Question 1

You're providing commentary to passengers from the wheelhouse doorway as the vessel approaches a scenic cove with a narrow entrance. What's the safest way to keep giving the commentary?

Accepted Answer

Hand the helm to a crew member so you're free to move around and talk, but confirm someone is actively watching the vessel's position the entire time In the real incident, the skipper was standing in the doorway giving commentary when the vessel entered the cove, and engine data showed the engines in neutral or stopped at the moment of swamping — no one was actively driving. Any hazardous approach needs a person actively at the helm, watching, not narrating.

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.