PST Exit Exam Mock - Questions and Answers Set 4

Helicopters generate significant static electricity. The grounding wire (static discharge line) is lowered first to safely dissipate this charge by touching the water or the deck of the vessel. It is crucial to allow it to make contact and discharge the static electricity *before* any personnel touch the rescue hook, strop, or basket, to prevent a severe electric shock.

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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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Hand flares and parachute flares (also known as rocket parachute flares) are critical pyrotechnic signaling devices required as standard equipment in liferafts. They are used to attract the attention of search and rescue units, especially at night or in conditions of poor visibility, by emitting bright light or a high-intensity signal.

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A Thermal Protective Aid (TPA) is designed to reduce the body heat loss of a person in a survival craft or in the water, thereby protecting against hypothermia. It is especially useful for those who do not have an immersion suit.

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During a helicopter rescue, it's vital to ensure the safety of both the survivors and the helicopter crew. Securing loose items prevents them from becoming dangerous projectiles due to downdraft. Clearing the area where the rescue equipment will be lowered ensures a safe and unobstructed transfer. The sea anchor should already be deployed if in rough seas for stability, but securing loose items and clearing the area is a specific preparatory action for the hoist.

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 SART (Search and Rescue Transponder) is an active signaling device. When activated and swept by an X-band radar signal from a searching vessel or aircraft, it transmits a series of 12 dots on the radar display, indicating the SART's position and helping search units pinpoint 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.

The Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP) is the most effective position for a lone survivor in cold water. By drawing knees to the chest, hugging arms close to the body, and keeping the head above water, vital areas where heat loss occurs quickly (groin, armpits, neck) are protected, significantly reducing the rate of hypothermia.

Immersion suits are designed to provide thermal insulation and prevent hypothermia in cold water. They enclose the wearer's entire body, except for the face, creating a protective barrier against the cold water, thus significantly extending survival time in severe conditions. While they might offer some buoyancy and visibility, their primary purpose is thermal protection.

STCW Code, Section A-VI/1, paragraph 2.1.1.3, specifically states that personnel should be able to don an immersion suit, if one is required, within 2 minutes without assistance. This time limit ensures prompt preparation for abandonment in cold water conditions.

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Jumping from a ship, especially from a significant height, carries a high risk of serious injury due to the impact with the water. The 'don't jump unless necessary' rule emphasizes boarding survival craft directly from the ship's deck whenever possible, or using designated escape slides or routes to enter the water safely, ensuring a more controlled and less hazardous abandonment procedure, and preserving the physical condition of survivors.

Pyrotechnic distress signals are limited resources. They should be conserved and used strategically when there is a high probability of being seen by a potential rescuer, such as when an aircraft or vessel is sighted. Using them indiscriminately can deplete them before a real opportunity for rescue arises, thus reducing the chances of being located.

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.