Your examiner asks: "Rocket parachute flares, hand flares, and smoke signals all have a limited shelf life. Roughly how long, and what must happen to expired pyrotechnics?"

A. Marine pyrotechnics (rocket parachute flares, hand-held flares, and buoyant smoke signals) have a limited shelf life from their date of manufacture — commonly cited as around 3 years, though the manufacturer's marked expiry date on each individual item (which may vary slightly by manufacturer and product) is always the authoritative reference, not a generic rule of thumb. Once expired, pyrotechnics must be REPLACED with new, in-date stock — the vessel must not simply note the expiry and continue carrying the out-of-date items as if they remain usable, since pyrotechnic performance (ignition reliability, burn characteristics, candela output) cannot be guaranteed beyond the marked expiry. Expired pyrotechnics must be disposed of appropriately and safely (not simply discarded as ordinary waste, given their hazardous, explosive nature), with proper disposal also reducing the risk of expired stock being fraudulently retained or having its expiry date tampered with.

B. Pyrotechnics have no defined shelf life or expiry date whatsoever and may be carried indefinitely once initially supplied, regardless of manufacturer marking.

C. Expired pyrotechnics may continue to be carried and counted toward the vessel's SOLAS-required minimum quantity indefinitely, as long as they are visually undamaged.

D. Pyrotechnics shelf life is measured from the date of first USE (opening the storage locker), not from the date of manufacture, with no fixed interval applying beforehand.

A. Nothing — a test lift can proceed immediately after repairs

B. Testing should wait until cargo operations begin

C. The area within the grab's swing radius should be cleared of personnel before the lift

D. Only the crane operator needs to be aware the lift is happening

A. Who must remain clear of the exclusion zone while the lift takes place

B. The lunch schedule for the deck team

C. Only the weather forecast for the next watch

D. The cargo manifest for the next port