.

Immersion suits are specifically designed to protect a person from hypothermia in cold water. They provide thermal insulation, significantly reducing heat loss from the body, and often include inherent buoyancy. This is crucial for survival in severe maritime conditions, as detailed in Chapter II of the LSA Code.

The muster list is a critical safety document required by SOLAS and emphasized in STCW. It clearly outlines the specific duties and responsibilities of each crew member during different emergency situations (e.g., fire, abandon ship) and specifies the muster stations where passengers and crew should gather. It also details the alarm signals and actions to be taken, ensuring an organized and efficient response to emergencies.

The 'abandon ship' signal is universally recognized as seven short blasts followed by one long blast on the ship's whistle or siren and the general alarm. This distinct sequence alerts all personnel on board to proceed to their muster stations for evacuation, as per SOLAS Chapter III, Regulation 36 and STCW Code A-VI/1.

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A sea anchor is a crucial piece of equipment in a survival craft. Its primary function is to reduce drift, keep the bow of the craft pointed into the waves to prevent capsizing, and make the craft more visible to search and rescue units by slowing its movement. While other items might be beneficial, a sea anchor is specifically mandated by SOLAS for stability and drift reduction.

According to STCW and IMO model course 1.19, the immediate action upon hearing the abandon ship signal is to proceed to your designated muster station, as indicated on the muster list, while wearing a donned life jacket. This ensures that all personnel are accounted for, receive vital instructions, and are prepared for potential evacuation in an organized manner. Attempting to retrieve personal belongings or proceeding directly to a survival craft without instruction can lead to chaos and jeopardize safety.

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After donning a life jacket, it is crucial to ensure it is correctly fitted and all straps are securely tightened. This ensures the life jacket will provide maximum buoyancy and support, keeping the wearer's head clear of the water, especially in rough seas, and preventing it from coming off upon impact with water or during prolonged survival. A properly secured life jacket significantly increases the chances of survival.

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