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PSF exit exam questions and answers — Set 11 — Passenger Ship Familiarization

Set 11 of the Passenger Ship Familiarization (PSF) exit exam bank — 30 of 350 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 11 — 30 PSF exit exam questions with answers

1. Under SOLAS II-2/13, escape routes in passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers are marked by low-location lighting or photoluminescent indicators placed not more than what height above the deck?

  • A. 300 mm
  • B. 1.5 m
  • C. 1 m
  • D. 600 mm
Answer: A — 300 mm
SOLAS II-2/13 and FSS Code Chapter 11 require means of escape, including stairways and exits, to be marked by lighting or photoluminescent strip indicators placed not more than 300 mm above the deck, so that passengers can follow them below smoke.

2. On passenger ships, all survival craft required to provide for abandonment by the total number of persons on board shall be capable of being launched with their full complement and equipment within what time of the abandon ship signal?

  • A. 10 minutes
  • B. 60 minutes
  • C. 45 minutes
  • D. 30 minutes
Answer: D — 30 minutes
SOLAS III/21.1.4 requires all survival craft needed for abandonment by the total number of persons on board a passenger ship to be capable of being launched with full complement of persons and equipment within 30 minutes from the abandon ship signal.

3. Marine evacuation systems shall be deployed from the ship on a rotational basis so that each system is deployed at least once every:

  • A. Twelve months
  • B. Ten years
  • C. Six years
  • D. Two years
Answer: C — Six years
SOLAS III/20.8.2 requires marine evacuation systems to be deployed from the ship on a rotational basis at intervals agreed by the Administration, provided that each system is deployed at least once every six years.

4. Marine evacuation systems shall be serviced at intervals not exceeding:

  • A. 5 years
  • B. 12 months, extendable by the Administration to 17 months where impracticable
  • C. 3 months
  • D. 30 months, with no extension
Answer: B — 12 months, extendable by the Administration to 17 months where impracticable
SOLAS III/20.8.1 requires marine evacuation systems to be serviced at intervals not exceeding 12 months; where this is impracticable the Administration may extend the period to 17 months, as for inflatable liferafts.

5. On ro-ro passenger ships, SOLAS requires liferafts to be:

  • A. Stowed only on the forecastle
  • B. Carried only in the vehicle deck
  • C. Served by marine evacuation systems or by launching appliances equally distributed on each side of the ship
  • D. Thrown overboard by hand in all cases
Answer: C — Served by marine evacuation systems or by launching appliances equally distributed on each side of the ship
SOLAS III/26.1 requires liferafts of ro-ro passenger ships to be served by marine evacuation systems complying with the LSA Code or by launching appliances equally distributed on each side, so that passengers can board without entering the water.

6. SOLAS III/26 requires that on ro-ro passenger ships at least one of the rescue boats shall be:

  • A. An open lifeboat with sails
  • B. A free-fall lifeboat
  • C. A totally enclosed lifeboat
  • D. A fast rescue boat
Answer: D — A fast rescue boat
SOLAS III/26.3 requires that at least one of the rescue boats on a ro-ro passenger ship be a fast rescue boat approved by the Administration, served by a suitable launching appliance and crewed by trained fast rescue boat crews.

7. In a passenger ship, the transitional source of emergency electrical power shall be capable of supplying the required services for a period of:

  • A. 3 hours
  • B. 36 hours
  • C. 30 minutes
  • D. 18 hours
Answer: C — 30 minutes
SOLAS II-1/42.4 requires the transitional source of emergency power in passenger ships to supply services such as emergency lighting and alarms for half an hour (30 minutes), until the emergency generator takes the load.

8. Where the emergency source of electrical power is a generator, it shall be automatically started and connected to the emergency switchboard within:

  • A. 10 seconds after manual start
  • B. 2 minutes
  • C. 45 seconds
  • D. 5 minutes
Answer: C — 45 seconds
SOLAS II-1/42 requires an emergency generator to be started automatically upon failure of the main supply and connected to the emergency switchboard as quickly as safe and practicable, subject to a maximum of 45 seconds.

9. As a minimum, the decision support system for emergency management required on passenger ships shall consist of:

  • A. A printed emergency plan or plans
  • B. A computer simulator for stability only
  • C. A closed-circuit television system
  • D. A voyage data recorder
Answer: A — A printed emergency plan or plans
SOLAS III/29 requires a decision support system on the navigation bridge; at least it shall consist of printed emergency plans identifying foreseeable emergency situations such as fire, damage to ship, pollution, unlawful acts and personnel accidents. A computer-based system may supplement it.

10. On passenger ships constructed on or after 1 July 2010, the safety centre required by SOLAS II-2/23 shall be:

  • A. At the main embarkation station
  • B. Either part of the navigation bridge or in a separate space adjacent to and with direct access to the bridge
  • C. In the purser's office
  • D. In the engine control room
Answer: B — Either part of the navigation bridge or in a separate space adjacent to and with direct access to the bridge
SOLAS II-2/23 requires the safety centre, where fire, watertight door, ventilation and alarm controls are grouped, to be either a part of the navigation bridge or located in a separate space adjacent to and having direct access to the navigation bridge.

11. STCW Table A-V/2 requires the ability to optimise the use of resources in an emergency. This takes into account that:

  • A. Resources available in an emergency may be limited, so personnel and equipment immediately available must be fully used and, if necessary, improvised
  • B. Only the master's resources need be considered
  • C. Shore assistance will always arrive within an hour
  • D. Resources are always sufficient if the plan is followed
Answer: A — Resources available in an emergency may be limited, so personnel and equipment immediately available must be fully used and, if necessary, improvised
Table A-V/2 lists the possibility that resources available in an emergency may be limited, the need to make full use of personnel and equipment immediately available and, if necessary, to improvise, as part of optimising resources.

12. Shipboard emergency plans and procedures under the ISM Code must include:

  • A. Programmes for drills and exercises to prepare for emergency actions
  • B. Only the fire control plan
  • C. Only the cargo securing manual
  • D. Commercial booking procedures
Answer: A — Programmes for drills and exercises to prepare for emergency actions
ISM Code section 8 requires the company to identify potential emergency shipboard situations, establish procedures to respond to them and establish programmes for drills and exercises to prepare for emergency actions, so that crisis plans are practised, not just written.

13. STCW Table A-V/2 requires the person in charge to be able to make an initial assessment and provide an effective response to emergency situations. This response must be:

  • A. Based entirely on improvisation
  • B. Decided by a vote of senior officers
  • C. In accordance with established emergency procedures
  • D. Delayed until shore management approves
Answer: C — In accordance with established emergency procedures
Table A-V/2, under controlling the response to emergencies, requires the ability to make an initial assessment and provide an effective response to emergency situations in accordance with established emergency procedures, adapting them where the situation requires.

14. Under STCW Table A-V/2, which leadership quality is listed as necessary to lead and direct others in emergency situations?

  • A. Avoiding decisions until all information is available
  • B. Delegating all decisions to the most junior crew
  • C. Setting an example and maintaining a focus on decision-making given the time constraints of the emergency
  • D. Keeping the crew uninformed to prevent anxiety
Answer: C — Setting an example and maintaining a focus on decision-making given the time constraints of the emergency
Table A-V/2 requires leadership skills including the ability to lead and direct others, the need to set an example and maintain a focus on decision-making given the necessity to act quickly, and to motivate, encourage and reassure passengers and other personnel.

15. According to STCW Table A-V/2, realistic drills on passenger ships should be organised taking into account:

  • A. Only the convenience of passengers
  • B. The requirements of the catering department
  • C. Only the weather forecast
  • D. Lessons learnt from previous accidents involving passenger ships, followed by debriefing after the drills
Answer: D — Lessons learnt from previous accidents involving passenger ships, followed by debriefing after the drills
Table A-V/2 requires the ability to organise realistic drills to maintain a state of readiness, taking into account lessons learnt from previous accidents involving passenger ships, and to conduct debriefing after drills so that weaknesses are identified and corrected.

16. After a drill or a real emergency response on a passenger ship, the most effective way to identify shortcomings and improve future response is to:

  • A. Record only the time the drill started
  • B. Hold a debriefing with the participants
  • C. Repeat the drill immediately without discussion
  • D. Report only to the flag State
Answer: B — Hold a debriefing with the participants
STCW Table A-V/2 lists debriefing after drills as part of controlling the response to emergencies; a structured debrief captures what worked, what failed and corrective actions, feeding into the ISM Code review of procedures.

17. Passenger ships to which SOLAS Chapter I applies, trading on fixed routes, shall have on board:

  • A. A plan for co-operation with appropriate search and rescue services in the event of an emergency
  • B. A dedicated SAR aircraft contract
  • C. A permanent helicopter on deck
  • D. A coast guard officer on every voyage
Answer: A — A plan for co-operation with appropriate search and rescue services in the event of an emergency
SOLAS V/7.3 requires passenger ships to which Chapter I applies to have on board a plan for co-operation with appropriate search and rescue services, developed with the ship, the company and the SAR services, and exercised periodically.

18. A passenger ship has grounded. Before any attempt is made to refloat her, the master should first:

  • A. Go full astern immediately
  • B. Assess the damage by sounding all tanks, bilges and void spaces and check stability
  • C. Pump out all ballast to lighten the ship
  • D. Order passengers to the vehicle deck
Answer: B — Assess the damage by sounding all tanks, bilges and void spaces and check stability
In a grounding the immediate priorities are accounting for persons and assessing hull damage by sounding tanks and compartments and checking stability; refloating without this may cause sudden flooding or capsize once the ship comes off the ground.

19. On a passenger ship the decision to abandon ship and the order to do so is the responsibility of:

  • A. The muster control team leader
  • B. The chief engineer
  • C. The staff captain alone
  • D. The master
Answer: D — The master
The master has overriding authority for the safety of the ship and persons on board, and the abandon ship order is given by the master, normally by the general alarm followed by announcements, after assessing that the ship can no longer be saved.

20. When flooding is reported on a passenger ship, an early action to limit the spread of water through the subdivision is to:

  • A. Stop the bilge pumps to save power
  • B. Open watertight doors to equalise the water
  • C. Ensure all watertight doors are closed and determine the extent of flooding
  • D. Increase speed to reduce trim
Answer: C — Ensure all watertight doors are closed and determine the extent of flooding
Containment of flooding depends on keeping the watertight subdivision intact; watertight doors are closed from the bridge and the extent of flooding is established by soundings and damage control reports before stability and countermeasures are assessed.

21. STCW Table A-V/2 lists general reaction patterns of passengers in emergencies. Which is one of them?

  • A. Passengers never return to their cabins
  • B. People always react immediately and correctly to the first alarm
  • C. It generally takes some time before people accept the fact that there is an emergency
  • D. Passengers always follow instructions without question
Answer: C — It generally takes some time before people accept the fact that there is an emergency
Table A-V/2 lists, among general reaction patterns, that it generally takes some time before people accept that there is an emergency, that some may panic and behave irrationally, and that people may seek relatives or try to return to cabins.

22. Which behaviour of passengers in an emergency should crew anticipate, as listed in STCW Table A-V/2?

  • A. Passengers will refuse lifejackets in all cases
  • B. Passengers will go directly to their survival craft without mustering
  • C. Passengers will remain quietly in their cabins until called
  • D. People may try to look for relatives or return to their cabins to fetch belongings
Answer: D — People may try to look for relatives or return to their cabins to fetch belongings
Table A-V/2 warns that people may look for relatives, children or belongings, or return to their cabins to fetch lifejackets or valuables, creating counter-flows; crew stationed on routes must redirect them firmly to muster stations.

23. Some passengers in an emergency may continue with their normal activity, ignoring the alarm. In STCW A-V/2 terms this is an example of:

  • A. An effective response to the emergency
  • B. A reaction pattern in which people may not accept that there is an emergency
  • C. Panic behaviour
  • D. Proper compliance with crew instructions
Answer: B — A reaction pattern in which people may not accept that there is an emergency
Table A-V/2 notes that people may not readily accept that there is an emergency and may continue ordinary activities. Crew must give clear, authoritative instructions to break this denial and start movement towards muster stations.

24. A crew member who shows nightmares, flashbacks and avoidance of reminders weeks after a serious casualty is most likely suffering from:

  • A. Acute seasickness
  • B. Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • C. Carbon monoxide poisoning
  • D. Hypothermia
Answer: B — Post-traumatic stress disorder
Model Course 1.29 covers stress handling and post-traumatic stress. Persistent intrusive memories, nightmares and avoidance after a traumatic event are characteristic of post-traumatic stress disorder, which calls for early recognition, debriefing and professional support.

25. STCW Table A-V/2 lists the ability to deal with stress. Which statement reflects this competence?

  • A. Stress always improves performance
  • B. Recognising that stress affects one's own and others' performance and that stress-handling must be practised
  • C. Stress can be ignored if procedures exist
  • D. Stress affects passengers only, never trained crew
Answer: B — Recognising that stress affects one's own and others' performance and that stress-handling must be practised
Table A-V/2 includes awareness that stress may affect the performance of individuals, including oneself, and that reactions to stress can be controlled through training and experience. Leaders must monitor crew and themselves during prolonged emergencies.

26. STCW Table A-V/2 stresses the importance of which type of instructions and reports during an emergency?

  • A. Informal and spontaneous
  • B. Detailed and technical
  • C. Lengthy and repeated in writing
  • D. Clear and concise
Answer: D — Clear and concise
Under establishing and maintaining effective communications, Table A-V/2 lists the importance of clear and concise instructions and reports, so that crew and passengers understand quickly what is happening and what is required of them.

27. Besides giving instructions, Table A-V/2 requires the person in charge to encourage which of the following during an emergency?

  • A. Silence from all crew until the emergency ends
  • B. Communication only through the bridge
  • C. Exchange of information with, and feedback from, passengers and other personnel
  • D. Passengers to use mobile phones to call ashore
Answer: C — Exchange of information with, and feedback from, passengers and other personnel
Table A-V/2 lists the need to encourage an exchange of information with, and feedback from, passengers and other personnel, so the command team receives reports of the situation and confirms that instructions have been understood.

28. During an emergency, information given to passengers and other personnel should keep them apprised of:

  • A. Technical details of the damage
  • B. The overall situation and any action required of them
  • C. Only the ship's position
  • D. Only the expected arrival time at the next port
Answer: B — The overall situation and any action required of them
Table A-V/2 requires the ability to provide relevant information to passengers and other personnel to keep them apprised of the overall situation and to communicate any action required of them, which reduces uncertainty and panic.

29. Under STCW Table A-V/2, emergency announcements broadcast during an emergency or drill must be in a language that:

  • A. Is understood only by the deck officers
  • B. Is the flag State language only
  • C. Is chosen by the passengers
  • D. Conveys critical guidance to passengers and facilitates crew in assisting them
Answer: D — Conveys critical guidance to passengers and facilitates crew in assisting them
Table A-V/2, as amended in 2010, lists the language in which emergency announcements may be broadcast during an emergency or drill to convey critical guidance to passengers and to facilitate crew members in assisting passengers.

30. Under SOLAS V/14, the working language of the ship shall be established by the company and:

  • A. Notified only to the port State
  • B. Posted only in the crew mess
  • C. Changed for every voyage by the purser
  • D. Recorded in the ship's log-book
Answer: D — Recorded in the ship's log-book
SOLAS V/14.3 requires the company or the master to establish a working language for the ship, recorded in the log-book, so that each seafarer can understand and give orders and instructions and report back, which is vital during emergencies.

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