Question 1

You're three weeks into a new contract and assigned routine deck maintenance at 08:30. Based on Gard's 2026 Crew Claims Report, what does this combination of factors mean for your injury risk right now?

Accepted Answer

Elevated risk — new joiners in their first month, working during peak activity hours, are statistically more exposed Gard's 2026 Crew Claims Report found the first three months aboard — especially the first month — carry elevated injury risk, and 08:00–10:00 is the peak injury window because it's peak activity hours. Routine, planned work accounted for the largest share of the roughly 3,000 claims reviewed.

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.