Question 1

You're a deckhand aboard a small fishing boat when the wheelhouse-mounted auxiliary petrol motor stalls. The skipper suspects it's low on fuel. What's the safest way to check, given the motor is inside an enclosed space?

Accepted Answer

Ventilate the space first and avoid any ignition source near the tank before opening it On NINJA II (12 June 2013), the skipper opened the fuel cap to check the level in exactly this situation — the resulting petrol vapour ignition caused an explosion and severe burns. Petrol vapour (flash point around 40°C) can accumulate to dangerous concentrations in any enclosed or poorly ventilated space, including a small wheelhouse. Ventilating first and eliminating ignition sources is the safe approach — not speed.

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.