Question 1

During a fixed CO2 system release into a sealed engine room, the master releases only half the system's bottles because no flames were actually seen, only smoke. What does the investigation say about this decision?

Accepted Answer

The system's CO2 capacity is calculated for the full space and hazard type — releasing only half may not achieve the design concentration needed to fully smother the fire Fixed CO2 systems are engineered to a specific flooding factor for the protected space's volume and hazard type. A discretionary partial release isn't a smaller version of the same protection — it may simply fail to reach the concentration needed, which is consistent with the smouldering fire investigators found when the space was later reopened.

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.