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PSSR exit exam questions and answers — Set 20 — Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities

Set 20 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 20 — 30 PSSR exit exam questions with answers

1. According to PSSR, what is the primary responsibility of a crew member during a medical emergency?

  • A. Administering medication without delay
  • B. Notifying the ship's captain and waiting for instructions
  • C. Performing first aid and assisting medical personnel
  • D. Ignoring the situation until the ship reaches the next port
Answer: C — Performing first aid and assisting medical personnel
A crew member trained in elementary first aid should give immediate first aid to preserve life and prevent deterioration, raise the alarm and assist the officer in charge of medical care.

2. What is the purpose of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code in relation to personal safety?

  • A. To regulate crew members' working hours
  • B. To ensure proper navigation of the ship
  • C. To enhance and maintain the security of a ship
  • D. To establish standards for recreational facilities on board
Answer: C — To enhance and maintain the security of a ship
The ISPS Code establishes a framework to detect security threats and take preventive measures, so that the security of ships, crews and port facilities is enhanced and maintained.

3. What protection does an Emergency Escape Breathing Device (EEBD) provide?

  • A. Chemical spills
  • B. Fire and smoke inhalation
  • C. Drowning
  • D. Extreme cold weather
Answer: B — Fire and smoke inhalation
An EEBD supplies air or oxygen for about 10 minutes so that a person can escape from a smoke-filled or hazardous atmosphere. It is for escape only, not for firefighting (FSS Code Chapter 3).

4. What is the primary responsibility of a crew member during an abandon ship drill?

  • A. Activate the ship's alarm system
  • B. Proceed directly to the assigned lifeboat station without delay
  • C. Gather at the nearest convenient location
  • D. Wait in the cabin until further instructions are given
Answer: B — Proceed directly to the assigned lifeboat station without delay
On the abandon ship signal each person must go directly to the assigned muster or lifeboat station shown on the muster list, wearing a lifejacket and warm clothing, and follow instructions.

5. According to the SOLAS Convention, what is the purpose of the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)?

  • A. To signal the ship's arrival at its destination
  • B. To alert authorities of a security threat or piracy incident
  • C. To regulate the ship's navigation routes
  • D. To notify the crew of upcoming social events
Answer: B — To alert authorities of a security threat or piracy incident
The Ship Security Alert System required by SOLAS XI-2/6 sends a covert alert to the flag Administration or company indicating that the ship's security is under threat or compromised, without alerting other ships.

6. What is the purpose of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) on board a ship?

  • A. To outline the ship's emergency response procedures
  • B. To detail the properties and hazards of chemicals on board
  • C. To provide information on the ship's navigational equipment
  • D. To record the ship's maintenance history
Answer: B — To detail the properties and hazards of chemicals on board
A Safety Data Sheet gives the properties, hazards, safe handling, PPE, first aid and firefighting measures for a chemical or cargo, so that crew can handle it safely and respond to exposure.

7. According to PSSR, what is the role of a crew member in maintaining ship stability?

  • A. Monitoring the ship's speed
  • B. Ensuring proper cargo stowage and securing
  • C. Conducting regular engine inspections
  • D. Overseeing the navigation watchkeeping duties
Answer: B — Ensuring proper cargo stowage and securing
Crew members contribute to stability by stowing and securing cargo and stores properly and reporting shifted cargo, so that weights do not move in a seaway and alter the ship's centre of gravity.

8. What does the term "Metacentric Height" (GM) refer to in the context of ship stability?

  • A. The height of the ship's mast
  • B. The depth of the ship's keel
  • C. The distance between the center of gravity and the metacenter
  • D. The distance from the ship's bow to the stern
Answer: C — The distance between the center of gravity and the metacenter
Metacentric height GM is the vertical distance between the centre of gravity G and the transverse metacentre M. A positive GM gives a righting lever at small angles of heel, indicating initial stability.

9. What is the purpose of the "International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code" on board a ship?

  • A. To regulate crew members' working hours
  • B. To ensure proper navigation of the ship
  • C. To establish guidelines for the safe transport of dangerous goods by sea
  • D. To determine the ship's cargo capacity
Answer: C — To establish guidelines for the safe transport of dangerous goods by sea
The IMDG Code, mandatory under SOLAS Chapter VII, gives requirements for classification, packing, marking, labelling, stowage and segregation for the safe carriage of dangerous goods in packaged form by sea.

10. In the context of PSSR, what is the role of crew members during a security drill?

  • A. To practice firefighting techniques
  • B. To simulate man overboard situations
  • C. To respond to potential security threats and emergencies
  • D. To showcase navigation skills
Answer: C — To respond to potential security threats and emergencies
During security drills crew members practise their duties under the Ship Security Plan, such as searches, access control and responding to threats. ISPS Code Part B requires drills at least every three months.

11. According to the ISPS Code, what is the purpose of Restricted Access Areas on board a ship?

  • A. To store confidential documents
  • B. To limit access to authorized personnel for security reasons
  • C. To conduct emergency drills
  • D. To house recreational facilities
Answer: B — To limit access to authorized personnel for security reasons
Restricted areas such as the bridge, engine room and steering gear room are identified in the Ship Security Plan; access is limited to authorised persons to prevent unauthorised entry and tampering.

12. What is the primary responsibility of a crew member during a security threat on board?

  • A. Ignore the threat and continue regular operations
  • B. Report the threat only to the ship's captain
  • C. Implement the ship's security plan and notify relevant authorities
  • D. Evacuate the ship immediately
Answer: C — Implement the ship's security plan and notify relevant authorities
When a security threat arises the measures in the Ship Security Plan must be implemented, the Ship Security Officer and master informed, and the company and relevant authorities notified as the plan requires.

13. Why is it crucial for crew members to be familiar with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs)?

  • A. To enhance communication with port authorities
  • B. To regulate cargo stowage procedures
  • C. To ensure compliance with environmental regulations
  • D. To prevent collisions and ensure safe navigation
Answer: D — To prevent collisions and ensure safe navigation
COLREGs set the steering and sailing rules, lights, shapes and sound signals that all vessels must follow, so that every watchkeeper understands them to prevent collisions and navigate safely.

14. What is the purpose of the Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) required under MARPOL?

  • A. To regulate crew members' working hours
  • B. To ensure proper navigation of the ship
  • C. To establish procedures for responding to oil spills
  • D. To determine the ship's cargo capacity
Answer: C — To establish procedures for responding to oil spills
The SOPEP, required by MARPOL Annex I regulation 37, sets out reporting requirements and the actions to be taken on board to control and reduce an oil discharge after a pollution incident.

15. During a medical emergency on board, what communication equipment should be used to seek assistance?

  • A. Fire extinguisher
  • B. VHF Radio
  • C. GPS
  • D. Echo Sounder
Answer: B — VHF Radio
Among the equipment listed, only the VHF radio can contact other ships, coast stations and rescue centres to request medical advice or evacuation. GPS and echo sounders are navigational aids, not communication means.

16. In the context of PSSR, what is the purpose of a "Safety Meeting" on board a ship?

  • A. To organize social events and team-building activities
  • B. To discuss recreational plans for the crew
  • C. To review safety-related matters and promote awareness
  • D. To address routine maintenance issues
Answer: C — To review safety-related matters and promote awareness
Safety meetings bring the crew together to review accidents, near misses, inspection findings and planned work, so that hazards are discussed and safety awareness is promoted on board.

17. What is the significance of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) in maritime communication?

  • A. To enhance navigation equipment
  • B. To regulate crew members' working hours
  • C. To provide guidelines for cargo handling
  • D. To ensure effective and reliable communication during emergencies
Answer: D — To ensure effective and reliable communication during emergencies
GMDSS ensures that distress alerts are transmitted and received reliably and that search and rescue communications and maritime safety information reach ships wherever they are, through satellite and terrestrial systems.

18. According to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), what rights does it address for seafarers?

  • A. Regulation of cargo stowage
  • B. Standards for ship stability
  • C. Working conditions and seafarers' rights
  • D. Navigation equipment requirements
Answer: C — Working conditions and seafarers' rights
The MLC 2006 is often called the seafarers' bill of rights; it addresses minimum age, employment agreements, hours of work and rest, accommodation, medical care, welfare and social security.

19. What is the purpose of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on board a ship?

  • A. To enhance crew members' fashion sense
  • B. To provide comfort during leisure time
  • C. To protect against occupational hazards and injuries
  • D. To regulate the temperature in the engine room
Answer: C — To protect against occupational hazards and injuries
PPE such as helmets, gloves, goggles, ear defenders and safety shoes protects the wearer against occupational hazards like falling objects, chemicals, noise and slipping, reducing injuries when other controls are insufficient.

20. According to SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations, what is the responsibility of a crew member regarding fire safety on board?

  • A. Only officers are responsible for firefighting
  • B. Crew members are not involved in firefighting
  • C. To be familiar with the location and proper use of firefighting equipment
  • D. Fire safety is the sole responsibility of the ship's captain
Answer: C — To be familiar with the location and proper use of firefighting equipment
SOLAS requires every crew member to know their fire duties on the muster list and the location and use of fire-fighting equipment; familiarisation and regular fire drills (SOLAS III/19) ensure this.

21. What is the purpose of the International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) issued under the ISPS Code?

  • A. To certify the ship's seaworthiness
  • B. To ensure compliance with environmental regulations
  • C. To verify the ship's security measures and procedures
  • D. To indicate the ship's speed and navigation capabilities
Answer: C — To verify the ship's security measures and procedures
The International Ship Security Certificate is issued after verification that the ship's security system and equipment comply with the ISPS Code and the approved Ship Security Plan; it is valid up to five years.

22. In the context of fire safety, what is the purpose of the "fire triangle"?

  • A. To identify the different types of firefighting equipment
  • B. To illustrate the three elements necessary for a fire: fuel, oxygen, and heat
  • C. To map out the emergency evacuation routes on the ship
  • D. To calculate the water pressure required for firefighting hoses
Answer: B — To illustrate the three elements necessary for a fire: fuel, oxygen, and heat
The fire triangle shows that fire needs fuel, oxygen and heat. Removing any one side, by starving, smothering or cooling, extinguishes the fire, which is the principle behind all firefighting methods.

23. What is the purpose of the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (COSWP)?

  • A. To regulate the ship's entertainment activities
  • B. To ensure proper meal schedules for the crew
  • C. To provide guidance on safe working practices on board
  • D. To establish the dress code for crew members
Answer: C — To provide guidance on safe working practices on board
The Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (COSWP) gives practical guidance on safe working practices on board, covering risk assessment, permits to work, PPE, enclosed spaces and other hazards.

24. What action should be taken if a crew member discovers an unauthorized person on board the ship?

  • A. Ignore the person unless they pose an immediate threat
  • B. Politely ask the person to leave the ship
  • C. Report the situation to the ship's security officer or designated personnel
  • D. Confront the person directly and escort them off the ship
Answer: C — Report the situation to the ship's security officer or designated personnel
An unauthorised person on board is a possible security breach. It must be reported at once to the Ship Security Officer or duty officer so that the Ship Security Plan procedures can be followed.

25. In maritime training, what does the term "STCW" stand for?

  • A. Ship Traffic Control and Warning
  • B. Safety Training for Crew Wellbeing
  • C. Security of Transportation and Cargo Worldwide
  • D. Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping
Answer: D — Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping
STCW is the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended, which sets minimum training such as PSSR for seafarers.

26. What is the significance of the "Gangway Watch" duty on board a ship?

  • A. Monitoring the ship's engine room
  • B. Ensuring the safe embarkation and disembarkation of personnel
  • C. Overseeing the ship's navigation watchkeeping
  • D. Conducting routine inspections of cargo holds
Answer: B — Ensuring the safe embarkation and disembarkation of personnel
The gangway watch controls access to the ship, checking identity of visitors, keeping the gangway safe and adjusted for tide and draft, and ensuring safe embarkation and disembarkation of personnel.

27. What is the purpose of the International Labour Organization's (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)?

  • A. To regulate the ship's environmental impact
  • B. To ensure the safety of maritime navigation
  • C. To establish standards for seafarers' working conditions
  • D. To determine the ship's cargo capacity
Answer: C — To establish standards for seafarers' working conditions
The ILO Maritime Labour Convention 2006 establishes minimum standards for seafarers' employment and working and living conditions, and is enforced through flag state certification and port state control.

28. In the context of personal safety, what is the purpose of a "Safety Harness" on board a ship?

  • A. To secure cargo during rough weather
  • B. To prevent slipping on wet decks
  • C. To provide protection during man overboard situations
  • D. To secure personnel working at heights
Answer: D — To secure personnel working at heights
A safety harness with a lifeline secured to a strong point protects a person working aloft or overside from falling; a permit to work for working at height normally requires it.

29. What is the role of the Ship Security Officer (SSO) under the ISPS Code?

  • A. To lead the ship's recreational activities
  • B. To coordinate security measures and procedures on board
  • C. To regulate the ship's navigation equipment
  • D. To oversee the ship's medical facilities
Answer: B — To coordinate security measures and procedures on board
Under ISPS Code section 12 the Ship Security Officer, designated by the company, is responsible for the security of the ship, implementation and maintenance of the Ship Security Plan, and liaison with the CSO and PFSO.

30. What action should a crew member take if they observe a malfunction in a safety-critical system on board?

  • A. Ignore the issue unless it directly affects their work
  • B. Report the malfunction to the ship's captain during the next scheduled meeting
  • C. Immediately inform the appropriate personnel and document the issue
  • D. Attempt to fix the problem personally to avoid delays
Answer: C — Immediately inform the appropriate personnel and document the issue
A defect in a safety-critical system must be reported immediately to the responsible officer and recorded, as required by ISM Code section 9 on reports of non-conformities and hazardous occurrences.

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