Question 1

What is the main practical difference between an EPIRB and a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon)?

Accepted Answer

An EPIRB is registered to a vessel and typically float-free or manually deployed; a PLB is registered to a person and worn or carried individually An EPIRB is registered to a specific vessel, often fitted with a float-free hydrostatic release so it activates automatically if the vessel sinks. A PLB is a smaller, personal device registered to an individual, intended to be worn or carried and manually activated — useful if a person ends up separated from the vessel, such as falling overboard alone.

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.