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PSSR exit exam questions and answers — Set 5

Set 5 of the Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR) exit exam bank — 30 of 170 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 PSSR exit exam questions with answers

1. Under MARPOL Annex VI, what is the global maximum allowable sulfur content in marine fuel oil outside Emission Control Areas (ECAs) as of 2020?

  • A. 0.10% m/m
  • B. 0.50% m/m
  • C. 1.00% m/m
  • D. 3.50% m/m
Answer: B — 0.50% m/m
The 2020 IMO Global Sulfur Cap restricts fuel oil sulfur content to 0.50% m/m worldwide (and 0.10% m/m inside designated ECAs).

2. What is the primary function of an Oily Water Separator (OWS) 15 ppm bilge alarm sensor?

  • A. To automatically divert discharge back to the bilge holding tank if oil exceeds 15 ppm
  • B. To heat the bilge water before overboard pumping
  • C. To inject chemical dispersant into the discharge pipe
  • D. To measure bilge pump pressure
Answer: A — To automatically divert discharge back to the bilge holding tank if oil exceeds 15 ppm
The 15 ppm bilge monitor continuously monitors effluent oil content and trips a 3-way solenoid valve to stop overboard discharge if oil exceeds 15 ppm.

3. What safety equipment must always be rigged and tested before embarking or disembarking via a pilot ladder?

  • A. Lifebuoy with self-igniting light, heaving line, and manropes if required
  • B. Portable fire extinguisher
  • C. Emergency fire pump
  • D. Deck washing hose
Answer: A — Lifebuoy with self-igniting light, heaving line, and manropes if required
Pilot transfer arrangements require illumination, a lifebuoy with self-igniting light, a heaving line, and proper securement of the pilot ladder.

4. When handling heavy equipment on deck or in the engine room, what lifting technique helps prevent spinal injury?

  • A. Bend knees, keep back straight, lift with leg muscles close to body
  • B. Keep legs straight and bend at the waist
  • C. Twist torso while lifting heavy loads
  • D. Lift rapidly using arm muscles alone
Answer: A — Bend knees, keep back straight, lift with leg muscles close to body
Ergonomic lifting requires bending legs, keeping back vertical, holding load close to body, and using powerful leg muscles.

5. What does the abbreviation 'SMCP' stand for in maritime communications?

  • A. Standard Marine Communication Phrases
  • B. Ship Management Cargo Protocol
  • C. Safety Maritime Control Procedure
  • D. SOLAS Marine Code Provision
Answer: A — Standard Marine Communication Phrases
IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) standardizes maritime English vocabulary to avoid misunderstandings between bridge, engine, and port authorities.

6. What type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory when operating grinding machines or lathe tools?

  • A. Safety impact goggles / face shield
  • B. Loose canvas gloves
  • C. Dust mask only
  • D. Earplugs only
Answer: A — Safety impact goggles / face shield
Grinding and machining generate high-speed metal/abrasive flying debris requiring approved impact-resistant safety goggles or a full face shield.

7. What is the key purpose of conducting regular Safety Committee Meetings on board ships?

  • A. To review safety performance, investigate near-misses, and improve onboard safety culture
  • B. To assign daily maintenance work schedules
  • C. To inspect engine room logbook entries
  • D. To calculate overtime payments
Answer: A — To review safety performance, investigate near-misses, and improve onboard safety culture
Safety Committee meetings involve crew representatives and officers to analyze hazard reports, review near-miss incidents, and enhance safety awareness.

8. Under the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (COSWP), how should portable electrical tools be protected against shock?

  • A. Operated with double insulation or connected to a Residual Current Device (RCD / GFCI)
  • B. Connected directly to high-voltage main switchboard
  • C. Grounded using uninsulated copper wire held by hand
  • D. Wired without fuses to avoid tripping
Answer: A — Operated with double insulation or connected to a Residual Current Device (RCD / GFCI)
Portable power tools must be double-insulated or supplied through a sensitive RCD (30mA trip) and inspected for cord insulation defects before use.

9. What action is required under MARPOL Annex V regarding disposal of food waste into the sea outside special areas?

  • A. Comminuted food waste (passing through 25 mm screen) may be discharged beyond 3 nautical miles from land
  • B. Food waste can be dumped anywhere without restriction
  • C. Food waste must never be discharged under any circumstances
  • D. Food waste must be mixed with plastic before disposal
Answer: A — Comminuted food waste (passing through 25 mm screen) may be discharged beyond 3 nautical miles from land
MARPOL Annex V allows comminuted food waste (<25mm) to be discharged beyond 3 NM from land outside special areas (uncomminuted beyond 12 NM).

10. What is the primary danger associated with hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas in cargo tanks or sewage systems?

  • A. It is highly toxic, paralyzes the sense of smell instantly at high ppm, and is flammable
  • B. It supports combustion without flame
  • C. It is odorless and heavier than air but completely non-toxic
  • D. It causes immediate skin freezing
Answer: A — It is highly toxic, paralyzes the sense of smell instantly at high ppm, and is flammable
H2S is an extremely deadly toxic gas produced by decomposing organic matter or sour crude oil. It deadens olfactory nerves quickly, causing collapse and death.

11. What is the main requirement for an Enclosed Space Entry Standby Person?

  • A. Must remain outside the entrance, maintain communication, and never enter without assistance and SCBA
  • B. Must enter the space periodically to inspect work
  • C. Must operate the cargo crane while monitoring
  • D. Can leave the entrance unattended for short tea breaks
Answer: A — Must remain outside the entrance, maintain communication, and never enter without assistance and SCBA
The standby attendant must remain outside the space at all times, keep continuous radio/verbal contact, and raise alarm if an emergency occurs.

12. Which SOLAS regulation mandates the ISM Code (International Safety Management Code)?

  • A. Chapter IX
  • B. Chapter II-2
  • C. Chapter V
  • D. Chapter XI-2
Answer: A — Chapter IX
SOLAS Chapter IX (Management for the Safe Operation of Ships) makes compliance with the ISM Code mandatory for shipping companies and vessels.

13. What document must be completed on board every vessel to record all cargo, ballast, and engine room fuel/oil transfers?

  • A. Oil Record Book Part I (Machinery Space) and Part II (Cargo/Ballast)
  • B. Deck Logbook only
  • C. Garbage Management Plan
  • D. Official Chief Engineer's Diary
Answer: A — Oil Record Book Part I (Machinery Space) and Part II (Cargo/Ballast)
MARPOL Annex I mandates the Oil Record Book Part I for machinery space operations and Part II for oil tanker cargo/ballast operations.

14. What is the primary danger of static electricity during tank cleaning or flammable liquid transfer?

  • A. Spark generation capable of igniting explosive vapor-air mixtures
  • B. Corrosion of steel bulkhead plates
  • C. Overheating of ballast pump bearings
  • D. Freezing of tank washing nozzles
Answer: A — Spark generation capable of igniting explosive vapor-air mixtures
High-velocity fluid flow or washing jets generate static charges; without proper bonding and grounding, electrostatic sparks can ignite cargo vapors.

15. Under STCW, what is the mandatory requirement regarding alcohol consumption for seafarers performing safety, security, or environmental duties?

  • A. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) not greater than 0.05% (or 0.25 mg/l in breath)
  • B. BAC up to 0.10% is allowed
  • C. Alcohol consumption is permitted anytime on watch
  • D. No restrictions apply off-port
Answer: A — Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) not greater than 0.05% (or 0.25 mg/l in breath)
STCW Regulation VIII/1 establishes a maximum limit of 0.05% BAC or 0.25 mg/l breath alcohol, with many companies enforcing zero-tolerance policies.

16. What is the correct procedure before using any personal fall arrest system (harness and lanyard)?

  • A. Inspect webbing, stitching, D-rings, and snap hooks for fraying, cracks, or distortion
  • B. Wash lanyard with petrol
  • C. Test load by dropping heavy anvil attached to harness
  • D. Coat webbing with grease to increase flexibility
Answer: A — Inspect webbing, stitching, D-rings, and snap hooks for fraying, cracks, or distortion
Pre-use visual and tactile inspection of fall protection equipment ensures stitch integrity, proper locking latch operation, and absence of chemical damage.

17. Which of the following is considered a 'near-miss' incident on board?

  • A. An unplanned event that did not cause injury or damage, but had the potential to do so
  • B. A serious fire causing severe structural damage
  • C. An oil spill of over 100 metric tons
  • D. A planned routine lifeboat drill
Answer: A — An unplanned event that did not cause injury or damage, but had the potential to do so
A near-miss is a hazardous event that could have resulted in harm or damage under slightly different circumstances; reporting near-misses prevents future accidents.

18. What type of fire extinguisher should NEVER be used on electrical switchboards or live wiring?

  • A. Water or Foam fire extinguisher
  • B. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguisher
  • C. Dry Chemical Powder (DCP) extinguisher
  • D. Clean Agent / FM-200 extinguisher
Answer: A — Water or Foam fire extinguisher
Water and foam conduct electrical current, posing severe electrocution risks to firefighters if applied to energized electrical gear.

19. What is the purpose of a Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP)?

  • A. To guide the master and crew in responding safely and effectively to oil spill incidents
  • B. To schedule main engine overhauls
  • C. To record daily fuel oil consumption
  • D. To calculate vessel cargo deadweight
Answer: A — To guide the master and crew in responding safely and effectively to oil spill incidents
SOPEP (required under MARPOL Annex I Reg 37) contains reporting procedures, mitigation actions, and contact lists for oil pollution emergencies.

20. What precaution must be taken when handling synthetic fiber mooring ropes under heavy load?

  • A. Stay clear of snap-back zones and never stand in bights of rope
  • B. Stand directly in line with tensioned line
  • C. Step on line to check tension
  • D. Lubricate synthetic lines with oil
Answer: A — Stay clear of snap-back zones and never stand in bights of rope
Synthetic ropes stretch under tension and store kinetic energy; if a line parts, it snaps back violently toward fixed points, causing fatal injuries to anyone in snap-back zones.

21. What health hazard is caused by prolonged exposure to high noise levels (>85 dB) in engine rooms without hearing protection?

  • A. Irreversible Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)
  • B. Temporary eye strain
  • C. Skin rashes
  • D. Loss of balance only while walking
Answer: A — Irreversible Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)
Continuous high noise damages auditory nerve hair cells in the cochlea, leading to permanent hearing loss unless ear defenders or earplugs are worn.

22. What is the purpose of Risk Assessment before carrying out non-routine shipboard tasks?

  • A. To identify hazards, assess risk levels, and implement control measures to reduce risk to acceptable levels
  • B. To eliminate the need for work permits
  • C. To determine how fast the task can be completed
  • D. To assign financial cost to equipment repairs
Answer: A — To identify hazards, assess risk levels, and implement control measures to reduce risk to acceptable levels
Formal Risk Assessment evaluates potential hazards and establishes control barriers (PPE, permits, supervision) before work begins.

23. Under MARPOL Annex IV, what is the requirement for discharging sewage from an approved sewage treatment plant into the sea?

  • A. May be discharged at any distance from land provided effluent shows no visible floating solids or discoloration
  • B. Must be discharged at least 50 NM from land
  • C. Can only be discharged in port
  • D. Must be incinerated on deck
Answer: A — May be discharged at any distance from land provided effluent shows no visible floating solids or discoloration
Effluent from an IMO-approved Sewage Treatment Plant (Annex IV) can be discharged anywhere without distance restrictions if non-discolored and free of floating solids.

24. What safety device is fitted on gas cylinders to prevent overpressure explosion in a fire?

  • A. Bursting disc or fusible plug
  • B. Non-return flapper valve
  • C. Sight glass indicator
  • D. Rubber drain plug
Answer: A — Bursting disc or fusible plug
Compressed gas cylinders incorporate pressure relief devices such as bursting discs or fusible plugs that melt at elevated temperatures to vent gas safely.

25. What precaution must be taken before opening steam lines or boiler blowdown valves?

  • A. Drain condensate thoroughly to prevent water hammer
  • B. Open main valve rapidly at full speed
  • C. Fill line with cold sea water first
  • D. Insulate valves with wet cotton waste
Answer: A — Drain condensate thoroughly to prevent water hammer
Trapped condensate in steam lines causes destructive water hammer when high-pressure steam pushes liquid slugs against bends and closed valves.

26. What color coding is universally used on ships to identify Emergency Fire Fighting Equipment locations?

  • A. Red
  • B. Green
  • C. Yellow
  • D. Blue
Answer: A — Red
ISO and IMO safety sign standards assign Red to fire protection and firefighting equipment marking.

27. What precaution is required when storing oxygen and acetylene cylinders in gas welding stations?

  • A. Store in well-ventilated dedicated lockers, secured upright, with oxygen and acetylene separated by a fire-resistant bulkhead
  • B. Store together inside engine room bilge space
  • C. Store horizontally near main switchboard
  • D. Keep valves open for continuous pressure check
Answer: A — Store in well-ventilated dedicated lockers, secured upright, with oxygen and acetylene separated by a fire-resistant bulkhead
Gas cylinders must be secured upright in ventilated deck lockers, away from heat sources, with fuel gas and oxygen separated.

28. What action must a seafarer take if a piece of power machinery exhibits abnormal vibration or strange noise?

  • A. Stop the machinery safely, inform the officer in charge, and investigate cause
  • B. Increase speed to smooth out vibration
  • C. Ignore it until watch handover
  • D. Pour water over electric motor housing
Answer: A — Stop the machinery safely, inform the officer in charge, and investigate cause
Unusual noise or vibration indicates mechanical failure, bearing seizure, or imbalance; prompt stopping prevents catastrophic failure.

29. Under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006), what fundamental right is guaranteed to all seafarers?

  • A. Safe and hygienic working environment, decent working and living conditions, and health protection
  • B. Free unlimited luxury accommodation
  • C. Exemption from all shipboard drills
  • D. Right to navigate vessel without officer supervision
Answer: A — Safe and hygienic working environment, decent working and living conditions, and health protection
MLC 2006 (Seafarers' Bill of Rights) guarantees fair employment terms, decent living conditions, occupational health protection, and medical care.

30. What safety equipment is required when handling battery banks containing liquid sulfuric acid?

  • A. Chemical safety goggles, face shield, rubber apron, and rubber gloves
  • B. Cotton gloves and dust mask
  • C. Thermal oven mitts
  • D. Leather welding apron only
Answer: A — Chemical safety goggles, face shield, rubber apron, and rubber gloves
Battery electrolyte (sulfuric acid) causes severe chemical burns and eye blindness; full chemical-resistant PPE and an eye-wash station are mandatory.

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