Question 1

You're the tug master of a conventional stern tug and the ship you're attached to suddenly accelerates beyond the agreed speed. What's the correct response?

Accepted Answer

Immediately call the pilot to reduce speed, simultaneously manoeuvre to reduce the tow line angle, and release the tow line if capsize becomes imminent Girting can occur within seconds of the tow line reaching a critical angle. The response has to be urgent and simultaneous — communicate, manoeuvre, and be prepared to release the line as a last resort — because the time window is extremely short once the ship starts to accelerate.

Question 2

You're asked to test a deck crane grab after electrical repairs nearby. As the grab is hoisted, what should have happened first?

Accepted Answer

The area within the grab's swing radius should be cleared of personnel before the lift On the bulk carrier Fairfield Eagle, a crew member working nearby was struck and fatally injured when a grab being test-lifted after repairs swung unexpectedly. The investigation found the area should have been cleared and barriered before the test lift began.

Question 3

A toolbox talk held before a lifting operation should explicitly cover which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Who must remain clear of the exclusion zone while the lift takes place A toolbox talk exists to make sure everyone present understands the danger zones, the abort signal, and — critically — who must not be in the area while the lift happens. The RMIMA investigation into the Fairfield Eagle fatality found the toolbox talk had not made this clear.