Question 1

You're the master of a dredger arriving alongside, and the only other crew member available is tied up elsewhere. Based on MAIB's findings on Cherry Sand, what should you do about the mooring operation?

Accepted Answer

Delay or request additional crew before mooring — a one-person mooring operation removes the ability for anyone to intervene if something goes wrong Cherry Sand's temporary master was fatally crushed while mooring alone, with no one available to stop the vessel's movement or raise the alarm. MAIB's Rec 2020/118 calls for minimum crew requirements specifically because solo mooring removes this safeguard entirely.

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.