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AFF exit exam questions and answers — Set 3

Set 3 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 3 — 30 AFF exit exam questions with answers

1. The FIRST course of action in fighting a fire in a cargo or fuel oil tank is to:

  • A. Direct a fire hose into the tank and energize the fire main
  • B. Spray the tank boundaries with a fire hose to promote cooling
  • C. Discharge an initial charge of CO2 with a hand portable extinguisher
  • D. Secure all openings to the tank
Answer: D — Secure all openings to the tank
Securing all openings to a cargo or fuel oil tank immediately cuts off the oxygen supply, a critical element for combustion. This primary action helps to contain the fire, reduces its intensity, and prepares the space for the safe and effective application of fixed extinguishing systems.

2. Three side of fire triangle are fuel, heat and ............?

  • A. Oxygen
  • B. Petrol
  • C. Gases
  • D. Combustible material
Answer: A — Oxygen
The fire triangle comprises three essential elements for combustion: fuel (combustible material), heat (ignition source), and oxygen (oxidizer). Removing or disrupting any one of these elements will effectively extinguish the fire, a fundamental concept in firefighting theory and practice.

3. In a fixed CO2 fire extinguishing system where pressure from pilot cylinders is used to release the CO2 from the main bank of cylinders, the number of required pilot cylinders shall be at least:

  • A. 4
  • B. 3
  • C. 2
  • D. 6
Answer: C — 2
According to SOLAS regulations and the FSS Code, in a fixed CO2 system where pilot cylinders release CO2 from the main bank, there must be at least two pilot cylinders. This redundancy ensures system reliability, so a single pilot cylinder failure does not render the entire system inoperable.

4. Fixed CO2 systems would not be used on crew's quarters or:

  • A. the engine room
  • B. spaces open to the atmosphere
  • C. cargo holds
  • D. the paint locker
Answer: B — spaces open to the atmosphere
Fixed CO2 systems work by displacing oxygen to smother a fire. They are ineffective and potentially dangerous in spaces open to the atmosphere, such as open decks or other unenclosed areas, as the CO2 would rapidly dissipate, failing to achieve the necessary concentration to extinguish the fire.

5. Your vessel is equipped with a fixed CO2 system and a fire main system. In the event of an electrical fire in the engine room what is the correct procedure for fighting the fire?

  • A. Evacuate the engine room and use the fire main system.
  • B. Use the CO2 system and evacuate the engine room.
  • C. Use the fire main system and evacuate the engine room.
  • D. Evacuate the engine room and use the CO2 system.
Answer: D — Evacuate the engine room and use the CO2 system.
For an electrical fire in the engine room, personnel must first evacuate due to the danger of toxic smoke and CO2 deployment. Subsequently, the fixed CO2 system should be released, as CO2 is non-conductive and effectively smothers electrical fires without causing further damage to equipment.

6. When pilot cylinder pressure is used as a means to release the CO2 from a fixed fire extinguishing system consisting of four storage cylinders, the number of pilot cylinders shall be at least:

  • A. 3
  • B. 1
  • C. 4
  • D. 2
Answer: D — 2
As per SOLAS and FSS Code requirements for fixed CO2 systems, if pilot cylinders are used to release the CO2 from the main storage cylinders, a minimum of two pilot cylinders are mandatory. This ensures critical operational redundancy and system reliability, preventing a single point of failure.

7. After extinguishing a paint locker fire using the fixed CO2 system, the next action is to have the space:

  • A. doused with water to prevent reflash
  • B. left closed with vents off until all boundaries are cool
  • C. opened and burned material removed
  • D. checked for oxygen content
Answer: B — left closed with vents off until all boundaries are cool
After a CO2 discharge, the space should remain closed with ventilation secured until all boundaries have cooled down. Opening the space too soon can introduce oxygen, potentially causing re-ignition or flashover due to residual heat, a critical post-fire procedure to prevent secondary incidents.

8. In a fixed CO2 extinguishing system where provision is made for the release of CO2 by operation of a remote control, provision shall also be made for releasing the CO2:

  • A. from inside the engine room
  • B. from the bridge
  • C. at the cylinder location
  • D. from the cargo control station
Answer: C — at the cylinder location
SOLAS regulations require that fixed CO2 systems with remote release mechanisms also have a provision for local release at the cylinder location. This ensures the system can still be activated manually in case of a remote control malfunction, providing a critical backup and enhancing system reliability.

9. Which of the following statements is FALSE, concerning the regulations pertaining to the cylinder room of a fixed CO2 fire extinguishing system?

  • A. The door must be kept unlocked.
  • B. The compartment shall be clearly marked and identifiable.
  • C. The temperature of the room should never exceed 130°F.
  • D. The compartment must be properly ventilated.
Answer: A — The door must be kept unlocked.
The statement that the door must be kept unlocked is FALSE. The CO2 cylinder room must be kept locked to prevent unauthorized access, but with clear instructions and readily available keys for authorized personnel. SOLAS and FSS Code mandate proper ventilation, clear marking, and temperature control.

10. You are releasing carbon dioxide gas (CO2) into an engine compartment to extinguish a fire. The CO2 will be most effective if the:

  • A. compartment is closed and ventilators are opened
  • B. air flow to the compartment is increased with blowers
  • C. compartment is closed and airtight
  • D. compartment is left open to the air
Answer: C — compartment is closed and airtight
To extinguish a fire with CO2, the compartment must be sealed to contain the gas, thereby reducing the oxygen concentration to a level below that required for combustion. Increasing air flow or leaving the compartment open would disperse the CO2, rendering it ineffective.

11. CO2 cylinders, which protect the small space in which they are stored must:

  • A. have an audible alarm
  • B. All of the above
  • C. be automatically operated by a heat actuator
  • D. NOT contain more than 200 pounds of CO2
Answer: D — NOT contain more than 200 pounds of CO2
SOLAS regulations require CO2 cylinders for cargo spaces to not exceed 200 pounds of CO2 for safety and regulatory compliance. While alarms are important, this specific weight limit is a key requirement for these cylinders in such applications.

12. In areas where CO2 piping is installed, such piping may not be used for any other purpose EXCEPT:

  • A. to run the emergency wiring to the space
  • B. in connection with the fire-detecting system
  • C. in connection with the water sprinkler system
  • D. to ventilate the space
Answer: B — in connection with the fire-detecting system
Piping for fixed CO2 fire extinguishing systems is dedicated solely to its fire suppression function to ensure reliability and prevent contamination or obstruction. While fire detection systems share an area, CO2 piping cannot be used for ventilation or other unrelated purposes.

13. Control valves of a CO2 system may be located within the protected space when:

  • A. it is impractical to locate them outside
  • B. an automatic heat-sensing trip is installed
  • C. the CO2 cylinders are also in the space
  • D. there is also a control valve outside
Answer: D — there is also a control valve outside
Control valves for CO2 systems in protected spaces are typically located outside. However, if impractical, they may be located inside provided a secondary control valve is also present externally for safe manual operation during an emergency.

14. While you are working in a space, the fixed CO2 system is accidentally activated. You should:

  • A. continue with your work as there is nothing you can do to stop the flow of CO2
  • B. secure the applicators to preserve the charge in the cylinders
  • C. retreat to fresh air and ventilate the compartment before returning
  • D. make sure all doors and vents are secured
Answer: C — retreat to fresh air and ventilate the compartment before returning
If a CO2 system activates accidentally while you are in the space, the immediate priority is personal safety. Retreating to fresh air and ensuring the compartment is ventilated before re-entry is crucial as CO2 displaces oxygen, posing an asphyxiation risk.

15. Large volumes of carbon dioxide are safe and effective for fighting fires in enclosed spaces, such as in a pumproom, provided that the:

  • A. ventilation system is secured and all persons leave the space
  • B. persons in the space wear damp cloths over their mouths and nostrils
  • C. ventilation system is kept operating
  • D. persons in the space wear gas masks
Answer: A — ventilation system is secured and all persons leave the space
For effective CO2 fire suppression in enclosed spaces like pumprooms, the ventilation system must be secured to maintain the required concentration of CO2. This also necessitates ensuring all personnel have evacuated the space prior to discharge.

16. Automatic mechanical ventilation shutdown is required for CO2 systems protecting the:

  • A. living quarters
  • B. galley
  • C. machinery spaces
  • D. cargo compartments
Answer: C — machinery spaces
Automatic mechanical ventilation shutdown is mandatory for CO2 systems protecting machinery spaces to ensure the inerting effect of the CO2 is maintained. This prevents dilution and maximizes the effectiveness of the extinguishing agent.

17. Carbon dioxide as a fire fighting agent has which advantage over other agents?

  • A. It causes minimal damage.
  • B. It is most effective on a per unit basis.
  • C. It is safer for personnel.
  • D. It is cheaper.
Answer: A — It causes minimal damage.
Carbon dioxide offers the advantage of being a clean agent, meaning it leaves no residue after discharge. This is particularly beneficial for protecting sensitive equipment where water or foam might cause collateral damage.

18. CO2 cylinders forming part of a fixed fire extinguishing system must be pressure tested at least every:

  • A. 2 years
  • B. 12 years
  • C. year
  • D. 6 years
Answer: B — 12 years
SOLAS regulations mandate that CO2 cylinders used in fixed fire extinguishing systems must undergo hydrostatic testing every 12 years to ensure their structural integrity and safety for continued use.

19. Fixed carbon dioxide extinguishing systems, for machinery spaces that are normally manned, are actuated by one control to open the stop valve in the line leading to the space, and:

  • A. separate control to release the CO2
  • B. three separate controls to release the CO2
  • C. two separate controls to release the CO2
  • D. the same control releasing the CO2
Answer: C — two separate controls to release the CO2
For normally manned machinery spaces protected by a CO2 system with a stop valve, a two-control operation is required. One control initiates the process (e.g., opening the stop valve), and a second control actually releases the CO2.

20. A fixed carbon dioxide extinguishing system for a machinery space, designed WITHOUT a stop valve in the line leading to the protected space, is actuated by:

  • A. three controls
  • B. one control
  • C. none of the above
  • D. two controls
Answer: B — one control
If a CO2 system for a machinery space is designed without a stop valve in the line to the protected space, the release of CO2 is achieved through a single control mechanism. This simplifies the activation process in such configurations.

21. On cargo vessels, the discharge of the required quantity of carbon dioxide into any 'tight' space shall be completed within:

  • A. 6 minutes
  • B. 4 minutes
  • C. 2 minutes
  • D. 1 minute
Answer: C — 2 minutes
SOLAS requires that the discharge of the designed quantity of carbon dioxide into a 'tight' space on cargo vessels be completed within 2 minutes. This rapid discharge is essential for quickly suppressing the fire before it escalates.

22. Aboard a cargo vessel, the supply of carbon dioxide used in a fixed extinguishing system MUST at least be sufficient for what space:

  • A. all cargo spaces
  • B. the space requiring the largest amount
  • C. the engine room and largest cargo space
  • D. all the spaces of a vessel
Answer: B — the space requiring the largest amount
The supply of CO2 for a fixed extinguishing system on a cargo vessel must be sufficient to protect the single space that requires the largest quantity of gas. This ensures adequate protection for the most demanding scenario.

23. How often must CO2 systems be inspected to confirm cylinders are within 10% of the stamped full weight of the charge:

  • A. quarterly
  • B. biannually
  • C. annually
  • D. semiannually
Answer: C — annually
CO2 cylinders in fixed fire extinguishing systems are required to be inspected annually. This inspection includes weighing the cylinders to confirm they are within 10% of the stamped full weight of the charge.

24. In weighing CO2 cylinders, they must be recharged if weight loss exceeds:

  • A. 10% of weight of full bottle
  • B. 10% of weight of charge
  • C. 15% of weight of full bottle
  • D. 20% of weight of charge
Answer: B — 10% of weight of charge
CO2 cylinders for fixed fire extinguishing systems must be recharged if their weight loss exceeds 10% of the original weight of the charge. This ensures the system contains the correct amount of agent for effective fire suppression.

25. Before using a fixed CO2 system to fight an engine room fire, you must:

  • A. secure the machinery in the engine room
  • B. All of the above
  • C. secure the engine room ventilation
  • D. evacuate all engine room personnel
Answer: B — All of the above
Before activating a fixed CO2 system in an engine room, essential safety precautions include securing the ventilation to contain the CO2, stopping the machinery to prevent further hazards, and evacuating all personnel to prevent asphyxiation.

26. The CO2 flooding system is actuated by a sequence of steps which are:

  • A. break glass, pull valve, break glass, pull cylinder control
  • B. open stop valve, open control valve, trip alarm
  • C. sound evacuation alarm, pull handle
  • D. open bypass valve, break glass, pull handle
Answer: A — break glass, pull valve, break glass, pull cylinder control
The typical sequence for actuating a fixed CO2 flooding system involves a series of steps to ensure safety and proper function: breaking the glass to access controls, pulling a handle or lever to release the CO2, and confirming cylinder control activation.

27. Which advantage does dry chemical have over carbon dioxide (CO2) in firefighting?

  • A. More protective against re-flash
  • B. Compatible with all foam agents
  • C. Cleaner
  • D. All of the above
Answer: A — More protective against re-flash
Dry chemical agents offer a greater advantage over CO2 in preventing re-flash because they form a crust on the burning material, effectively isolating it from oxygen. CO2 primarily works by diluting oxygen and cooling.

28. What is NOT a characteristic of carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing agents?

  • A. Will not deteriorate in storage
  • B. Effective even if ventilation is not shut down
  • C. Effective on electrical equipment
  • D. Non-corrosive
Answer: B — Effective even if ventilation is not shut down
Carbon dioxide is not effective if ventilation is not shut down, as its extinguishing action relies on displacing oxygen and cooling. The other listed characteristics—stability, non-corrosiveness, and effectiveness on electrical fires—are indeed advantages of CO2.

29. In a fixed carbon dioxide extinguishing system for a machinery space, designed WITH a stop valve in the line leading to the protected space, the flow of CO2 is established by actuating:

  • A. two controls
  • B. one control
  • C. none of the above
  • D. three controls
Answer: A — two controls
When a fixed CO2 system for a machinery space includes a stop valve in the line to the protected space, its activation requires two controls. One control operates the stop valve, and the second control releases the CO2 from the cylinders.

30. An important step in fighting any electrical fire is to:

  • A. Increase ventilation
  • B. De-energize the circuit
  • C. Use chemical foam
  • D. Apply water fog immediately
Answer: B — De-energize the circuit
De-energizing the circuit is the most critical step when fighting an electrical (Class C) fire. This removes the power source, preventing electric shock hazards and the risk of reignition.

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