Question 1

The list has been developing for over an hour and your crew's efforts haven't stopped it worsening. You're not confident in the vessel's remaining stability margin. What should guide your abandon ship decision?

Accepted Answer

Decide and communicate the decision early enough that evacuation can be carried out in a controlled way, well before the vessel's stability is critically compromised In the real incident, the decision to abandon ship came shortly after 05:00 — hours after the list first appeared — and the vessel capsized and sank stern-first while the crew were still evacuating. An abandon ship decision made too late doesn't just fail to save the vessel; it puts the evacuation itself at risk. The decision needs to be made with enough margin for the crew to get off safely.

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.