PSSR exit exam questions and answers — Set 21 — Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities
Set 21 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 21 — 30 PSSR exit exam questions with answers
1. Why is it important for crew members to participate in regular safety drills and exercises?
- A. To improve their physical fitness
- B. To practice abandon ship procedures and enhance response time
- C. To fulfill regulatory requirements for recreational activities
- D. To showcase their skills to port authorities
Answer: B — To practice abandon ship procedures and enhance response time
Regular drills keep crew familiar with their duties, including abandon ship procedures, and shorten response time in a real emergency. SOLAS III/19 requires abandon ship and fire drills at least monthly.
2. In the context of firefighting, what is the purpose of a "Fireman's Outfit"?
- A. To protect against extreme cold weather conditions
- B. To enhance the crew members' fashion sense during emergencies
- C. To provide breathing apparatus and protective clothing for firefighting
- D. To regulate the temperature in the engine room
Answer: C — To provide breathing apparatus and protective clothing for firefighting
A fireman's outfit, specified in SOLAS II-2/10 and the FSS Code, consists of protective clothing, boots, gloves, helmet, safety lamp, axe and a self-contained breathing apparatus with lifeline.
3. What should you do if you witness a crew member engaging in harassment or discrimination?
- A. Join in and participate in the behavior
- B. Ignore it and pretend it didn't happen
- C. Report it to your supervisor or designated authority
- D. Encourage more harassment and discrimination
Answer: C — Report it to your supervisor or designated authority
Harassment and bullying damage safety and human relationships on board. MLC 2006 and company policies require such behaviour to be reported to the supervisor or designated person so that it can be dealt with.
4. What is the purpose of a safety induction for new crew members?
- A. To test their physical fitness
- B. To assess their cooking skills
- C. To provide an overview of safety procedures and policies
- D. To assign their job positions
Answer: C — To provide an overview of safety procedures and policies
A safety induction or familiarisation, required by STCW Regulation VI/1 and ISM Code section 6, makes new crew aware of emergency procedures, alarms, muster stations and company safety policies before duties.
5. What does the term "near miss" refer to in the context of PSSR?
- A. A situation where an accident results in severe injuries
- B. A situation where a hazard is detected and addressed in time
- C. A situation where safety guidelines are disregarded
- D. A situation where a vessel runs aground
Answer: B — A situation where a hazard is detected and addressed in time
A near miss is an event in which a hazard or unsafe act was identified or corrected in time, so no injury or damage resulted. ISM Code section 9 requires near misses to be reported and analysed.
6. How can crew members contribute to pollution prevention efforts?
- A. By disposing of waste overboard
- B. By throwing garbage into the sea
- C. By properly segregating and disposing of waste
- D. By using excessive amounts of chemicals
Answer: C — By properly segregating and disposing of waste
Crew prevent pollution by segregating garbage as per the garbage management plan and disposing of it to port reception facilities or as permitted by MARPOL Annex V, never throwing it overboard indiscriminately.
7. What does the term "confined space" refer to?
- A. A room reserved for senior officers
- B. A space with limited physical access and potential hazards
- C. A space where crew members can relax during breaks
- D. A space where crew members can smoke cigarettes
Answer: B — A space with limited physical access and potential hazards
A confined (enclosed) space has limited openings and poor natural ventilation and may contain a toxic, flammable or oxygen-deficient atmosphere, for example tanks, void spaces and cargo holds (IMO Res. A.1050(27)).
8. What should you do before entering a confined space?
- A. Nothing, just enter the space
- B. Notify your coworkers of your plans
- C. Check for potential hazards and obtain necessary permits
- D. Share confidential information with your coworkers
Answer: C — Check for potential hazards and obtain necessary permits
Before entering a confined space the atmosphere must be tested, the space ventilated and isolated, a risk assessment made and an entry permit issued, with an attendant and rescue equipment at the entrance.
9. What does the term "liferaft" refer to?
- A. A vessel used for recreational purposes
- B. A small boat used for short-distance trips
- C. An inflatable raft used for emergency evacuation
- D. A platform for sunbathing on the vessel
Answer: C — An inflatable raft used for emergency evacuation
A liferaft is an inflatable survival craft, stowed in a canister, that inflates on release and provides shelter for survivors when abandoning ship. Requirements are given in the LSA Code Chapter IV.
10. What is the purpose of a safety briefing?
- A. To discuss the latest crew gossip and rumors
- B. To announce the daily menu options
- C. To inform the crew about safety procedures and emergency exits
- D. To showcase the vessel's entertainment options
Answer: C — To inform the crew about safety procedures and emergency exits
A safety briefing informs crew or visitors of safety procedures, alarm signals, escape routes and emergency exits, so that they know how to react in an emergency.
11. How can crew members promote a positive safety culture on board a vessel?
- A. By disregarding safety guidelines
- B. By promoting reckless behavior
- C. By leading by example and encouraging safe practices
- D. By hiding safety incidents from superiors
Answer: C — By leading by example and encouraging safe practices
A positive safety culture develops when everyone follows safe practices, leads by example, reports hazards and near misses openly and encourages shipmates to work safely.
12. What does the term "EPIRB" stand for?
- A. Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon
- B. Electronic Personal Identification and Registration Board
- C. Excessive Personal Information Reporting Button
- D. Emergency Pollution Incident Reporting Bureau
Answer: A — Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon
EPIRB stands for Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon. A float-free 406 MHz EPIRB transmits a distress alert with the ship's identity and position through the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system.
13. Which of the following is an example of an occupational hazard?
- A. Sunburn
- B. Proper nutrition
- C. Regular exercise
- D. Frequent vacations
Answer: A — Sunburn
Working on open deck exposes seafarers to strong sunlight, so sunburn and heat stress are occupational hazards. Protective clothing, sunscreen and shade reduce the risk.
14. What should you do if you encounter a leaking pipe or equipment?
- A. Ignore it and continue working
- B. Attempt to fix it yourself without proper training
- C. Report it to your supervisor or safety officer
- D. Encourage others to ignore it as well
Answer: C — Report it to your supervisor or safety officer
A leaking pipe or equipment may create fire, slip, pollution or toxic hazards. It must be reported to the supervisor or safety officer so that it is isolated and repaired by competent persons.
15. What does the term "man overboard" (MOB) indicate?
- A. A crew member taking unauthorised leave from the vessel
- B. A crew member falling into the water
- C. A crew member engaging in dangerous behaviour
- D. A crew member being promoted to a higher position
Answer: B — A crew member falling into the water
Man overboard means a person has fallen from the ship into the sea. The alarm must be raised immediately, a lifebuoy thrown, the person kept in sight and the master informed so that a recovery manoeuvre such as the Williamson turn can be started.
16. What should you do if you witness a coworker acting unsafely?
- A. Confront them immediately and criticise their behaviour
- B. Ignore it and hope they figure it out themselves
- C. Report it to your supervisor or safety officer
- D. Engage in the same unsafe behaviour
Answer: C — Report it to your supervisor or safety officer
Unsafe acts should be stopped where safe and reported to the supervisor or safety officer so corrective action can be taken. The ISM Code safety management system relies on reporting of hazards and non-conformities to prevent accidents.
17. What is the purpose of an incident reporting system on board a vessel?
- A. To blame crew members for accidents
- B. To punish crew members for mistakes
- C. To learn from incidents and prevent future occurrences
- D. To hide safety incidents from authorities
Answer: C — To learn from incidents and prevent future occurrences
ISM Code section 9 requires accidents, hazardous occurrences and near misses to be reported and analysed. The aim is a no-blame learning culture in which root causes are found and corrective actions taken to prevent recurrence.
18. What is the primary purpose of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE)?
- A. To look fashionable and stylish
- B. To intimidate other crew members
- C. To comply with regulations and minimise the risk of injury
- D. To obstruct your own movement and performance
Answer: C — To comply with regulations and minimise the risk of injury
PPE such as helmets, safety shoes, gloves and goggles is the last line of defence against hazards that cannot be fully eliminated. Its use is required by company procedures and the Code of Safe Working Practices to minimise the risk of injury.
19. What should you do if you discover a fire on board a vessel?
- A. Hide in a safe place and wait for the fire to be extinguished
- B. Attempt to extinguish the fire yourself without raising the alarm
- C. Activate the fire alarm, alert the crew and follow emergency procedures
- D. Ignore the fire and continue with your regular duties
Answer: C — Activate the fire alarm, alert the crew and follow emergency procedures
On discovering a fire, the first action is to raise the alarm and inform the bridge so the ship's emergency organisation can respond. Crew then follow the muster list duties and attack the fire only if it is safe to do so.
20. What is the purpose of a safety data sheet (SDS)?
- A. To provide information on crew members' personal preferences
- B. To list the ingredients of the vessel's food items
- C. To provide information on hazardous materials and their safe handling
- D. To showcase the vessel's entertainment options
Answer: C — To provide information on hazardous materials and their safe handling
A safety data sheet (formerly MSDS) describes the hazards of a chemical, required PPE, safe handling and storage, first aid, firefighting and spill measures. SDS for cargoes and ship's stores must be available on board and consulted before use.
21. What should you do if you encounter a hazardous substance spill on board a vessel?
- A. Ignore it and continue working
- B. Attempt to clean it up without proper training
- C. Report it to your supervisor or safety officer and follow proper clean-up procedures
- D. Encourage others to ignore it as well
Answer: C — Report it to your supervisor or safety officer and follow proper clean-up procedures
A spill of a hazardous substance must be reported at once so that the correct response, PPE and clean-up method from the safety data sheet and shipboard spill plan can be applied without endangering personnel or the environment.
22. How can crew members contribute to preventing slips, trips and falls on board a vessel?
- A. By intentionally creating obstacles and hazards
- B. By wearing inappropriate footwear
- C. By maintaining a clean and tidy work environment
- D. By engaging in reckless behaviour
Answer: C — By maintaining a clean and tidy work environment
Good housekeeping, such as wiping up oil and water, stowing tools and keeping walkways clear, removes the most common causes of slips, trips and falls, which are among the most frequent injuries on board ships.
23. What does the term "enclosed space" refer to?
- A. A spacious area for crew members to relax and unwind
- B. A space with ample ventilation and natural light
- C. A space with limited openings for entry and exit and potential atmospheric hazards
- D. A space exclusively reserved for senior officers
Answer: C — A space with limited openings for entry and exit and potential atmospheric hazards
IMO Resolution A.1050(27) defines an enclosed space as one with limited openings for entry and exit, inadequate ventilation and not designed for continuous occupancy. Its atmosphere may be oxygen deficient, toxic or flammable, so a permit and testing are required before entry.
24. What is the purpose of an abandon ship drill?
- A. To simulate the sinking of the vessel
- B. To test the crew's swimming abilities
- C. To practise the procedures for evacuating the vessel in an emergency
- D. To waste valuable working time
Answer: C — To practise the procedures for evacuating the vessel in an emergency
SOLAS III/19 requires abandon ship drills so that crew practise mustering, donning lifejackets, preparing and launching survival craft and their assigned duties, ensuring the ship can be evacuated quickly and safely in a real emergency.
25. What should you do if you observe someone experiencing seasickness?
- A. Ignore them and continue with your duties
- B. Make fun of them and ridicule their condition
- C. Offer assistance and support, and notify medical personnel if necessary
- D. Encourage others to ignore the situation
Answer: C — Offer assistance and support, and notify medical personnel if necessary
Seasickness can cause dehydration and reduce alertness, making the person unsafe at work. Support them, encourage fluids and fresh air, and inform the officer responsible for medical care if symptoms are severe or persistent.
26. What is the purpose of a permit-to-work system?
- A. To restrict crew members from performing their assigned tasks
- B. To increase bureaucracy and paperwork on board
- C. To ensure that hazardous work is conducted safely and with proper authorisation
- D. To discourage crew members from reporting safety incidents
Answer: C — To ensure that hazardous work is conducted safely and with proper authorisation
A permit-to-work system ensures that hazardous jobs such as hot work, enclosed space entry or work aloft are planned, risk assessed, isolated and authorised by a responsible officer, with precautions checked before the work begins.
27. What should you do if you notice malfunctioning safety equipment on board a vessel?
- A. Ignore it and hope no one notices
- B. Attempt to fix it yourself without proper training
- C. Report it to your supervisor or safety officer for immediate repair or replacement
- D. Encourage others to ignore it as well
Answer: C — Report it to your supervisor or safety officer for immediate repair or replacement
Defective safety equipment must be reported promptly so it can be repaired or replaced. SOLAS requires life-saving and fire-fighting appliances to be in good order and ready for immediate use at all times.
28. What is the purpose of a risk assessment on board a vessel?
- A. To create unnecessary bureaucracy and paperwork
- B. To blame crew members for accidents and incidents
- C. To identify potential hazards and implement control measures to mitigate risks
- D. To discourage crew members from reporting safety incidents
Answer: C — To identify potential hazards and implement control measures to mitigate risks
The ISM Code requires the company to assess all identified risks to ships and personnel. A risk assessment identifies hazards, evaluates likelihood and severity, and sets control measures to reduce risk to an acceptable level before work starts.
29. What is the purpose of a Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) training course?
- A. To teach crew members how to engage in unsafe behaviour
- B. To emphasise the importance of ignoring safety procedures
- C. To provide the knowledge and skills necessary for promoting personal safety and social responsibility
- D. To waste valuable working time
Answer: C — To provide the knowledge and skills necessary for promoting personal safety and social responsibility
PSSR, required by STCW Regulation VI/1 and Section A-VI/1-4, covers emergency procedures, pollution prevention, safe working practices, effective communication, human relationships and fatigue, preparing seafarers to work safely and responsibly on board.
30. What should you do if you witness a coworker suffering from fatigue and exhaustion?
- A. Ignore it and continue with your duties
- B. Encourage them to work even harder
- C. Report it to your supervisor or safety officer for appropriate action
- D. Make fun of them and ridicule their condition
Answer: C — Report it to your supervisor or safety officer for appropriate action
Fatigue impairs judgement and reaction time and is a major cause of marine accidents. It should be reported so work and rest hours, required by STCW and MLC, can be managed and the person relieved if necessary.
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