Question 1

A crewmate has just collapsed inside a small space that opens directly onto a cargo hold loaded with scrap metal, and the booby hatch into that hold is currently open. What should you do first?

Accepted Answer

Raise the alarm and inform the OOW/Bridge, then keep everyone out of the space until an SCBA-equipped rescue team is ready On Federal Indiana, the alarm was raised quickly and correctly. But between the alarm and the SCBA-equipped rescue, a fitter and then an able seafarer entered the space without protection — the seafarer only self-rescued because he was still strong enough to get out, and needed 20 minutes of medical oxygen afterward. The gap between 'alarm raised' and 'SCBA rescue organised' is exactly where an untrained, unprotected entry can create a second casualty.

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.