What is "free-fall" launching of a lifeboat, and what additional preparation does it require compared to davit launching?

A. A free-fall lifeboat is released to slide down a ramp and drop directly into the water under gravity, rather than being lowered by davit wires — occupants must be securely seated and harnessed (seatbelt-style restraints) before release, since the drop and water impact forces are significant and improperly secured occupants risk injury

B. Free-fall lifeboats can only be launched while the parent vessel is completely stationary

C. Free-fall and davit launching are functionally identical, with "free-fall" simply being an alternative name for the same process

D. Free-fall launching requires no occupant restraint, since the boat's design alone fully protects against impact forces

A. PSCRB is required for every seafarer regardless of muster list role, with no distinction from PST

B. PSCRB only covers liferafts, while PST covers lifeboats — the two trainings simply split equipment types

C. PST gives every seafarer the basic personal survival skills needed to use equipment and survive once in a liferaft, while PSCRB is a separate, more advanced certificate required for crew specifically designated on the muster list to launch, command, or operate lifeboats and rescue boats — including davit operation, engine handling, and craft manoeuvring

D. PSCRB and PST cover identical content and are simply two names for the same training

A. Occupants should stand and hold the gunwale for stability during the lowering process

B. The area below and around the lifeboat is clear of obstructions and personnel not involved in launching; the falls (wires) are correctly led and free to run; the brake mechanism is functioning; occupants are seated and braced correctly; and there is clear communication established between the person controlling the davit and anyone in the boat

C. No pre-launch checks are necessary as long as the davit mechanism appears undamaged on visual inspection

D. Only the lifeboat's engine needs checking before launch; the davit and fall mechanisms are assumed reliable without inspection