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AFF exit exam questions and answers — Set 5

Set 5 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 5 — 30 AFF exit exam questions with answers

1. What, when removed, will assist in the self-extinguishment of a fire?

  • A. Argon
  • B. Carbon dioxide
  • C. Oxygen
  • D. Nitrogen
Answer: C — Oxygen
Oxygen is a key component of the fire triangle; its removal breaks the combustion process. Therefore, removing oxygen will assist in the self-extinguishment of a fire by starving it of this essential element.

2. Classification of fire bulkheads inside accommodation spaces is based on fire resisting capabilities. They are classified as:

  • A. Class X, Y, Z
  • B. Class H, J, K
  • C. Class 1, 2, 3
  • D. Class A, B, C
Answer: D — Class A, B, C
SOLAS classifies fire integrity of bulkheads and decks into Class A, B, and C, based on their fire-resisting properties and the duration they can withstand a standard fire test. Class A offers the highest integrity, followed by B and C.

3. Good housekeeping on a vessel prevents fire by:

  • A. Eliminating potential fuel sources
  • B. Cooling electrical control systems
  • C. Improving the speed of bilge pumps
  • D. Increasing structural fire boundaries
Answer: A — Eliminating potential fuel sources
Good housekeeping is fundamental to fire prevention as it involves keeping spaces clean and orderly, thereby eliminating or minimizing potential fuel sources such as oily rags, waste, and accumulated debris.

4. "Below lower flammable limit" means:

  • A. The vapor mixture is highly volatile and ready to explode
  • B. There is insufficient structural oxygen available for combustion
  • C. It is a mixture of hydrocarbon gases which is not sufficient to initiate a fire (too lean)
  • D. The atmosphere is completely saturated with fuel vapors (too rich)
Answer: C — It is a mixture of hydrocarbon gases which is not sufficient to initiate a fire (too lean)
"Below lower flammable limit" means the concentration of flammable vapor in the air is too low to sustain combustion. The mixture is too lean, and an ignition source will not cause it to burn or explode.

5. The oxidation process creates:

  • A. Free radical inhibitors
  • B. Heavy scale deposits
  • C. Heat
  • D. Cooling vapors
Answer: C — Heat
Oxidation is a chemical process that involves the loss of electrons and typically the gain of oxygen. In the context of fire, this process releases energy, primarily in the form of heat.

6. An important tool for fire prevention is:

  • A. Increasing high-expansion foam reserves
  • B. Periodic paint applications
  • C. Cleaning and good housekeeping
  • D. Keeping internal ventilation doors wide open
Answer: C — Cleaning and good housekeeping
Effective cleaning and good housekeeping practices are essential for fire prevention. They reduce the amount of combustible material available to fuel a fire and help identify potential hazards early.

7. The tendency or ability of a liquid to vaporize is called:

  • A. Viscosity
  • B. Capillarity
  • C. Density
  • D. Volatility
Answer: D — Volatility
Volatility refers to the tendency of a substance, particularly a liquid, to vaporize or form gases at a given temperature. Liquids with high volatility evaporate readily, posing a greater fire risk.

8. A person may operate an air compressor in which of the following areas on board a tank barge?

  • A. Generator room
  • B. Inside a cargo tank hatch
  • C. Pumproom space
  • D. Open deck near vapor manifold lines
Answer: A — Generator room
Operating electrical equipment like an air compressor should ideally be done in a safe area free from flammable vapors. A generator room is typically well-ventilated and designed for such equipment, unlike cargo tanks or pumprooms which may contain flammable gases.

9. The most efficient way of transferring heat in liquids and gases is called:

  • A. Convection
  • B. Radiation
  • C. Insulation
  • D. Conduction
Answer: A — Convection
Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). As the fluid heats up, it becomes less dense and rises, while cooler, denser fluid sinks, creating a continuous circulation pattern.

10. Fire and lifeboat stations are required to be listed on the:

  • A. Cargo manifest layout
  • B. Master list (station bill)
  • C. Logbook register
  • D. Crew contract binder
Answer: B — Master list (station bill)
The Master List, also known as the Station Bill, details essential information for the crew, including muster stations, fire stations, and lifeboat assignments, as required by maritime regulations like SOLAS.

11. You can find the location of your abandon ship post by checking the:

  • A. Deck logbook entries
  • B. Bridge passage plan
  • C. Master list
  • D. Safety equipment certificate booklet
Answer: C — Master list
The Master List or Station Bill, which is posted on board, indicates the designated abandon ship post for each crew member. This ensures everyone knows their assigned location during an emergency.

12. In order to achieve the fire safety objective, which of the following functional requirements are embodied in SOLAS regulations?

  • A. All of the above
  • B. Division of the ship into main horizontal/vertical zones by thermal and structural boundaries
  • C. Separation of accommodation spaces from the remainder of the ship by thermal and structural boundaries
  • D. Protective means of escape and access for firefighting
Answer: A — All of the above
SOLAS Chapter II-2 outlines comprehensive fire safety measures. These include dividing the ship into zones, separating accommodation from machinery spaces, and ensuring adequate means of escape and fire-fighting access, encompassing all listed requirements.

13. The vessel's Fire Control plan is laid out on which of the following types of plan?

  • A. General arrangement
  • B. Midship structural section
  • C. Lines plan drawing
  • D. Tank capacity schematic
Answer: A — General arrangement
The Fire Control Plan, mandated by SOLAS, is typically a detailed General Arrangement plan showing the location of fire detection systems, fire-fighting equipment, means of escape, and boundaries of fire zones.

14. Carbon dioxide is stored under pressure in liquid form inside a fire:

  • A. Cylinder
  • B. Storage box enclosure
  • C. Hose connection reel
  • D. Foam applicator drum
Answer: A — Cylinder
Carbon dioxide (CO2) for fire suppression is stored under pressure in liquid form within robust cylinders, which are part of the fixed or portable fire extinguishing systems.

15. Which statement concerning carbon dioxide is FALSE?

  • A. It extinguishes fire by smothering action
  • B. It is safe to use near personnel in a confined space
  • C. It leaves no dynamic residue on machinery components
  • D. It can be utilized safely on electrical fires
Answer: B — It is safe to use near personnel in a confined space
While CO2 is effective and safe for electrical fires, it displaces oxygen and can cause asphyxiation. It is NOT safe to use near personnel in a confined space without proper respiratory protection and prior ventilation.

16. Which class division is considered capable of preventing the passage of ONLY flame to the end of the first half-hour of a standard fire test?

  • A. Class B
  • B. Class D
  • C. Class A
  • D. Class C
Answer: A — Class B
Class B divisions are designed according to SOLAS regulations to prevent the passage of flame for the first half-hour of a standard fire test. This provides crucial time for evacuation and initial firefighting efforts.

17. A fire hose can be used for purposes other than firefighting service when:

  • A. Clearing choked scupper valves
  • B. Washing down cargo decks at sea
  • C. Used for drills and testing
  • D. Supplying cooling fluid to a temporary generator
Answer: C — Used for drills and testing
Fire hoses are critical safety equipment and should primarily be used for firefighting. Their use for drills and testing is permissible and necessary for ensuring their readiness, but other uses can compromise their integrity.

18. How many CO2 fire extinguishers ought to be kept in accommodation areas?

  • A. Four on each deck landing
  • B. Two near the galley spaces
  • C. No extinguishers
  • D. One per room corridor
Answer: C — No extinguishers
CO2 extinguishers are generally not recommended for accommodation areas due to the risk of asphyxiation in confined spaces. Water-based or foam extinguishers are more commonly found in these areas, with specific types and numbers dictated by regulations.

19. Portable foam fire extinguishers are designed for use on which classes of fires?

  • A. Class A and D fires
  • B. Class A and B fires
  • C. Class B and C fires
  • D. Class C and D fires
Answer: B — Class A and B fires
Portable foam fire extinguishers are primarily designed for Class A fires (ordinary combustibles) and Class B fires (flammable liquids). They work by creating a foam blanket that smothers the fire and cools the fuel.

20. The removal of fuel in the firefighting process is known as:

  • A. Inhibition
  • B. Starvation
  • C. Smothering
  • D. Cooling
Answer: B — Starvation
Starvation is the fire extinguishment technique of removing the fuel source. By cutting off the supply of fuel to the fire, the combustion process ceases.

21. Why is a CO2 type of fire extinguisher preferred for electrical installations?

  • A. It expands into a sticky visual foam barrier
  • B. It provides extensive long-term cooling
  • C. It can be safely deployed without isolating power circuits
  • D. It leaves no residue and does not damage any equipment
Answer: D — It leaves no residue and does not damage any equipment
CO2 is preferred for electrical installations because it is a non-conductive gas that extinguishes fire by displacing oxygen and cooling, and importantly, it leaves no residue that could damage sensitive electronic components.

22. Which of the listed extinguishing agents is NOT suitable for fighting a liquid paint fire?

  • A. Mechanical foam spray
  • B. Dry chemical powder
  • C. Carbon dioxide gas
  • D. Water
Answer: D — Water
Water is generally unsuitable for liquid paint fires (Class B) as it can spread the burning liquid due to its immiscibility and lower density, potentially intensifying the fire. Foam, dry chemical, and CO2 are more appropriate agents.

23. As per NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), a fire in cooking appliances involving vegetable/animal oils and fats is classified as:

  • A. Class K
  • B. Class C
  • C. Class D
  • D. Class B
Answer: A — Class K
Fires involving cooking appliances and the specific oils and fats used in them are classified as Class K fires under the NFPA system, distinct from Class B which covers general flammable liquids.

24. Designated areas for smoking are specified in the:

  • A. Company manual
  • B. Crew mess instruction card
  • C. Port state entry document
  • D. International code manual
Answer: A — Company manual
Designated smoking areas are safety-critical zones established by the company's Safety Management System (SMS) to prevent fire hazards. These are clearly defined in the company manual and shipboard standing orders to ensure compliance with international safety standards.

25. The spreading of fire as a result of heat being carried through a vessel's ventilation system is an example of heat transfer by:

  • A. Convection
  • B. Conduction
  • C. Absorption
  • D. Radiation
Answer: A — Convection
Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). In a vessel's ventilation system, hot air and gases rise and circulate, carrying heat to other parts of the ship and potentially spreading fire.

26. On cargo and miscellaneous vessels, what is NOT a required part of the fireman's outfit?

  • A. Rigid boots and gloves
  • B. Protective clothing
  • C. Combustible gas indicator
  • D. Flame safety lamp or breathing apparatus
Answer: C — Combustible gas indicator
A combustible gas indicator is used to detect flammable gases, which is not a standard component of the basic fireman's outfit required by SOLAS. The outfit focuses on protection from heat, flames, and providing breathing apparatus for toxic atmospheres.

27. A fire hose kept in its box should have a wrench and an:

  • A. High expansion foam generator tube
  • B. All-purpose nozzle
  • C. High-pressure mechanical lance tool
  • D. International Shore standard coupling flange
Answer: B — All-purpose nozzle
An all-purpose nozzle allows for adjustment of the water stream from a spray to a solid jet, which is essential for effective firefighting. While other items might be associated with firefighting equipment, the nozzle is a primary component of a hose box.

28. Actuating the fixed CO2 system should cause the automatic shutdown of the:

  • A. Main switchboard power grid distribution
  • B. Emergency bilge pump circuits
  • C. Supply and exhaust ventilation
  • D. Main engine propulsion controls
Answer: C — Supply and exhaust ventilation
Activating a fixed CO2 system is designed to extinguish fires by displacing oxygen. To prevent re-ignition and potential damage, it automatically shuts down ventilation fans that could supply air to the fire or spread the gas. Engine propulsion and power distribution are typically handled manually or through other safety interlocks.

29. During a fire onboard, communication is to be:

  • A. Relayed solely via messengers
  • B. Complex, thoroughly detailed, and extensive
  • C. Concise, precise, and short
  • D. Postponed until structural assessments end
Answer: C — Concise, precise, and short
During a fire, clear and rapid communication is paramount for effective response and safety. Messages must be concise and precise to avoid confusion, ensuring that critical information is understood quickly by all involved parties.

30. A solid stream of water is produced by an all-purpose firefighting nozzle when the handle is:

  • A. Pulled all the way back
  • B. Pushed all the way forward
  • C. Twisted ninety degrees counterclockwise
  • D. Positioned halfway into its casing
Answer: A — Pulled all the way back
On most firefighting nozzles, pulling the handle back is the action that adjusts the nozzle to produce a solid stream of water. Pushing it forward typically creates a spray pattern, which is also useful for cooling but not for a solid stream.

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