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PSSR exit exam questions and answers — Set 6

Set 6 of the Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR) exit exam bank — 20 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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20 of 20 shown · Set 6

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Set 6 — 20 PSSR exit exam questions with answers

1. What is the primary danger of using carbon dioxide (CO2) in a fixed engine room fire extinguishing system?

  • A. CO2 displaces oxygen rapidly, causing fatal asphyxiation to anyone inside
  • B. CO2 causes immediate steel corrosion
  • C. CO2 explodes upon contact with diesel oil
  • D. CO2 is highly toxic to touch
Answer: A — CO2 displaces oxygen rapidly, causing fatal asphyxiation to anyone inside
Fixed CO2 systems smother fire by reducing O2 below 15%; total flooding will cause rapid unconsciousness and death to personnel who fail to evacuate.

2. What document authorizes entry into ballast tanks, cofferdams, or double bottoms after gas testing?

  • A. Enclosed Space Entry Permit
  • B. Hot Work Permit
  • C. Bunker Transfer Permit
  • D. Garbage Disposal Certificate
Answer: A — Enclosed Space Entry Permit
Enclosed space entry permits confirm atmosphere testing (O2, toxic, flammable), ventilation, illumination, and rescue gear deployment before entry.

3. When pitching or rolling heavily in rough seas, how should un-bagged or un-palletized spares be secured in ship store rooms?

  • A. Lashed securely to structural frames using ropes, chains, or lashing straps
  • B. Stacked loose on top shelves
  • C. Left on deck plates near doorways
  • D. Tied with light cotton string to light fixtures
Answer: A — Lashed securely to structural frames using ropes, chains, or lashing straps
Heavy spares and equipment shifting in rough weather cause severe vessel damage and injury; items must be lashed to heavy structural padeyes.

4. What precaution must be taken before working on high-voltage (1000V+) electrical machinery on ships?

  • A. Isolation, earthing (grounding) of high-voltage conductors, and issuance of a High Voltage Permit to Work
  • B. Wiping casing with wet rag
  • C. Wearing cotton socks only
  • D. Standing on wet steel grating
Answer: A — Isolation, earthing (grounding) of high-voltage conductors, and issuance of a High Voltage Permit to Work
High Voltage (HV) systems require certified HV key isolation, physical grounding of conductors to discharge residual capacitive energy, and HV permits.

5. What is the function of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) positive pressure demand valve?

  • A. Maintains positive pressure inside face mask so toxic ambient gas cannot leak inward
  • B. Increases cylinder pressure automatically
  • C. Filters carbon monoxide from surrounding room air
  • D. Heats incoming breathing air to 50 degrees C
Answer: A — Maintains positive pressure inside face mask so toxic ambient gas cannot leak inward
Positive-pressure SCBA facepieces maintain internal air pressure slightly higher than atmosphere, ensuring outward leakage only if seal breaks.

6. Under MARPOL Annex II, what category of Noxious Liquid Substances poses the major hazard to marine resources or human health?

  • A. Category X
  • B. Category Y
  • C. Category Z
  • D. OS (Other Substances)
Answer: A — Category X
Category X noxious liquids present major hazards, prohibiting any discharge into the marine environment.

7. What safety step must be performed before starting a positive displacement pump (e.g. gear pump or reciprocating pump)?

  • A. Ensure discharge valve is FULLY OPEN to prevent extreme overpressure
  • B. Close discharge valve tightly
  • C. Close suction valve completely
  • D. Remove relief valve
Answer: A — Ensure discharge valve is FULLY OPEN to prevent extreme overpressure
Positive displacement pumps deliver fixed volume per revolution; starting against a closed discharge valve causes rapid catastrophic pipe bursting.

8. What is the primary objective of bridge-engine room watchkeeping handover procedures?

  • A. To ensure relief officer is fully briefed on vessel status, machinery parameters, weather, and traffic before assuming watch
  • B. To allow watchkeepers to leave 30 minutes early
  • C. To reset all alarm parameters to zero
  • D. To turn off navigation lights
Answer: A — To ensure relief officer is fully briefed on vessel status, machinery parameters, weather, and traffic before assuming watch
Formal watch handover verifies that the relieving watchkeeper is fit, alert, and fully informed on operational conditions, orders, and potential hazards.

9. What safety device is fitted on crankcases of medium and large marine diesel engines to relieve explosion pressure?

  • A. Crankcase explosion relief valves with flame traps
  • B. Manual drain cocks
  • C. Plastic inspection windows
  • D. Rubber expansion joints
Answer: A — Crankcase explosion relief valves with flame traps
Hot spot ignition of oil mist causes crankcase explosions; spring-loaded relief valves release overpressure while internal flame traps prevent secondary atmospheric fires.

10. What action should be taken if a seafarer experiences symptoms of severe fatigue while on watch?

  • A. Report to the Officer of the Watch (OOW) or Chief Engineer so relief can be arranged safely
  • B. Sleep on floor behind switchboard
  • C. Drink energy drinks and conceal symptoms
  • D. Turn off alarm panel bells
Answer: A — Report to the Officer of the Watch (OOW) or Chief Engineer so relief can be arranged safely
Fatigue severely impairs judgment and reaction time; seafarers must inform supervisors so watch duties can be safely reassigned under STCW rest rules.

11. Under SOLAS Chapter V, what is the mandatory requirement regarding nautical charts and publications?

  • A. Must be adequate, up-to-date, and officially corrected to latest Notices to Mariners
  • B. Hand-drawn paper sketches are sufficient
  • C. Charts are only required when entering foreign ports
  • D. Electronic charts do not require backup
Answer: A — Must be adequate, up-to-date, and officially corrected to latest Notices to Mariners
SOLAS V/27 requires all vessels to carry official, updated charts (ECDIS/paper) and publications corrected to latest Notices to Mariners for the intended voyage.

12. What type of personal protective equipment (PPE) protects against chemical splashes when handling concentrated degreasers or acids?

  • A. Chemical splash goggles and full face shield
  • B. Clear prescription spectacles
  • C. Sunglasses
  • D. Dust visor
Answer: A — Chemical splash goggles and full face shield
Chemical liquids can splash around lens margins; splash-proof indirect-ventilation goggles combined with a full face shield provide complete eye/face protection.

13. What safety step is mandatory before carrying out maintenance on hydraulic deck machinery?

  • A. Depressurize hydraulic accumulators and lines, isolate power, and lock out controls
  • B. Loosen hose fittings under full hydraulic pressure
  • C. Start hydraulic pump at maximum RPM
  • D. Fill reservoir to overflowing
Answer: A — Depressurize hydraulic accumulators and lines, isolate power, and lock out controls
High-pressure hydraulic fluid pinhole leaks can penetrate human skin, causing gangrene and severe tissue necrosis; lines must be completely depressurized first.

14. What is the purpose of an emergency towing arrangement fitted on tankers of 20,000 DWT and above?

  • A. To allow rapid, safe towing connection at bow and stern in emergency disablement scenarios
  • B. To tow harbor tugboats
  • C. To secure vessel to quay without winches
  • D. To deploy anchors in deep water
Answer: A — To allow rapid, safe towing connection at bow and stern in emergency disablement scenarios
SOLAS II-1/3-4 mandates emergency towing arrangements on tankers so disabled vessels can be quickly taken in tow under adverse sea conditions.

15. What precaution must be taken when disposing of oily rags used in engine room cleaning?

  • A. Deposit in closed metal oily rag bins to prevent spontaneous combustion
  • B. Throw into open cardboard boxes under stairs
  • C. Leave piled in hot exhaust casing corners
  • D. Throw overboard immediately
Answer: A — Deposit in closed metal oily rag bins to prevent spontaneous combustion
Oils undergo slow oxidation in piled rags, generating heat that cannot escape, leading to spontaneous ignition; sealed metal containers prevent air contact.

16. Under MARPOL Annex III, how must packaged harmful substances be identified and stowed?

  • A. Durable marine pollutant marking/labeling and stowed safely according to IMDG Code
  • B. Unlabeled in general crew mess rooms
  • C. Stowed loose on open poop deck
  • D. Mixed with fresh provisions
Answer: A — Durable marine pollutant marking/labeling and stowed safely according to IMDG Code
MARPOL Annex III and the IMDG Code mandate proper durable labeling, documentation, and segregation of stowed marine pollutants.

17. What action should be taken if a shipboard emergency fire alarm sounds during off-duty hours?

  • A. Dress warmly, put on lifejacket and required PPE, and report promptly to muster station
  • B. Remain in cabin and wait for phone call
  • C. Go to galley for meal
  • D. Ignore alarm if off-watch
Answer: A — Dress warmly, put on lifejacket and required PPE, and report promptly to muster station
All crew members must respond immediately to general emergency alarms by donning proper clothing, lifejackets, and proceeding to designated muster stations.

18. What is the primary danger of static electricity when refueling or bunkering flammable fuel?

  • A. Ignition of fuel vapor at sampling points or hose connections
  • B. Fuel line freezing
  • C. Clogging of fuel filters
  • D. Incorrect volumetric meter reading
Answer: A — Ignition of fuel vapor at sampling points or hose connections
Bounding and grounding bunker hoses ensures electrical continuity, preventing static spark discharge near fuel vapor vents.

19. What requirement applies to portable ladder usage on board according to maritime safety standards?

  • A. Place at 4:1 slope angle (approx 75 deg), secure top and bottom, and maintain 3 points of contact
  • B. Place flat against vertical bulkhead at 90 deg
  • C. Stand on top rungs without handhold
  • D. Use aluminum ladders near open live electrical switchboards
Answer: A — Place at 4:1 slope angle (approx 75 deg), secure top and bottom, and maintain 3 points of contact
Safe ladder usage requires proper footing angle (75 degrees), lashings at top/bottom, extending 1m above landing, and maintaining 3 points of contact.

20. What safety practice prevents musculoskeletal injuries when standing long watch periods on hard steel decks?

  • A. Wearing safety footwear with impact-absorbing cushioned insoles and taking short mobility stretches
  • B. Standing motionless for 4 hours
  • C. Wearing un-cushioned wooden clogs
  • D. Leaning heavily against un-guarded rotating shafts
Answer: A — Wearing safety footwear with impact-absorbing cushioned insoles and taking short mobility stretches
Anti-fatigue footwear insoles and periodic weight distribution shifts mitigate lower back and joint stress caused by rigid steel deck impact.

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