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AFF exit exam questions and answers — Set 2

Set 2 of the Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF) exit exam bank — 30 of 218 questions, with the correct option marked and a one-line explanation for every one. Read it end to end, jump to a single set, or search it — then sit the same bank as a timed paper. The real DG Shipping exit exam is 30 marks with 15 to pass.

These are the bank's original groupings. Practising deals the whole bank out again every time you reshuffle, so a practice “Set 3” is a different 30 questions each time — the set numbers below are the source file's, and are only used here so the key stays navigable. Options are listed in their original order with fixed letters; when you practise, those move too.

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Set 2 — 30 AFF exit exam questions with answers

1. Regarding deck and engine room operational protocols in Advanced Fire Fighting, what is the mandatory safety standard required under STCW Code Table A-VI/2?

  • A. Non-mandatory recommendation
  • B. Optional compliance based on crew discretion
  • C. Applicable only when vessel is anchored
  • D. Full compliance with approved STCW safety procedures and SMS protocols
Answer: D — Full compliance with approved STCW safety procedures and SMS protocols
STCW Code Section A-VI/2 requires strict adherence to approved safety protocols for Advanced Fire Fighting.

2. What is the primary function of the emergency fire pump isolation valve located on the main deck?

  • A. Divert water to the bilge system
  • B. Prevent backflow to the sea chest
  • C. Increase water pressure to the bridge
  • D. Isolate the engine room fire main from the deck fire main
Answer: D — Isolate the engine room fire main from the deck fire main
The isolation valve ensures the deck fire main remains pressurized if the engine room line is breached.

3. Under SOLAS regulations, what is the minimum water capacity for the emergency fire pump on cargo vessels?

  • A. At least 25 m³/h or 40% of required main pump capacity
  • B. 10 m³/h fixed rate
  • C. 50 m³/h continuous flow
  • D. 100 m³/h at maximum RPM
Answer: A — At least 25 m³/h or 40% of required main pump capacity
SOLAS Chapter II-2 mandates emergency fire pumps supply at least 40% of total main fire pump capacity.

4. What type of fixed fire extinguishing system is required for paint lockers having a deck area greater than 4 m²?

  • A. Inert gas generator
  • B. High-expansion foam only
  • C. Dry powder system only
  • D. Fixed CO2 or water-sprinkling fire extinguishing system
Answer: D — Fixed CO2 or water-sprinkling fire extinguishing system
Paint lockers must be protected by an approved fixed fire extinguishing system suitable for flammable liquids.

5. What pre-release protocol must be completed before discharging CO2 into an engine room space?

  • A. Ensure all personnel are evacuated, ventilation fans stopped, and dampers closed tight
  • B. Open skylights to vent pressure
  • C. Start emergency generator
  • D. Keep exhaust ventilation running at half speed
Answer: A — Ensure all personnel are evacuated, ventilation fans stopped, and dampers closed tight
Stopping ventilation prevents loss of CO2 concentration and starves the fire of oxygen.

6. What is the principal extinguishing mechanism of High-Expansion Foam when applied to machinery space bilges?

  • A. Absorbing oil spills
  • B. Cooling hot steel bulkheads
  • C. Rapid volume filling and total smothering of flammable surface vapors
  • D. Diluting fuel vapors
Answer: C — Rapid volume filling and total smothering of flammable surface vapors
High-expansion foam expands up to 1000:1 ratio, smothering fires in large volumetric spaces.

7. What is the maximum allowable pressure drop before an SCBA compressed air cylinder must be recharged?

  • A. 25% below working pressure
  • B. 5 bar drop
  • C. 50% below working pressure
  • D. 10% below nominal working pressure
Answer: D — 10% below nominal working pressure
SCBA cylinders must be maintained at full capacity; a drop over 10% requires immediate recharging.

8. What is the function of the International Shore Connection fitted on shipboard fire mains?

  • A. Discharge oily bilge water to shore
  • B. Enable shore fire lines to connect to the vessel's fire main regardless of port hose fittings
  • C. Bunker fresh water from shore
  • D. Supply shore electrical power
Answer: B — Enable shore fire lines to connect to the vessel's fire main regardless of port hose fittings
The International Shore Connection provides a standard flange coupling compatible worldwide.

9. What is the primary objective of boundary cooling during a shipboard compartment fire?

  • A. Prevent heat transfer through bulkheads and decks to stop fire spread to adjacent spaces
  • B. Extinguish the primary fire flame
  • C. Cool the firefighting team's turnout suits
  • D. Reduce water pressure in the fire main
Answer: A — Prevent heat transfer through bulkheads and decks to stop fire spread to adjacent spaces
Boundary cooling prevents thermal conduction from igniting combustible materials in neighboring rooms.

10. Under SOLAS Chapter II-2, how many firefighter outfits must be carried on cargo ships of 500 GT and above?

  • A. At least 6 outfits
  • B. At least 2 firefighter outfits
  • C. At least 4 outfits
  • D. At least 1 outfit
Answer: B — At least 2 firefighter outfits
SOLAS requires a minimum of 2 firefighter outfits on cargo vessels of 500 GT and above.

11. What safety precaution is mandatory when entering a compartment after a fixed CO2 system has been discharged?

  • A. Wait 5 minutes without testing
  • B. Verify complete gas-freeing and atmospheric testing (O2 at 20.9%) using approved sensors
  • C. Enter immediately after opening door
  • D. Wear a cotton dust mask only
Answer: B — Verify complete gas-freeing and atmospheric testing (O2 at 20.9%) using approved sensors
CO2 is asphyxiating; spaces must be thoroughly ventilated and tested before entry without breathing apparatus.

12. What is the purpose of the relief valve fitted on a fire main isolation system?

  • A. Drain water during freezing weather
  • B. Supply water to deck scuppers
  • C. Allow air to vent from the system
  • D. Protect fire piping from over-pressurization during emergency pump operation
Answer: D — Protect fire piping from over-pressurization during emergency pump operation
Relief valves protect piping from pressure surges when nozzles are shut down.

13. Which SOLAS requirement applies to quick-closing valves on fuel oil tanks in case of engine room fire?

  • A. They must be tested every 5 years
  • B. They can only be operated manually inside the engine room
  • C. They must be capable of being closed from a safe position outside the engine room
  • D. They must close automatically at 50 degrees C
Answer: C — They must be capable of being closed from a safe position outside the engine room
Quick-closing valves allow rapid isolation of fuel supplies from a remote position during a fire.

14. What is the minimum operating duration required for an approved SCBA cylinder used in firefighting?

  • A. At least 30 minutes
  • B. 60 minutes
  • C. 15 minutes
  • D. 45 minutes
Answer: A — At least 30 minutes
Standard firefighter SCBA sets must provide a minimum of 30 minutes operating time.

15. What type of foam compound is most effective for extinguishing polar solvent alcohol fires on chemical tankers?

  • A. Alcohol-Resistant Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AR-AFFF)
  • B. High-Expansion Synthetic Foam
  • C. Fluoroprotein Foam
  • D. Standard Protein Foam
Answer: A — Alcohol-Resistant Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AR-AFFF)
AR-AFFF forms a protective membrane over polar solvents, preventing foam degradation.

16. Why must fire hoses be pressure tested annually onboard ships?

  • A. To verify structural integrity and prevent hose burst under emergency working pressure
  • B. To clean internal salt deposits
  • C. To satisfy customs inspections
  • D. To measure water flow rate
Answer: A — To verify structural integrity and prevent hose burst under emergency working pressure
Annual hydro-testing ensures fire hoses will not fail when pressurized during emergencies.

17. What is the main advantage of a water mist fire extinguishing system compared to traditional sprinkler systems?

  • A. Requires no pumps or piping
  • B. Fills the space with chemical powder
  • C. Requires higher electrical voltage
  • D. Uses significantly less water while providing high heat absorption and rapid oxygen displacement
Answer: D — Uses significantly less water while providing high heat absorption and rapid oxygen displacement
Water mist droplets evaporate instantly, absorbing heat and displacing oxygen with lower water damage.

18. Under STCW, what is the role of the On-Scene Commander during a major shipboard fire incident?

  • A. Operate the main engine throttle
  • B. Maintain passenger headcount in mess room
  • C. Direct tactical firefighting operations at the fire scene and communicate with the Command Team
  • D. Stay on the bridge to navigate the ship
Answer: C — Direct tactical firefighting operations at the fire scene and communicate with the Command Team
The On-Scene Commander leads tactical entry teams and reports status to the Master.

19. What safety feature prevents accidental discharge of fixed CO2 fire extinguishing systems?

  • A. Automatic trigger at 30°C
  • B. Double-valve protection with pilot control and alarm trip switches in locked release cabinets
  • C. Threaded cap on main discharge pipe
  • D. Single push button on the bridge
Answer: B — Double-valve protection with pilot control and alarm trip switches in locked release cabinets
Locked cabinets with micro-switches initiate pre-discharge alarms before main valves can open.

20. What device must be worn by firefighters in low oxygen or toxic smoke environments?

  • A. Dust filter mask
  • B. Canister gas mask
  • C. Wet handkerchief
  • D. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
Answer: D — Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
SCBA supplies positive-pressure breathable air independent of the ambient atmosphere.

21. How often must emergency fire pumps be tested operational according to SOLAS safety management system routines?

  • A. Monthly
  • B. Annually
  • C. Quarterly
  • D. Weekly
Answer: D — Weekly
Emergency fire pumps must be tested weekly to ensure immediate readiness.

22. What is the correct procedure for searching a smoke-filled compartment during search and rescue?

  • A. Crawl along ceiling piping
  • B. Run to the far corner immediately
  • C. Maintain continuous physical or wall contact and sweep floor area systematically
  • D. Walk upright quickly with flashlight
Answer: C — Maintain continuous physical or wall contact and sweep floor area systematically
Staying low reduces heat/smoke exposure and wall contact prevents disorientation.

23. What is the primary function of drenching systems fitted on roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vehicle decks?

  • A. Provide rapid total-area water coverage to extinguish vehicle fires quickly
  • B. Cool exhaust manifolds
  • C. Wash down vehicle tires
  • D. Provide fresh drinking water
Answer: A — Provide rapid total-area water coverage to extinguish vehicle fires quickly
Ro-Ro vehicle deck drenchers deliver heavy water spray across open vehicle bays.

24. Which class of fire involves energized electrical equipment such as switchboards or electric motors?

  • A. Class B
  • B. Class A
  • C. Class C (or Electrical Fire)
  • D. Class D
Answer: C — Class C (or Electrical Fire)
Electrical fires require non-conductive extinguishing agents like CO2 or dry chemical.

25. Why must firefighter turnout gear be thoroughly cleaned after exposure to heavy smoke?

  • A. To increase thermal weight
  • B. To remove carcinogenic combustion products and flammable chemical residues
  • C. To restore shiny color
  • D. To shrink the material tight
Answer: B — To remove carcinogenic combustion products and flammable chemical residues
Soot accumulation reduces thermal protection and exposes crew to toxic chemicals.

26. What is the purpose of a flame arrestor fitted on a fuel tank vent pipe?

  • A. Regulate fuel pumping speed
  • B. Prevent external flames from traveling into the fuel vapor space
  • C. Stop fuel overflow
  • D. Filter air dust
Answer: B — Prevent external flames from traveling into the fuel vapor space
Flame arrestors quench flame fronts via fine wire mesh heat dissipation.

27. What is the minimum number of spare SCBA air charges required onboard cargo ships?

  • A. None required if compressor available
  • B. 5 spare charges per set
  • C. At least 2 spare charges per required SCBA set
  • D. 1 spare charge total
Answer: C — At least 2 spare charges per required SCBA set
SOLAS requires two spare charges for each required breathing apparatus.

28. A safety is provided on the CO2 discharge piping to prevent:

  • A. Rupture of cylinder due to temperature increase
  • B. Over pressurization of the space being flooded
  • C. Flooding of a space where personnel are present
  • D. Over pressurization of the CO2 discharge piping
Answer: D — Over pressurization of the CO2 discharge piping
A safety relief device, often a bursting disc, is installed on CO2 discharge piping to prevent over-pressurization. In the event of an abnormal pressure build-up, it ruptures to release the CO2, protecting the piping system from damage or catastrophic failure, compliant with the FSS Code.

29. Apart from red what other color is frequently used for a CO2 extinguisher:

  • A. Yellow
  • B. Blue
  • C. Black
  • D. Red
Answer: C — Black
While the main body of fire extinguishers is typically red, different types are identified by a color band or the entire body color. For CO2 extinguishers, the body is often black or has a black band, clearly distinguishing them from other types for rapid identification.

30. In fighting a fire in a fuel tank, the first action you should attempt is to:

  • A. Station someone at the fixed CO2 release controls
  • B. Begin transferring the fuel to other tanks
  • C. Top off the tank to force out all vapors
  • D. Secure all sources of fresh air to the tank
Answer: D — Secure all sources of fresh air to the tank
For a fire in a fuel tank, the first critical step is to eliminate the oxygen supply by securing all openings, vents, and fresh air sources. This starves the fire, helping to contain it before applying extinguishing agents and mitigating the risk of rapid spread.

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