Question 1

You're fishing single-handed, close inshore in a 1-1.5m swell. Your outboard's lower assembly unit strikes an underwater rock and shears off. Propulsion is gone instantly. What's your first move?

Accepted Answer

Put on your PFD immediately — it's the one action that protects you no matter what happens next In the real incident, Sandy Alexander had approximately four minutes between propulsion loss and grounding. A PFD protects you regardless of what happens next — capsize, head injury, unconsciousness — and takes seconds to put on. Every other action depends on you being able to act; the PFD doesn't.

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.