Question 1

As skipper, you're loading your vessel with the day's full complement of nets and gear — a load you know is close to the authorised pontee limit. What does LE PETIT CORSE's loss actually demonstrate about the risk of loading right up to that limit, or slightly over it?

Accepted Answer

Overloading can turn an otherwise-survivable mechanical fault into a hull breach, by submerging outlets designed to sit above the waterline LE PETIT CORSE's exhaust outlet was designed to sit just above the waterline under normal trim. Loaded roughly 500kg over her legal limit, that outlet was permanently submerged — so when a cooling pump failure melted the waterlock and broke the exhaust connection, seawater flooded straight in through an outlet that should never have been underwater in the first place. Neither failure alone would likely have sunk the vessel.

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.