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PSCRB exit exam questions and answers — Set 5

Set 5 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 5 — 30 PSCRB exit exam questions with answers

1. What color parachute flare signal is used by survival craft to indicate distress at night?

  • A. Red rocket parachute flare
  • B. Green star flare
  • C. White flare
  • D. Yellow flare
Answer: A — Red rocket parachute flare
Red is internationally reserved for emergency distress signaling; green and white flares indicate test or illumination signals.

2. What is the function of the skates or fenders fitted to the inboard side of a davit-launched lifeboat?

  • A. To cushion and facilitate smooth sliding down the ship's side plating when listing up to 20 degrees
  • B. To increase boat speed
  • C. To hold spare oars
  • D. To anchor boat
Answer: A — To cushion and facilitate smooth sliding down the ship's side plating when listing up to 20 degrees
Lifeboat skates (wooden/rubber runners) protect the hull from catching on hull rivets, weld seams, or obstacles during adverse list lowering.

3. What safety mechanism prevents the fall wire from unwinding off the davit winch drum when the lifeboat reaches the water?

  • A. Limit switches or winch drum end-securing stops
  • B. Rope shear pin
  • C. Manual ratchet pawl
  • D. Hydraulic bypass line
Answer: A — Limit switches or winch drum end-securing stops
Electrical limit switches cut winch motor power during hoisting, and wire end clamps ensure minimum 3 dead turns remain on drum during lowering.

4. Under SOLAS regulations, how often must lifeboat fall wires be turned end-for-end and renewed?

  • A. Inspected periodically, turned end-for-end at intervals not exceeding 30 months, and renewed every 5 years
  • B. Renewed every 10 years
  • C. Turned every month
  • D. Never renewed unless broken
Answer: A — Inspected periodically, turned end-for-end at intervals not exceeding 30 months, and renewed every 5 years
SOLAS III/20.4 requires wire falls to be turned end-for-end within 2.5 years and completely renewed at maximum 5-year intervals (or earlier if deteriorated).

5. What quantity of searchlights is required to be carried in a SOLAS Lifeboat?

  • A. 1 efficient portable searchlight capable of operating for 6 hours (at least 3 hours continuously)
  • B. 4 searchlights
  • C. None required
  • D. 10 battery flashlights
Answer: A — 1 efficient portable searchlight capable of operating for 6 hours (at least 3 hours continuously)
SOLAS requires 1 portable searchlight (6 hours total operation, 3 hours continuous) capable of illuminating 180m target at night.

6. What item of signaling equipment inside a lifeboat equipment pack provides audible warnings in fog?

  • A. Buoyant whistle or sound signal device
  • B. Air horn connected to main diesel compressor
  • C. Electric siren
  • D. Brass ship bell
Answer: A — Buoyant whistle or sound signal device
Every survival craft contains a manual sound signal (whistle or fog horn) to sound signals during restricted visibility.

7. What device inside a lifeboat engine compartment prevents battery discharge when the boat is stowed?

  • A. Battery main isolator switch (battery selector switch)
  • B. Solenoic fuse link
  • C. Automatic alternator bypass
  • D. Rheostat dimmer
Answer: A — Battery main isolator switch (battery selector switch)
Isolator switches disconnect battery banks during stowage to prevent stray current drain, while trickling charges from ship's mains supply.

8. How is a davit-launched lifeboat released from its hooks using the 'Off-Load' release function?

  • A. Hooks open automatically when weight of lifeboat is fully supported by water and hydrostatic interlock opens
  • B. Hooks are unbolted with spanners
  • C. Falls wires are cut with shears
  • D. Davit arms are dropped
Answer: A — Hooks open automatically when weight of lifeboat is fully supported by water and hydrostatic interlock opens
Off-load release operates when the hull floats on water, relieving load from hooks so the release handle can disengage the falls safely.

9. Under what condition is the 'On-Load' emergency release mechanism of a lifeboat used?

  • A. When lifeboat is still suspended above water or in heavy sea waves where off-load release will not operate
  • B. During routine monthly dry deck testing
  • C. When boat is stowed in davit arm locks
  • D. Only when engine is turned off
Answer: A — When lifeboat is still suspended above water or in heavy sea waves where off-load release will not operate
On-load release permits emergency hook release while weight is on falls (e.g., vessel towing at speed or rough waves preventing zero-load state); requires breaking safety glass/pin.

10. What safety precaution must be taken before resetting on-load release hooks after a drill?

  • A. Visually verify hook locking cams are fully closed, safety indicator pins/green marks align, and reset lever is locked
  • B. Oil release wire with heavy grease
  • C. Paint release handle red
  • D. Disconnect hydrostatic diaphragm
Answer: A — Visually verify hook locking cams are fully closed, safety indicator pins/green marks align, and reset lever is locked
Incorrect hook reset is the leading cause of fatal lifeboat drop accidents; crew must double-check green alignment indicators and locking pins.

11. What item inside a lifeboat equipment pack provides manual propulsion if the engine fails?

  • A. Buoyant oars with crutches (rowlocks) attached by lanyards
  • B. Outboard gasoline motor
  • C. Pedal propeller drive
  • D. Canvas sails only
Answer: A — Buoyant oars with crutches (rowlocks) attached by lanyards
SOLAS lifeboats carry sufficient buoyant oars and rowlocks to make headway in calm seas if engine power is lost.

12. What equipment item is carried in a lifeboat to bail out water that enters the bilge?

  • A. 2 buoyant bailers and 1 manual bilge pump
  • B. 1 electric submersible pump
  • C. 10 plastic buckets
  • D. Compressed air ejector
Answer: A — 2 buoyant bailers and 1 manual bilge pump
SOLAS specifications require 2 buoyant hand bailers and a manual bilge pump for clearing sea water from the hull.

13. What is the function of the canopy water-collector fitted on a rigid lifeboat?

  • A. Drains rainwater from roof into internal collection tanks for drinking
  • B. Cools engine exhaust
  • C. Washes windows
  • D. Supplies water spray system
Answer: A — Drains rainwater from roof into internal collection tanks for drinking
Roof catchment gutters direct fresh rainwater into interior storage containers to supplement fresh water rations.

14. What type of food rations are packed inside a SOLAS Lifeboat?

  • A. Airtight vacuum-sealed emergency food rations (min 10,000 kJ per person)
  • B. Canned fish
  • C. Dehydrated noodles
  • D. Bread loaves
Answer: A — Airtight vacuum-sealed emergency food rations (min 10,000 kJ per person)
Standardized high-energy nutrient biscuits providing >=10,000 kJ per person are stowed in sealed watertight containers.

15. What is the function of a lifeboat painter release mechanism (toggle pin or slip hook)?

  • A. Allows quick release of the painter line from inside the lifeboat once underway
  • B. Releases fuel tank drain
  • C. Cuts fall wires
  • D. Unlocks engine hood
Answer: A — Allows quick release of the painter line from inside the lifeboat once underway
A quick-release slip hook inside the bow allows the coxswain to instantly cast off the painter once the boat is waterborne and running.

16. What is the function of the sea anchor trip line deployed with a lifeboat drogue?

  • A. Collapses the sea anchor cone to allow easy hauling back into the boat
  • B. Cuts sea anchor line in emergency
  • C. Increases sea anchor drag
  • D. Flares signal light
Answer: A — Collapses the sea anchor cone to allow easy hauling back into the boat
Pulling the small trip line attached to the apex of the cone turns the sea anchor inside out, eliminating resistance so it can be retrieved effortlessly.

17. What requirement applies to the steering system of a motor-propelled lifeboat?

  • A. Fitted with a helm wheel or tiller providing emergency manual steering control from the coxswain station
  • B. Remote control steering from ship bridge only
  • C. Automated autopilot only
  • D. No rudder required
Answer: A — Fitted with a helm wheel or tiller providing emergency manual steering control from the coxswain station
Lifeboats feature a robust rudder operated by helm wheel or direct manual emergency tiller at the coxswain's station.

18. Under SOLAS regulations, how often must lifeboats be launched into the water and maneuvered by their assigned operating crew during drills?

  • A. At least once every 3 months
  • B. Every week
  • C. Once a year
  • D. Every 5 years
Answer: A — At least once every 3 months
SOLAS III/19.3.3 mandates that lifeboats be launched into the water and maneuvered in the water by their operating crew at least once every 3 months.

19. What is the requirement for free-fall lifeboat test launching during routine shipboard drills?

  • A. Launched by free-fall at least once every 6 months, or simulated launching at 3-month intervals
  • B. Free-fall launched every week
  • C. Never launched free-fall
  • D. Free-fall launched only in port drydock
Answer: A — Launched by free-fall at least once every 6 months, or simulated launching at 3-month intervals
Free-fall lifeboats may undergo simulated launching every 3 months, with actual free-fall launch with operating crew at least once every 6 months (or per flag state rules).

20. What lighting equipment is required inside a totally enclosed lifeboat for passenger illumination?

  • A. Interior electric light powered by engine battery running for at least 12 hours
  • B. Kerosene storm lanterns
  • C. Candles
  • D. Phosphorescent glow sticks only
Answer: A — Interior electric light powered by engine battery running for at least 12 hours
An interior lamp provides illumination for reading instructions and attending casualties for at least 12 hours.

21. What is the purpose of the anti-exposure suit provided for rescue boat crew members?

  • A. Provides buoyancy and thermal insulation during marine operations in cold climates
  • B. Protects against toxic radiation
  • C. Protects against welding sparks
  • D. Provides scuba diving air supply
Answer: A — Provides buoyancy and thermal insulation during marine operations in cold climates
Anti-exposure suits (AES) safeguard rescue boat crews against cold spray, wind chill, immersion hypothermia, and drowning.

22. What item is used to signal between a rescue boat and a searching SAR aircraft when radio contact fails?

  • A. IAMSAR Surface-to-Air visual signals, hand flares, or signaling mirror
  • B. Engine exhaust smoke
  • C. Ship bell
  • D. Whistle blasts
Answer: A — IAMSAR Surface-to-Air visual signals, hand flares, or signaling mirror
Standard IAMSAR visual signals (e.g., 'V' for assistance, 'X' for medical aid, red flares) communicate status to search aircraft.

23. What action should a rescue boat coxswain take when approaching a conscious person in the water?

  • A. Approach from leeward (downwind) at low speed, neutral gear when close, and retrieve over the low gunwale
  • B. Approach at full speed from windward
  • C. Reverse propeller into casualty
  • D. Throw heavy anchor at casualty
Answer: A — Approach from leeward (downwind) at low speed, neutral gear when close, and retrieve over the low gunwale
Approaching from leeward stops the boat drifting over the survivor; shifting engine to neutral prevents propeller strike injuries.

24. How should an unconscious casualty be lifted from the sea into a rescue boat to prevent cardiac arrest from sudden hydrostatic blood pressure drop?

  • A. Lift horizontally using a rescue net, scoop, or two-person lift maintaining level torso
  • B. Pull vertically by arms straight up
  • C. Pull by feet upside down
  • D. Drag behind boat by line
Answer: A — Lift horizontally using a rescue net, scoop, or two-person lift maintaining level torso
Vertical lifting causes sudden blood pooling in legs ('circum-rescue collapse'), leading to fatal drop in cardiac output; casualties must be lifted horizontally.

25. What search pattern is best suited for searching a large sea area when multiple vessels are operating together under a Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator (SMC)?

  • A. Parallel Track Search (PS)
  • B. Single line circular search
  • C. Random drift
  • D. Anchor in center
Answer: A — Parallel Track Search (PS)
Parallel Track Search advances parallel search legs across a large rectangular area to ensure uniform sweep coverage.

26. What is the function of the release hook on a single-arm davit for a rescue boat?

  • A. Off-load / On-load rapid single-point release mechanism for quick launching in waves
  • B. Secures fuel tank
  • C. Locks steering wheel
  • D. Fills ballast tank
Answer: A — Off-load / On-load rapid single-point release mechanism for quick launching in waves
Single-arm rescue boat davits feature a quick-release single hook (e.g. Hamilton or Henriksen hook) enabling instant disconnect when waterborne.

27. What type of engine is mandatory for fast rescue boats requiring speeds of 20+ knots?

  • A. Inboard diesel engine with waterjet propulsion or approved outboard marine engine
  • B. Steam turbine
  • C. Coal-fired engine
  • D. Kerosene engine
Answer: A — Inboard diesel engine with waterjet propulsion or approved outboard marine engine
Waterjet propulsion eliminates exposed propellers, protecting casualties in the water during high-speed rescue operations.

28. What precaution must be taken when towing an inflatable life raft behind a motor rescue boat?

  • A. Tow from the life raft towing bridle, increase length of towline in heavy seas, and maintain moderate speed (< 5 knots)
  • B. Tow at 25 knots full speed
  • C. Tie towline to life raft canopy arches
  • D. Tow backward with sea anchor deployed
Answer: A — Tow from the life raft towing bridle, increase length of towline in heavy seas, and maintain moderate speed (< 5 knots)
Towing must use the reinforced lower hull bridle at speeds under 5 knots to prevent tearing raft fabric or causing bow submergence.

29. What item inside a survival craft equipment kit is used to signal distress by flashing reflected sunlight?

  • A. Signaling mirror (Heliograph) with central sighting hole
  • B. Magnifying glass
  • C. Prism binocular
  • D. Plastic lens cover
Answer: A — Signaling mirror (Heliograph) with central sighting hole
The heliograph incorporates a central sight hole and retro-reflective rear surface allowing precise aiming of sun flashes at target vessels/aircraft.

30. What requirement applies to the painter line of a lifeboat when stowed on davits?

  • A. Rigged forward of the davits, led outside all falls and rigging, and secured to a strong point on ship hull
  • B. Coiled inside engine room
  • C. Tied around davit winch brake handle
  • D. Left unattached
Answer: A — Rigged forward of the davits, led outside all falls and rigging, and secured to a strong point on ship hull
Rigging the painter forward of the lifeboat ensures that when lowered, the painter shear keeps the boat aligned parallel to the ship while headway is made.

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