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PST exit exam questions and answers — Set 18 — Personal Survival Techniques

Set 18 of the Personal Survival Techniques (PST) exit exam bank — 30 of 781 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 18 — 30 PST exit exam questions with answers

1. What method should be used to haul survivors out of the sea when their condition is critical?

  • A. Using a heaving line
  • B. Using a lifebuoy
  • C. Using the painter
  • D. Using a scramble or rescue net
Answer: D — Using a scramble or rescue net
A critically hypothermic or exhausted survivor should be lifted in a horizontal position to avoid circulatory collapse. A net or similar rescue device supports the whole body, whereas a line, lifebuoy or painter lifts the casualty vertically and needs the survivor's own effort.

2. You are starting to run low on water in the lifeboat. What should you do?

  • A. Collect rain water
  • B. Mix sea water with 50% fresh water
  • C. Drink urine
  • D. Drink sea water
Answer: A — Collect rain water
Rain water is safe to drink and should be collected using the canopy or any available container. Sea water and urine must never be drunk because their salt content accelerates dehydration and can cause kidney damage and delirium.

3. The maximum height a pilot should be required to climb on a pilot ladder before reaching the deck or stepping onto an accommodation ladder platform is:

  • A. 15 m
  • B. 9 m
  • C. 6 m
  • D. 12 m
Answer: B — 9 m
SOLAS V/23 and IMO Resolution A.1045(27) limit the climb on a pilot ladder to not less than 1.5 m and not more than 9 m. Where the freeboard is greater, a combination arrangement with the accommodation ladder must be used.

4. What is the purpose of the bowsing tackles fitted at each end of a davit-launched lifeboat?

  • A. They are general-purpose tackles for use in any emergency
  • B. They hold the boat alongside the embarkation deck so that the tricing pennants can be released
  • C. They secure the boat to the embarkation deck so that the falls can be changed or end-for-ended
  • D. They pull the boat alongside the embarkation deck after the tricing pennants have been released
Answer: B — They hold the boat alongside the embarkation deck so that the tricing pennants can be released
During lowering the tricing pennants first pull the boat in to the embarkation deck. The bowsing tackles are then passed and hauled tight to hold the boat alongside so the tricing pennants can be released, and are eased off once everyone is embarked.

5. What signal, if any, is specified in SOLAS as the 'abandon ship' signal?

  • A. Seven short blasts followed by one long blast
  • B. Four long blasts
  • C. No abandon ship signal is specified; only the general emergency alarm signal is stated
  • D. Six short blasts followed by one long blast
Answer: C — No abandon ship signal is specified; only the general emergency alarm signal is stated
SOLAS III/37 and the LSA Code specify only the general emergency alarm of seven or more short blasts followed by one long blast. The order to abandon ship is given as described in the muster list, normally verbally by the Master.

6. You have abandoned ship in a liferaft. Which of the following actions should you take?

  • A. Organise a lookout, join up with other survival craft if possible and stream the sea anchor
  • B. Organise a lookout only
  • C. Start paddling towards the nearest land
  • D. Join up with other survival craft and stream the sea anchor only
Answer: A — Organise a lookout, join up with other survival craft if possible and stream the sea anchor
Survival craft should remain near the position of the casualty, where search is concentrated. Streaming the sea anchor reduces drift and improves stability, grouping craft makes a bigger target for searchers, and a continuous lookout is essential to spot rescuers.

7. Which of the following is NOT a requirement of present regulations for lifeboat equipment? All lifeboat equipment shall:

  • A. be secured in the lifeboat (except boat-hooks) by lashings, lockers, compartments, brackets or similar arrangements
  • B. be made of fire-retardant material
  • C. be secured so as not to interfere with abandonment procedures
  • D. be as small and of as little mass as possible
Answer: B — be made of fire-retardant material
LSA Code 4.4.8 requires lifeboat equipment to be secured (boat-hooks kept free for fending off), stowed so as not to interfere with abandonment and to be as small and light as possible. There is no general requirement for the equipment to be made of fire-retardant material.

8. Which of the following is NOT a requirement for the water spray system of a fire-protected lifeboat? The water spray system shall:

  • A. be arranged for flushing with fresh water and allow complete draining
  • B. protect the occupants through a continuous oil fire for not less than 8 minutes
  • C. have means to turn the flow of water over the exterior on and off
  • D. have separate draining pumps of sufficient capacity
Answer: D — have separate draining pumps of sufficient capacity
LSA Code 4.8 requires the spray system to be supplied by a self-priming motor pump, to be capable of being turned on and off, to be flushed with fresh water and drained completely, and to protect occupants in an enveloping oil fire for at least 8 minutes. Separate draining pumps are not required.

9. The training manual shall contain instructions and information in easily understood terms, illustrated wherever possible. Which of the following does NOT have to be explained in the training manual?

  • A. Use of breathing apparatus
  • B. Method of launching from within the survival craft
  • C. Methods and use of devices for protection in launching areas
  • D. Release from launching appliances
Answer: A — Use of breathing apparatus
SOLAS III/35 lists the contents of the LSA training manual, including launching from within the survival craft, release from launching appliances and protection devices in launching areas. Breathing apparatus is fire-fighting equipment and is covered by the fire safety training manual under SOLAS II-2/15.

10. Which of the following is NOT a requirement for the enclosure of a totally enclosed lifeboat? The enclosure shall be provided with:

  • A. access hatches capable of being opened and closed from both inside and outside
  • B. an arrangement for rowing
  • C. access hatches which can be closed watertight
  • D. windows on both sides which can be closed watertight and opened for ventilation
Answer: D — windows on both sides which can be closed watertight and opened for ventilation
LSA Code 4.6.2 requires hatches operable from inside and outside, watertight closure, the ability to row the boat and windows or translucent panels on both sides that admit daylight. There is no requirement for windows that open for ventilation.

11. Which of the following is NOT a requirement of present regulations for totally enclosed lifeboats? Totally enclosed lifeboats shall:

  • A. have safety belts designed to hold a person of 100 kg securely in place with the lifeboat capsized
  • B. be inherently or automatically self-righting
  • C. have self-bailing arrangements
  • D. in damaged condition, attain a position providing an above-water escape for the occupants
Answer: C — have self-bailing arrangements
LSA Code 4.6.3 requires safety belts able to hold a 100 kg person when capsized, self-righting stability with all occupants strapped in, and an above-water escape when damaged. A self-bailing arrangement is not among the requirements for totally enclosed lifeboats.

12. Which of the following requirements regarding lifebuoys does NOT correspond to present regulations?

  • A. Not less than half the total number of lifebuoys shall be provided with self-igniting lights
  • B. At least one lifebuoy shall be placed in the vicinity of the stern
  • C. All lifebuoys shall be placed in holders with a quick-release arrangement
  • D. At least one lifebuoy on each side of the ship shall be fitted with a buoyant lifeline
Answer: C — All lifebuoys shall be placed in holders with a quick-release arrangement
SOLAS III/7.1 requires lifebuoys to be distributed on both sides, at least one near the stern, at least one each side with a buoyant lifeline and at least half with self-igniting lights. Lifebuoys must be capable of being rapidly cast loose, but quick-release holders for every lifebuoy are not required.

13. Breathing apparatus is an important piece of equipment for fighting a fire on board. Which routine precautions should be observed regarding its use and maintenance?

  • A. Personnel with beards should not be selected as BA wearers
  • B. Personnel appointed as BA wearers should first receive proper shore-based basic training
  • C. The equipment should be kept clean and checked, cylinders recharged immediately after use and frequently inspected
  • D. All of the above
Answer: D — All of the above
A beard prevents a proper face-mask seal, wearers must be trained under STCW VI/1 and VI/3 fire-fighting courses, and SOLAS II-2/14 and the FSS Code require BA to be maintained, inspected and kept ready with fully charged cylinders. All these precautions apply.

14. When reasonable and practicable, how often shall rescue boats be launched with their assigned crew aboard and manoeuvred in the water?

  • A. Every two weeks
  • B. Every three months
  • C. Every week
  • D. Every month
Answer: D — Every month
SOLAS III/19.3.3 requires rescue boats, other than lifeboats which are also rescue boats, to be launched each month with their assigned crew aboard and manoeuvred in the water if reasonable and practicable, and in all cases at least once every three months.

15. Which permits must be obtained before starting hot work inside a tank?

  • A. Enclosed space entry permit only
  • B. Cold work permit
  • C. Hot work permit only
  • D. Both a hot work permit and an enclosed space entry permit
Answer: D — Both a hot work permit and an enclosed space entry permit
A tank is an enclosed space, so entry requires an enclosed space entry permit after ventilation and atmosphere testing, as per SOLAS XI-1/7 and ISGOTT. Hot work additionally requires a hot work permit with gas-free certification, fire precautions and Master's approval.

16. Injuries from slips and falls make up the largest percentage of accidents in the catering department. What should be done to reduce this accident rate?

  • A. Keep floors and decks free from fat and grease
  • B. Do not wash away rubbish, to prevent persons slipping
  • C. Leave slippery substances only where few persons are expected
  • D. Install thermostats to prevent water freezing to ice
Answer: A — Keep floors and decks free from fat and grease
Galley and pantry floors become dangerously slippery with spilled fat, grease and food. Keeping decks clean and dry, wiping spills immediately and wearing non-slip footwear are the basic housekeeping measures that prevent slips and falls in catering spaces.

17. What is advisable for a person entering a padlocked refrigerated room?

  • A. Never remove any ice or debris, as the ice keeps the room at the right temperature
  • B. Take the padlock inside the room
  • C. Leave the padlock hanging outside on the door so everyone can see it
  • D. Make sure meat hooks are stored in the room so they are easily found in an emergency
Answer: B — Take the padlock inside the room
Taking the padlock inside prevents anyone from locking the door from outside while a person is inside the cold room. Refrigerated rooms should also have an inside door release and an alarm button so that a person cannot be trapped.

18. What kind of warning signs should be placed at manholes leading into void spaces?

  • A. Breathing apparatus mandatory signs
  • B. Danger of explosion signs
  • C. No smoking signs
  • D. Warning signs indicating possible lack of oxygen inside
Answer: D — Warning signs indicating possible lack of oxygen inside
Void spaces are enclosed spaces that are rarely ventilated, so the atmosphere may be oxygen-deficient due to rusting or contain toxic gases. Opened manholes must carry warnings against entry without an enclosed space entry permit and atmosphere testing, as required by IMO Resolution A.1050(27).

19. Ship's staff shall inspect all lifting equipment and record the inspection in the cargo gear record book at intervals of:

  • A. Whenever the Master deems it necessary
  • B. One year
  • C. Two years
  • D. Five years
Answer: B — One year
Under ILO Convention 152 and class rules, lifting appliances and loose gear must be thoroughly examined at least once every 12 months and the result entered in the register (cargo gear record book). Proof load testing is required at intervals of not more than five years.

20. Where do you find the minimum requirements for drills on board?

  • A. In the owner's instructions
  • B. In the manager's instructions
  • C. In the SOLAS Convention
  • D. In classification society rules
Answer: C — In the SOLAS Convention
Minimum frequency and content of abandon ship and fire drills are laid down in SOLAS Chapter III, Regulation 19, and SOLAS II-2/15. Company instructions under the ISM Code may add to them but cannot reduce these mandatory minimum requirements.

21. Which of the following is NOT a requirement for rocket parachute flares? Rocket parachute flares shall:

  • A. have integral means of ignition
  • B. be contained in a water-resistant casing
  • C. burn with a bright orange colour
  • D. have brief instructions or diagrams clearly illustrating their use
Answer: C — burn with a bright orange colour
LSA Code 3.1 requires a rocket parachute flare to be in a water-resistant casing with printed instructions and integral ignition, reach at least 300 m and burn with a bright red colour for at least 40 seconds. Orange is the colour of buoyant smoke signals, not flares.

22. The muster list shall show the duties assigned to crew members in relation to passengers in an emergency. Which of the following duties does NOT necessarily have to be included?

  • A. Assembling passengers at muster stations
  • B. Seeing that passengers are suitably clad and have donned their lifejackets correctly
  • C. Ensuring that a supply of blankets is taken to the survival craft
  • D. Ensuring that every passenger is provided with an immersion suit or thermal protective aid
Answer: D — Ensuring that every passenger is provided with an immersion suit or thermal protective aid
SOLAS III/37.5 lists duties towards passengers: warning them, seeing they are suitably clad and wearing lifejackets, assembling them at muster stations, keeping order and ensuring blankets are taken to survival craft. Providing every passenger with an immersion suit or TPA is not required.

23. The muster list shall specify details of the general alarm signal and the actions to be taken when it is sounded. Which of the following does NOT necessarily apply to the muster list of every ship? The muster list shall:

  • A. be approved by the Administration before the ship proceeds to sea
  • B. specify how the order to abandon ship will be given
  • C. specify which officers are assigned to ensure that life-saving and fire-fighting appliances are maintained in good condition
  • D. specify substitutes for key persons who may become disabled
Answer: A — be approved by the Administration before the ship proceeds to sea
SOLAS III/37 requires every muster list to state how the abandon ship order is given, the officers responsible for maintenance of LSA and FFA, and substitutes for key persons. It must be prepared before sailing, but approval by the Administration is required only for passenger ships.

24. Which of the following is NOT a requirement for rescue boats? Rescue boats shall:

  • A. be capable of carrying at least five persons seated and one person lying on a stretcher
  • B. be capable of manoeuvring at speeds up to 6 knots
  • C. have self-bailing arrangements
  • D. have a permanent arrangement for towing
Answer: C — have self-bailing arrangements
LSA Code 5.1.1 requires a rescue boat to carry five seated persons and one on a stretcher, manoeuvre at up to 6 knots for at least 4 hours and be fitted for towing liferafts. Rescue boats may be rigid or inflated and need not be self-bailing.

25. On a chemical tanker certified for cargoes with special requirements under Chapter 15 of the IBC Code (e.g. acrylonitrile), three additional sets of SCBA with protective clothing must be carried for entering gas-filled spaces. How often should these sets be inspected?

  • A. At least once every 6 months by a responsible officer and once every 3 years by an expert
  • B. At least once a year by a responsible officer and once every 5 years by an expert
  • C. At least once a month by a responsible officer and once a year by an expert
  • D. At least once every 3 months by a responsible officer and once every 2 years by an expert
Answer: C — At least once a month by a responsible officer and once a year by an expert
IBC Code Chapter 14 requires the additional breathing apparatus to be inspected at least once a month by a responsible officer, with the inspection recorded in the log, and inspected and tested by an expert at least once a year.

26. Which of the following is NOT a requirement for line-throwing appliances? Every line-throwing appliance shall:

  • A. be capable of throwing the line with reasonable accuracy
  • B. have projectiles capable of carrying the line at least 230 m in calm weather
  • C. have brief instructions or diagrams illustrating its use
  • D. have a sufficient length of non-combustible line behind the rocket
Answer: D — have a sufficient length of non-combustible line behind the rocket
LSA Code 7.1 requires the appliance to throw a line with reasonable accuracy, include at least four projectiles each carrying the line at least 230 m in calm weather, four lines of at least 2 kN breaking strength and brief instructions. The line need not be non-combustible.

27. What is the full form of SART?

  • A. Search and Rescue Transponder
  • B. Search and Rescue Alerting Radio Terminal
  • C. Satellite Assisted Rescue Transmitter
  • D. Survival Alarm Radio Transmitter
Answer: A — Search and Rescue Transponder
SART stands for Search and Rescue Transponder. The radar SART operates in the 9 GHz X-band and, when interrogated by a ship or aircraft radar, displays a line of 12 dots on the radar screen indicating the survivors' position, as required by SOLAS IV and III.

28. Wearing an immersion suit, a person should be able to climb up and down a vertical ladder of at least:

  • A. 5 m (16 ft)
  • B. 4 m (13 ft)
  • C. 4.5 m (15 ft)
  • D. 3 m (10 ft)
Answer: A — 5 m (16 ft)
LSA Code 2.3.1.3 requires that an immersion suit permits the wearer to climb up and down a vertical ladder at least 5 m in length, perform normal abandonment duties and jump from at least 4.5 m into the water without injury or undue water ingress.

29. The main safety features of a liferaft include:

  • A. A pressure relief valve
  • B. Stabilising pockets
  • C. An insulated double-layer canopy protecting against heat and cold
  • D. All of the above
Answer: D — All of the above
LSA Code 4.2 requires inflatable liferafts to have pressure relief valves to prevent over-inflation, water-filled stabilising pockets underneath to reduce capsizing, and a canopy with insulating properties, normally two layers separated by an air gap, to protect occupants from heat and cold.

30. Ship-specific information on life-saving appliances is provided in the:

  • A. SOLAS Convention
  • B. MARPOL Convention
  • C. Verbal instructions
  • D. SOLAS training manual
Answer: D — SOLAS training manual
SOLAS III/35 requires a training manual in each crew mess room and recreation room or in each cabin, giving ship-specific information on the life-saving appliances on board and the best methods of survival, in easily understood terms and illustrated where possible.

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