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PSCRB exit exam questions and answers — Set 4

Set 4 of the Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB) exit exam bank — 30 of 160 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 4 — 30 PSCRB exit exam questions with answers

1. The breaking strength of line throwing appliances should not be less than

  • A. 8 KN
  • B. 4 KN
  • C. 2 KN
  • D. 6 KN
Answer: C — 2 KN
The line used with a line-throwing appliance must have a minimum breaking strength of 2 kN to ensure it remains intact while towing the heavier messenger line during an operation.

2. Which of the following statements is true concerning life jackets?

  • A. Lightly stained or faded life jackets will fall in the water and should not be used
  • B. Life jackets are designed to turn an unconscious person's face clear of water
  • C. Buoyant vests may be substituted for life jackets
  • D. Lifejackets must always be worn with the same side facing outwards to float
Answer: B — Life jackets are designed to turn an unconscious person's face clear of water
Life jackets are specifically engineered to provide the necessary buoyancy and head support to automatically turn an unconscious person's face out of the water.

3. HELP position stands for

  • A. None of the above
  • B. Heat exchange lessening point
  • C. Heat exchange lessening posture
  • D. Heat exchange lessening period
Answer: C — Heat exchange lessening posture
HELP stands for Heat Escape Lessening Posture, a technique used by survivors in cold water to reduce body heat loss by tucking the knees and arms to the chest.

4. Passenger vessels 240 meters and over in length should have

  • A. 20 life buoys
  • B. 8 life buoys
  • C. 30 life buoys
  • D. 12 life buoys
Answer: C — 30 life buoys
For large passenger vessels 240 meters or longer, the SOLAS requirement for the number of lifebuoys is 30, ensuring adequate coverage across the extensive deck areas.

5. Under STCW Code Table A-VI/2-1, what is the mandatory requirement regarding emergency procedures and alarm protocols during Proficiency in Survival Craft operations?

  • A. Strict compliance with approved safety procedures and flag state regulations
  • B. Verbal recommendation without documentation
  • C. Optional adherence based on vessel size
  • D. Applicable only during drydock operations
Answer: A — Strict compliance with approved safety procedures and flag state regulations
STCW Code Table A-VI/2-1 mandates strict compliance with approved safety protocols for Proficiency in Survival Craft.

6. What specific safety precaution must be observed when managing emergency procedures and alarm protocols for Proficiency in Survival Craft on board?

  • A. Conducting a thorough risk assessment and briefing all involved personnel prior to starting work
  • B. Disabling automated safety alarms to save time
  • C. Proceeding without informing the officer on watch
  • D. Delegating tasks exclusively to untrained crew members
Answer: A — Conducting a thorough risk assessment and briefing all involved personnel prior to starting work
Risk assessments and pre-job briefings ensure all team members understand hazards during Proficiency in Survival Craft operations.

7. Which international regulation specifies the minimum standard for emergency procedures and alarm protocols concerning Proficiency in Survival Craft?

  • A. International Load Line Certificate Annex 3
  • B. STCW Code Section A-VI/2-1 and relevant SOLAS/MARPOL conventions
  • C. Tonnage Measurement Convention 1969
  • D. Port State Control advisory note only
Answer: B — STCW Code Section A-VI/2-1 and relevant SOLAS/MARPOL conventions
STCW Code Section A-VI/2-1 sets international standards for training and operational competency in Proficiency in Survival Craft.

8. What speed must a motor-propelled lifeboat be capable of attaining in calm water when fully loaded with complement and equipment?

  • A. At least 6 knots (and 2 knots when towing a 25-person life raft)
  • B. At least 12 knots
  • C. At least 3 knots
  • D. At least 15 knots
Answer: A — At least 6 knots (and 2 knots when towing a 25-person life raft)
SOLAS LSA Code section 4.4.6 requires lifeboat diesel engines to maintain at least 6 knots speed in calm water when fully loaded.

9. How much fuel fuel capacity must be carried in a SOLAS motor lifeboat fuel tank?

  • A. Sufficient fuel to run fully loaded at 6 knots for at least 24 hours
  • B. Sufficient fuel for 6 hours
  • C. Sufficient fuel for 72 hours
  • D. 5 liters total
Answer: A — Sufficient fuel to run fully loaded at 6 knots for at least 24 hours
Lifeboat fuel tanks must hold enough fuel for continuous 24-hour operation at 6 knots under full load.

10. What engine starting capability is required for a SOLAS lifeboat diesel engine in cold weather?

  • A. Must start readily at ambient temperature of -15 degrees C within 2 minutes
  • B. Requires external 220V electric heater for 4 hours
  • C. Must start at 0 degrees C only
  • D. Ether injection start mandatory
Answer: A — Must start readily at ambient temperature of -15 degrees C within 2 minutes
SOLAS mandates that lifeboat compression-ignition engines start within 2 minutes at -15 deg C ambient temperature using manual or dual battery systems.

11. What is the primary function of a water spray system fitted on a fire-protected life boat?

  • A. Pumps sea water over outer hull/canopy to protect occupants when navigating through oil fires on sea surface
  • B. Washes lifeboat deck
  • C. Cools engine radiator
  • D. Fills drinking water tanks
Answer: A — Pumps sea water over outer hull/canopy to protect occupants when navigating through oil fires on sea surface
External water spray systems draw sea water via dedicated pump to form a protective cooling film over canopy when passing burning oil slicks.

12. How long must the compressed air breathing system maintain positive pressure inside a totally enclosed fire-protected lifeboat?

  • A. At least 10 minutes at maximum engine operating speed
  • B. At least 30 minutes
  • C. At least 2 minutes
  • D. At least 60 minutes
Answer: A — At least 10 minutes at maximum engine operating speed
Self-contained air air systems provide breathable air for engine and occupants for at least 10 minutes while isolated from toxic/combustion gases outside.

13. What is the self-righting capability required for a SOLAS totally enclosed lifeboat?

  • A. Must automatically self-right from 180 degrees flooded condition with all occupants strapped in safety belts
  • B. Requires crew to stand on keel to right
  • C. Will remain inverted safely
  • D. Requires tugboat assistance to flip
Answer: A — Must automatically self-right from 180 degrees flooded condition with all occupants strapped in safety belts
Totally enclosed lifeboats feature high buoyant superstructure and low center of gravity ensuring inherent positive self-righting if capsized.

14. What safety precaution is mandatory for all occupants inside a free-fall lifeboat prior to release?

  • A. Strap securely into padded backward-facing seats using full multi-point safety harnesses and headrests
  • B. Stand upright near stern door
  • C. Sit on floor facing forward
  • D. Hold onto overhead handrail only
Answer: A — Strap securely into padded backward-facing seats using full multi-point safety harnesses and headrests
Free-fall impact deceleration forces require occupants to be strapped into backward-facing anatomical seats with head, chest, and lap restraints.

15. What type of launching davit uses gravity to swing and lower a lifeboat from stowed position to water level?

  • A. Gravity luffing or gravity trackway davit
  • B. Electric crane davit only
  • C. Manual hydraulic jack davit
  • D. Pneumatic piston davit
Answer: A — Gravity luffing or gravity trackway davit
Gravity davits release brake locks, allowing outriggers to slide down trackways by gravity alone without needing main ship power.

16. What device prevents a davit-launched lifeboat from releasing hook falls before the boat is fully waterborne?

  • A. On-load / Off-load release mechanism with hydrostatic interlock protection
  • B. Manual hacksaw
  • C. Rope slip knot
  • D. Magnetic latch
Answer: A — On-load / Off-load release mechanism with hydrostatic interlock protection
SOLAS off-load/on-load release gear includes hydrostatic interlocks to prevent accidental hook release while boat is suspended above water.

17. What is the purpose of the tricing pendant lines on a davit-launched lifeboat?

  • A. To pull the lifeboat close against the embarkation deck side for safe passenger boarding
  • B. To start lifeboat engine
  • C. To lift lifeboat back to stowage
  • D. To secure sea anchor
Answer: A — To pull the lifeboat close against the embarkation deck side for safe passenger boarding
Tricing pendants swing the suspended lifeboat inward against the ship's embarkation deck so crew can step aboard safely.

18. In the event of an emergency involving operational safety and hazard prevention during Proficiency in Survival Craft tasks, what immediate action is required?

  • A. Raise the alarm, notify the Officer of the Watch, and execute assigned muster list duties
  • B. Evacuate the vessel immediately without informing the bridge
  • C. Attempt to resolve the incident silently without raising the alarm
  • D. Wait until the end of the watch to log the issue
Answer: A — Raise the alarm, notify the Officer of the Watch, and execute assigned muster list duties
Prompt alarm activation ensures emergency response teams can mobilize immediately.

19. How frequently must operational drills and practical checks for emergency procedures and alarm protocols be conducted for Proficiency in Survival Craft?

  • A. Once every 5 years during special survey
  • B. Annually prior to vessel drydocking
  • C. At least monthly or as mandated by SOLAS and shipboard safety management system (SMS)
  • D. Only when requested by port State control inspectors
Answer: C — At least monthly or as mandated by SOLAS and shipboard safety management system (SMS)
Regular drills maintain crew emergency readiness and satisfy SOLAS requirements.

20. What documented record must be maintained on board following completion of tasks related to emergency procedures and alarm protocols in Proficiency in Survival Craft?

  • A. Verbal update to port agent without logging
  • B. No written record is required
  • C. Unsigned note on the shipboard notice board
  • D. Entry in the official Deck or Engine Logbook recording date, time, and operational parameters
Answer: D — Entry in the official Deck or Engine Logbook recording date, time, and operational parameters
Official logbook entries provide mandatory legal documentation of shipboard safety tasks.

21. What is the function of bowsing lines fitted to davit-launched lifeboats during lowering?

  • A. To take the load off tricing pendants and hold the boat steady against the ship's side while boarding
  • B. To measure lowering speed
  • C. To steer lifeboat propeller
  • D. To anchor davit arms
Answer: A — To take the load off tricing pendants and hold the boat steady against the ship's side while boarding
Bowsing lines attached to falls block shackles hold the lifeboat snug to the embarkation deck side after tricing pendants are released.

22. What is the maximum allowable lowering speed of a fully loaded lifeboat under gravity davits?

  • A. Calculated by formula S = 0.4 + (0.02 x H), where H is height above waterline
  • B. 10 meters per second
  • C. 0.1 meters per second
  • D. Unlimited speed
Answer: A — Calculated by formula S = 0.4 + (0.02 x H), where H is height above waterline
SOLAS LSA Code specifies safe controlled lowering speeds managed by centrifugal winch brakes to prevent impact damage.

23. What device controls the lowering speed of a davit winch when the manual brake lever is lifted?

  • A. Centrifugal brake governor inside the winch gearbox
  • B. Electric solenoid valve
  • C. Hand crank handle
  • D. Hydraulic steering pump
Answer: A — Centrifugal brake governor inside the winch gearbox
Internal centrifugal friction shoes expand against drum casing as RPM rises, governing lowering speed to safe SOLAS limits.

24. How is a davit winch brake operated from inside a suspended lifeboat during lowering?

  • A. By pulling the remote brake control wire passing into the lifeboat canopy
  • B. By calling bridge via VHF
  • C. By cutting fall wire
  • D. By starting diesel engine
Answer: A — By pulling the remote brake control wire passing into the lifeboat canopy
A remote control wire leads from the winch brake counterweight lever inside the lifeboat, allowing occupants to control lowering.

25. What minimum search pattern is recommended for a single rescue boat searching for a casualty in open water with known datum?

  • A. Expanding Square Search or Sector Search
  • B. Random zigzag track
  • C. Circular orbit at 20 knots
  • D. Straight line away from datum
Answer: A — Expanding Square Search or Sector Search
IAMSAR Manual recommends Expanding Square Search (SS) or Sector Search (VS) for single-unit searches around a concentrated position.

26. What is the primary difference between a standard lifeboat and a dedicated Rescue Boat?

  • A. Rescue boats are designed for rapid launch under 5 minutes to rescue personnel from water and marshal life rafts
  • B. Rescue boats carry no motor
  • C. Rescue boats cannot operate in sea water
  • D. Rescue boats carry no radio gear
Answer: A — Rescue boats are designed for rapid launch under 5 minutes to rescue personnel from water and marshal life rafts
Rescue boats (rigid or semi-rigid) are fast, highly maneuverable craft capable of launching quickly to recover MOB casualties and tow life rafts.

27. What requirement applies to the engine starting arrangement of a Fast Rescue Boat (FRB)?

  • A. Must feature dual independent battery starting or automatic hydraulic/manual restart after capsizing
  • B. Hand crank only
  • C. Requires external shore power cable while running
  • D. Solar powered electric motor
Answer: A — Must feature dual independent battery starting or automatic hydraulic/manual restart after capsizing
Fast Rescue Boat engines must start reliably in all weather and incorporate auto shut-off / restart valves if capsized and self-righted.

28. What equipment item is mandatory in a rescue boat for towing life rafts?

  • A. Buoyant towing line of at least 50 meters length with sufficient breaking strength
  • B. Steel anchor chain
  • C. Wire rope hawser
  • D. Cotton twine
Answer: A — Buoyant towing line of at least 50 meters length with sufficient breaking strength
Rescue boats require a high-strength floating towing line (polypropylene / nylon) to haul loaded life rafts away from hazards.

29. What is the fresh water allocation requirement per person in a SOLAS Lifeboat equipment pack?

  • A. 3 liters per person (with 1 liter replaceable by a desalting apparatus)
  • B. 1 liter per person
  • C. 10 liters per person
  • D. 0.5 liters per person
Answer: A — 3 liters per person (with 1 liter replaceable by a desalting apparatus)
SOLAS Lifeboat equipment packs require 3 liters of fresh water per person, stowed in watertight containers.

30. What equipment item inside a lifeboat is used to measure magnetic heading for navigation?

  • A. Luminous or illuminated binnacle magnetic compass
  • B. Gyrocompass repeater
  • C. GPS chart plotter
  • D. Sextant
Answer: A — Luminous or illuminated binnacle magnetic compass
SOLAS lifeboats require an operational magnetic compass in a binnacle with suitable illumination for day and night steering.

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