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PSSR exit exam questions and answers — Set 19 — Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities

Set 19 of the Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR) exit exam bank — 30 of 786 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 19 — 30 PSSR exit exam questions with answers

1. What does GMDSS stand for?

  • A. Global Maritime Display and Safety System
  • B. General Maritime Distress Signalling System
  • C. Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
  • D. General Maritime Directional Steering System
Answer: C — Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
GMDSS stands for Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, the internationally agreed system of communication procedures and equipment under SOLAS Chapter IV, for distress alerting, search and rescue coordination and maritime safety information.

2. What is the purpose of the Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)?

  • A. To locate the ship's position during routine navigation
  • B. To signal distress and provide a location in emergencies
  • C. To communicate with other ships for social reasons
  • D. To monitor weather conditions
Answer: B — To signal distress and provide a location in emergencies
The 406 MHz EPIRB, required under SOLAS Chapter IV, transmits a distress alert with the ship's identity and position via the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system, allowing search and rescue to locate survivors.

3. In the context of PSSR, what does the term "SOLAS" refer to?

  • A. Safety of Life at Sea
  • B. Seafarers Onboard Leadership and Accountability System
  • C. Shipboard Operations and Logistics Assessment Standard
  • D. Social and Occupational Life at Sea
Answer: A — Safety of Life at Sea
SOLAS is the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, the principal IMO treaty setting minimum standards for construction, equipment, fire safety, life-saving appliances and operation of merchant ships.

4. In maritime terms, what is the primary objective of PSSR training?

  • A. Enhancing communication skills
  • B. Ensuring environmental protection
  • C. Promoting crew's well-being and safety
  • D. Improving navigational skills
Answer: C — Promoting crew's well-being and safety
PSSR training (STCW Table A-VI/1-4) aims to protect the seafarer and shipmates by teaching compliance with emergency procedures, pollution prevention, safe working practices, effective communication, good human relationships and fatigue awareness.

5. Which of the following is NOT a part of personal protective equipment (PPE) used in maritime operations?

  • A. Lifejacket (for overside work)
  • B. Hard hat
  • C. Sunglasses
  • D. Safety boots
Answer: C — Sunglasses
PPE such as safety helmets, safety shoes and lifejackets (when working overside) protect against specific workplace hazards. Ordinary sunglasses are not protective equipment; eye protection on board means approved goggles or face shields.

6. What is the purpose of a Shipboard Safety Committee?

  • A. Plan social events for the crew
  • B. Conduct risk assessments
  • C. Oversee cargo operations
  • D. Monitor weather conditions
Answer: B — Conduct risk assessments
The shipboard safety committee reviews accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions, considers risk assessments and recommends corrective measures, involving the crew in safety under the ISM Code and MLC 2006 Regulation 4.3.

7. What is the primary responsibility of the Designated Person Ashore (DPA) under the ISM Code?

  • A. Overseeing onboard entertainment
  • B. Monitoring the safety and pollution prevention aspects of ship operation
  • C. Managing ship navigation
  • D. Handling cargo operations
Answer: B — Monitoring the safety and pollution prevention aspects of ship operation
Under ISM Code section 4, the Designated Person Ashore provides a link between the ship and the highest level of management, with direct access to top management, and monitors the safety and pollution prevention aspects of ship operation.

8. What is the primary purpose of the Ship Security Plan (SSP)?

  • A. Ensure cargo safety
  • B. Prevent pollution
  • C. Enhance communication
  • D. Prevent acts of terrorism against the ship
Answer: D — Prevent acts of terrorism against the ship
The Ship Security Plan, required by the ISPS Code Part A section 9, sets out measures to protect persons, cargo and the ship from the risk of a security incident such as terrorism, piracy or unlawful boarding.

9. Which document shows the emergency duties and signals and must be posted in conspicuous places on board?

  • A. Ship Security Plan (SSP)
  • B. Muster list and emergency instructions
  • C. Crew list
  • D. Crew agreement
Answer: B — Muster list and emergency instructions
SOLAS III/8 and III/37 require the muster list and emergency instructions to be posted in conspicuous places, including the bridge, engine room and crew accommodation, showing each person's emergency duties and signals.

10. In the context of PSSR, what does "MARPOL" stand for?

  • A. Marine Pollution
  • B. Maritime Political Standards
  • C. Marine Protocol
  • D. Maritime Pollution Standards
Answer: A — Marine Pollution
MARPOL is short for MARine POLlution, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 as modified by the 1978 Protocol, covering oil, chemicals, packaged goods, sewage, garbage and air emissions.

11. What does the term "ISPS Code" refer to in maritime security?

  • A. International Safety and Pollution Standards
  • B. International Ship and Port Facility Security Code
  • C. International Standards for Personal Safety
  • D. International Safety of Ship Personnel
Answer: B — International Ship and Port Facility Security Code
The ISPS Code is the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, adopted under SOLAS Chapter XI-2 in 2002 and in force from July 2004, to detect and prevent security threats to ships and port facilities.

12. What is the primary purpose of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) with regard to PSSR?

  • A. Ensure crew entertainment
  • B. Develop and maintain international maritime regulations
  • C. Oversee cargo operations
  • D. Monitor weather conditions
Answer: B — Develop and maintain international maritime regulations
The IMO is the United Nations specialised agency that develops and maintains international regulations for shipping, including SOLAS, MARPOL and STCW, which contain the PSSR training requirements.

13. Which action is recommended in the event of an oil spill at sea?

  • A. Ignore it and continue sailing
  • B. Report it to the appropriate authorities
  • C. Clean it using onboard resources
  • D. Dispose of the oil overboard
Answer: B — Report it to the appropriate authorities
MARPOL Article 8 and Protocol I require any oil pollution incident to be reported without delay to the nearest coastal state; the SOPEP lists the reporting procedure and the contacts to be notified.

14. What is the purpose of the Safety Management System (SMS) on board a ship?

  • A. Ensure crew discipline
  • B. Enhance ship speed
  • C. Promote a safety culture and minimize risks
  • D. Manage cargo operations
Answer: C — Promote a safety culture and minimize risks
The SMS required by the ISM Code sets out the company safety and environmental policy, procedures and responsibilities, so that risks are identified and controlled and a safety culture is promoted on board.

15. What does "GMDSS" stand for in maritime communication?

  • A. Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
  • B. General Maritime Digital Security System
  • C. Guidelines for Maritime Data Sharing and Security
  • D. Global Marine Development and Safety Strategy
Answer: A — Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
GMDSS is the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, required under SOLAS Chapter IV, which uses satellite and terrestrial radio systems to provide alerting, search and rescue coordination and maritime safety information.

16. What should be the first action in response to a fire on board a ship?

  • A. Evacuate the ship
  • B. Activate the emergency alarm
  • C. Use a fire extinguisher
  • D. Inform the authorities
Answer: B — Activate the emergency alarm
On discovering a fire the first action is to raise the alarm so that the bridge is informed and the fire parties muster; only then should an attempt be made to fight a small fire with a portable extinguisher.

17. What does the "Muster Station" on a ship refer to in the context of PSSR?

  • A. Dining area for the crew
  • B. Assembly point during emergencies
  • C. Navigation bridge
  • D. Sleeping quarters
Answer: B — Assembly point during emergencies
A muster station is the designated assembly point, shown on the muster list, where crew and passengers gather when the emergency or abandon ship signal is sounded, before going to survival craft.

18. In PSSR, what is the role of the "Safety Officer" on board a ship?

  • A. Oversee crew recreation
  • B. Manage cargo operations
  • C. Monitor and promote safety practices
  • D. Conduct weather forecasting
Answer: C — Monitor and promote safety practices
The shipboard safety officer monitors working practices, investigates accidents and near misses, conducts inspections and promotes awareness so that the safety management system is followed by all on board.

19. Which type of fire is caused by flammable liquids such as gasoline or oil?

  • A. Class A
  • B. Class B
  • C. Class C
  • D. Class D
Answer: B — Class B
Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as petrol, oil and paints. They are extinguished by smothering with foam, CO2 or dry powder; a water jet would spread the burning liquid.

20. What is the purpose of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) with respect to PSSR?

  • A. Regulate ship speed limits
  • B. Ensure crew welfare and working conditions
  • C. Develop maritime security protocols
  • D. Monitor cargo operations
Answer: B — Ensure crew welfare and working conditions
The Maritime Labour Convention 2006 sets minimum standards for seafarers' working and living conditions, including hours of rest, accommodation, food, medical care, wages, repatriation and health and safety protection.

21. What is the significance of the "International Shore Connection" on a ship?

  • A. Establish satellite communication
  • B. Connect to onshore firefighting equipment
  • C. Enhance navigation systems
  • D. Facilitate crew internet access
Answer: B — Connect to onshore firefighting equipment
The international shore connection required by SOLAS II-2/10 has a standard flange that lets the ship's fire main be connected to shore or another ship's fire hoses, so water can be supplied for firefighting.

22. What is the primary purpose of the "Gangway" on a ship?

  • A. Provide access to the ship
  • B. Generate electrical power
  • C. Monitor engine performance
  • D. Conduct safety drills
Answer: A — Provide access to the ship
The gangway is the means of access between the ship and the quay or another vessel. SOLAS II-1/3-9 requires it to be rigged safely, lit, with a safety net and lifebuoy nearby.

23. In the context of PSSR, what is the purpose of "Drug and Alcohol Policies" on board a ship?

  • A. Enhance crew recreation
  • B. Ensure crew discipline and safety
  • C. Promote onboard entertainment
  • D. Manage cargo operations
Answer: B — Ensure crew discipline and safety
Drug and alcohol policies limit impairment of judgement and performance. STCW Section A-VIII/1 sets a blood alcohol limit of 0.05% for watchkeepers, and company policies keep the ship safe and crew disciplined.

24. What does the term "SART" refer to in maritime safety?

  • A. Search and Rescue Transponder
  • B. Safety Assessment and Response Tool
  • C. Shipboard Alarm and Response Technique
  • D. Security and Risk Assessment Training
Answer: A — Search and Rescue Transponder
SART stands for Search and Rescue Transponder, a 9 GHz radar transponder carried under SOLAS IV and the LSA Code that shows a line of dots on a searching vessel's X-band radar to locate survivors.

25. What is the primary purpose of the "International Code of Signals" in maritime communication?

  • A. Manage cargo operations
  • B. Enhance crew communication
  • C. Prevent acts of terrorism
  • D. Facilitate navigation and convey messages
Answer: D — Facilitate navigation and convey messages
The International Code of Signals provides signals and phrases by flags, light, sound and radio to communicate on safety of navigation and of persons, particularly where language difficulties arise.

26. What equipment is used for providing artificial respiration in a medical emergency?

  • A. Fire extinguisher
  • B. Immersion suit
  • C. Bag-valve-mask resuscitator
  • D. Lifebuoy
Answer: C — Bag-valve-mask resuscitator
Artificial respiration can be given with a pocket mask or a bag-valve-mask resuscitator, which delivers air or oxygen to the lungs. An AED only analyses heart rhythm and delivers a shock; it does not ventilate.

27. According to PSSR, what is the correct procedure for using a fire extinguisher?

  • A. Direct it towards the flames and sweep in a circular motion
  • B. Spray it in the air to create a barrier
  • C. Pull the pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle and sweep from side to side
  • D. Use it only if the fire is near the escape route
Answer: C — Pull the pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle and sweep from side to side
Remember PASS: pull the safety pin, aim the nozzle at the base of the fire where the fuel is, squeeze the handle and sweep from side to side until the fire is out.

28. What is the purpose of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code?

  • A. To regulate cargo stowage
  • B. To provide guidelines for personal grooming
  • C. To set standards for the safe management and operation of ships
  • D. To determine the ship's speed
Answer: C — To set standards for the safe management and operation of ships
The ISM Code, made mandatory by SOLAS Chapter IX, provides an international standard for the safe management and operation of ships and for pollution prevention through a company safety management system.

29. Why is it important for crew members to be familiar with the location of life-saving appliances on board?

  • A. To enhance communication with port authorities
  • B. To organize recreational activities
  • C. To respond quickly in emergency situations
  • D. To facilitate efficient cargo handling
Answer: C — To respond quickly in emergency situations
Knowing where lifejackets, lifebuoys, immersion suits and survival craft are located allows each person to act quickly and correctly in an emergency; SOLAS III/19 requires familiarisation before the voyage.

30. In the context of PSSR, what does "Personal Protective Equipment" (PPE) include?

  • A. Ship's navigation charts
  • B. Crew uniforms
  • C. Safety helmets, gloves, and life jackets
  • D. Recreational equipment
Answer: C — Safety helmets, gloves, and life jackets
Personal protective equipment includes safety helmets, gloves, safety shoes, goggles, ear protection and lifejackets for overside work. It is the last line of defence after hazards have been controlled.

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