Question 1

Under MARPOL Annex V, what is the rule on disposing of plastic waste (including rope, fishing gear, and packaging) at sea?

Accepted Answer

Discharge of all plastics into the sea is prohibited everywhere, with no distance-from-land exception — plastic waste must always be retained on board and disposed of ashore MARPOL Annex V is unusually absolute on plastics compared with its rules for other waste types (which do allow discharge at various distances offshore) — plastic of any kind may never be discharged into the sea, regardless of distance from land, because it doesn't biodegrade and is a leading cause of marine wildlife entanglement and ingestion.

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.