Question 1

The Chief Officer's gas readings for the three days before the accident were oxygen 20.9% and CO and H2S at zero. Why did the investigation say these results gave a false sense of safety?

Accepted Answer

The results did not reflect the known hazard of wood pellets, which steadily deplete oxygen, so they were wrongly read as meaning the hold was safe The report said the pre-accident results should not be read as reflecting the known risks of wood pellets, and that the discrepancy with the reading of 3.45% oxygen that afternoon suggests they led to a false assessment. The detector's calibration was valid until 6 January 2027.

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.