Question 1

How often should an EPIRB's battery typically be replaced, and who should carry out this work?

Accepted Answer

According to the battery's marked expiry date (commonly every 5 years), by a manufacturer-approved service agent EPIRB batteries have a manufacturer-marked expiry date, commonly around 5 years, and replacement should be carried out by an approved service agent to ensure the unit is correctly resealed, tested, and recertified — not swapped informally by crew, since improper resealing can compromise the unit's waterproofing.

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.