PST exit exam questions and answers — Set 21 — Personal Survival Techniques
Set 21 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 21 — 30 PST exit exam questions with answers
1. What is the purpose of the fire detection and alarm system on board a ship?
- A. To detect smoke or fire and give early warning
- B. To provide background music for crew members
- C. To monitor the ship's fuel consumption
- D. To regulate the temperature in various compartments
Answer: A — To detect smoke or fire and give early warning
Fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems (SOLAS II-2/7, FSS Code Ch. 9) detect smoke, heat or flame and raise an alarm on the bridge and at the fire control station, allowing an early response before the fire spreads.
2. How should you move through a smoke-filled compartment during a fire emergency?
- A. Crawl low to the ground where the air is clearer
- B. Walk upright with a wet cloth over your mouth and nose
- C. Skip and jump to minimise exposure to smoke
- D. Run as quickly as possible to reach the nearest exit
Answer: A — Crawl low to the ground where the air is clearer
Hot smoke and toxic gases rise, so the cleanest, coolest air and best visibility are near the deck. Keep low, follow the bulkhead and the low-location lighting towards the escape route.
3. What is the purpose of a fire pump in a ship's fire-fighting system?
- A. To provide water for drinking and cooking
- B. To supply water under pressure to the fire main for fire-fighting
- C. To regulate the flow of fuel to the ship's engines
- D. To generate electricity for emergency lighting
Answer: B — To supply water under pressure to the fire main for fire-fighting
Fire pumps draw sea water and deliver it under pressure to the fire main and hydrants, so that hoses can produce effective jets and sprays. SOLAS II-2/10 specifies the number, capacity and pressure of fire pumps.
4. What is the first thing you should do on hearing the abandon ship order?
- A. Grab your personal belongings
- B. Put on warm clothing and a lifejacket
- C. Form a group with other survivors
- D. Jump into the water immediately
Answer: B — Put on warm clothing and a lifejacket
On the abandon ship order you dress warmly, don your lifejacket (or immersion suit) correctly and proceed to your muster station as per the muster list. Personal belongings are not collected and jumping is a last resort.
5. What should you do before boarding a liferaft?
- A. Remove sharp objects from your pockets and person
- B. Inflate the liferaft fully by mouth
- C. Collect your personal belongings
- D. Take off your lifejacket
Answer: A — Remove sharp objects from your pockets and person
Sharp objects such as knives, pens, buckles and high-heeled shoes can puncture the inflatable buoyancy tubes and floor of a liferaft, so they should be removed before boarding. The lifejacket is kept on.
6. How should you position yourself in a liferaft?
- A. Sit on the floor
- B. Stand upright
- C. Lie down flat
- D. Kneel on one knee
Answer: A — Sit on the floor
Survivors should sit on the floor, spread evenly around the raft with backs against the buoyancy tubes. This keeps the centre of gravity low and the raft stable; standing or lying flat wastes space and upsets stability.
7. How can you attract attention while in a liferaft without using pyrotechnics?
- A. Shout loudly
- B. Blow the whistle
- C. Jump out of the raft and swim
- D. Stay silent
Answer: B — Blow the whistle
A whistle carries much further than the human voice and needs little energy. Lifejackets carry a whistle (LSA Code 2.2) and the liferaft equipment includes one, making it an effective sound signal to nearby rescuers.
8. What is the purpose of a sea anchor in a liferaft?
- A. To repel sharks
- B. To keep the raft afloat
- C. To provide shade
- D. To stabilise the raft and reduce drifting
Answer: D — To stabilise the raft and reduce drifting
The sea anchor (drogue) streamed from the raft reduces drift, keeping it near the casualty position where search will begin, and holds the raft steady to the weather, reducing the risk of capsizing.
9. What should you do if the liferaft capsizes in rough seas?
- A. Right it using the righting strap on the bottom
- B. Abandon the liferaft and swim to find another one
- C. Climb on top of the overturned liferaft and stay there
- D. Hold onto the ropes underneath the liferaft for support
Answer: A — Right it using the righting strap on the bottom
A capsized liferaft should be righted by one person climbing onto the bottom at the gas cylinder side, standing on it, gripping the righting strap and leaning back so the raft flips over. The LSA Code requires rafts to be capable of being righted by one person.
10. How should weight be distributed in a liferaft to maintain stability?
- A. Keep all weight in the centre of the raft
- B. Spread weight evenly throughout the raft
- C. Concentrate weight on one side of the raft
- D. Stand up and move around frequently
Answer: B — Spread weight evenly throughout the raft
Survivors and equipment should be spread evenly around the raft so it floats level. Uneven loading makes the raft list and more likely to capsize in waves and wind.
11. How should you protect yourself from exposure in a liferaft?
- A. Remove clothing to cool down
- B. Huddle together with other survivors for warmth
- C. Stay outside the raft to avoid suffocation
- D. Keep the canopy entrances open at all times
Answer: B — Huddle together with other survivors for warmth
Keeping the canopy closed, the floor inflated and huddling together reduces heat loss and the risk of hypothermia. Thermal protective aids should be used by those who are cold or wet.
12. What should you do if you spot a rescue helicopter while in a liferaft?
- A. Wave your arms and shout for attention
- B. Ignore it and continue drifting
- C. Use a hand flare or orange smoke signal
- D. Attempt to swim towards the helicopter
Answer: C — Use a hand flare or orange smoke signal
Pyrotechnics are the most effective way to be seen by aircraft: hand flares at night and buoyant orange smoke by day. They should be used only when the aircraft is close enough to see them, and from the downwind side.
13. How can you signal for help from a liferaft on a sunny day?
- A. Shine a flashlight towards the sky
- B. Use a signalling mirror to reflect sunlight
- C. Blow up a balloon and release it
- D. Tie a distress flag to the raft's canopy
Answer: B — Use a signalling mirror to reflect sunlight
The signalling mirror (heliograph) in the liferaft equipment reflects sunlight towards ships or aircraft and can be seen at great distances. It needs no power and can be used repeatedly in daylight.
14. What should you do if someone falls overboard from a liferaft?
- A. Jump into the water to rescue them
- B. Throw the rescue quoit and line and pull them back into the raft
- C. Yell for help and hope for assistance
- D. Ignore the situation and continue drifting
Answer: B — Throw the rescue quoit and line and pull them back into the raft
The liferaft carries a buoyant rescue quoit with at least 30 m of line (LSA Code 4.1.5). Throwing it and hauling the person back avoids putting another survivor in the water.
15. How can you get shade in a liferaft?
- A. Use a piece of clothing as an umbrella
- B. Keep under the raft's canopy
- C. Ignore the need for shade
- D. Jump into the water to cool down
Answer: B — Keep under the raft's canopy
The liferaft canopy protects occupants from sun, rain, wind and spray. Staying under it reduces sweating and dehydration, and the canopy entrances can be adjusted for ventilation.
16. What should you do if you sight land while in a liferaft?
- A. Swim towards the land as fast as possible
- B. Yell for help to attract attention from the shore
- C. Ignore the land and continue drifting
- D. Assess the distance and decide the best course of action
Answer: D — Assess the distance and decide the best course of action
Distances at sea are easily underestimated, and leaving the raft to swim is very dangerous. Survivors should assess the distance, surf and currents, and normally stay with the raft, using signals and paddles to approach safely.
17. How can you protect your eyes from glare and salt spray in a liferaft?
- A. Keep your eyes closed at all times
- B. Wear sunglasses or protective eyewear
- C. Ignore the irritation
- D. Rub your eyes with seawater
Answer: B — Wear sunglasses or protective eyewear
Glare from the sea surface and salt spray can cause eye pain and temporary blindness. Sunglasses or improvised eye shades, and staying under the canopy, protect the eyes during long periods adrift.
18. How can you prevent seasickness in a liferaft?
- A. Take the anti-seasickness tablets provided
- B. Lie down flat and close your eyes
- C. Ignore the symptoms of seasickness
- D. Continuously look at the horizon
Answer: A — Take the anti-seasickness tablets provided
Liferaft equipment includes anti-seasickness medicine for each person (LSA Code 4.1.5). It should be taken as soon as possible after boarding, because vomiting causes loss of body fluid and morale.
19. What should you do if the liferaft is punctured or damaged?
- A. Ignore the damage and continue using the raft
- B. Repair it using the leak stoppers and repair kit provided
- C. Abandon the raft and swim to find another one
- D. Use a rope to tie up the damaged area
Answer: B — Repair it using the leak stoppers and repair kit provided
Inflatable liferafts carry a repair outfit with leak stoppers (sealing clamps or plugs) and the pump/bellows to top up lost air (LSA Code 4.2.3). Damage should be repaired promptly rather than abandoning the raft.
20. What should you do if you see a group of survivors in the water?
- A. Swim towards them and join their group
- B. Keep a safe distance and observe their actions
- C. Ignore the survivors and focus on your own survival
- D. Swim away to avoid being pulled under
Answer: A — Swim towards them and join their group
Survivors in the water should join together in a group or huddle. A group is easier for rescuers to see, reduces heat loss and allows members to support and encourage each other.
21. How can you signal for help if you are unable to shout?
- A. Use a whistle or signalling mirror
- B. Wave your arms vigorously
- C. Splash the water to create sound
- D. Write a distress message on a floating object
Answer: A — Use a whistle or signalling mirror
A whistle and signalling mirror attract attention over much longer ranges than waving or splashing and need little energy. Lifejackets carry a whistle and survival craft carry a signalling mirror.
22. What should you do if you get cramp while in the water?
- A. Panic and scream for help
- B. Ignore the cramp and continue swimming
- C. Float on your back and stretch the affected muscle
- D. Dive underwater to relieve the cramp
Answer: C — Float on your back and stretch the affected muscle
Floating on your back, supported by the lifejacket, while stretching and massaging the affected muscle relieves cramp and keeps the airway clear. Panic and continued swimming increase exhaustion.
23. What is the purpose of a lifebuoy during a shipboard emergency?
- A. To provide a floating platform for survivors
- B. To serve as a navigation aid for rescue vessels
- C. To provide insulation against cold temperatures
- D. To throw to a person in the water for buoyancy support
Answer: D — To throw to a person in the water for buoyancy support
A lifebuoy is thrown to a person in the water to keep them afloat until recovered. SOLAS III/7 and the LSA Code require lifebuoys, some fitted with self-igniting lights, smoke signals or buoyant lines, to be readily available on both sides of the ship.
24. How should you behave if you are in the water with a group of survivors?
- A. Swim away from the group to increase chances of rescue
- B. Stay close together and hold onto each other
- C. Compete with others to reach the liferaft first
- D. Yell for help continuously
Answer: B — Stay close together and hold onto each other
Survivors should link together in a huddle or chain. This reduces heat loss, makes the group more visible to rescuers, and lets stronger members support the weak or injured.
25. What should you do if your lifejacket fails to inflate automatically?
- A. Inflate it using the oral inflation tube
- B. Shake it vigorously to distribute the air
- C. Remove it and try to find another one
- D. Tie it around your waist
Answer: A — Inflate it using the oral inflation tube
Inflatable lifejackets have a manual pull-toggle and an oral inflation tube as back-up (LSA Code 2.2.2). If the automatic or manual inflation fails, blow it up by mouth through the oral tube.
26. What should you do with your clothing if you are in the water?
- A. Remove your clothing to reduce drag and weight
- B. Keep the clothing on, as it helps retain body heat
- C. Wrap your clothing around your head
- D. Use your clothing as a flotation device
Answer: B — Keep the clothing on, as it helps retain body heat
Clothing traps a layer of water next to the body and reduces heat loss, delaying hypothermia. Survivors should enter the water well clothed and keep their clothes on.
27. How should you jump into the water from a height wearing a lifejacket?
- A. Keep legs together, cover nose and mouth with one hand and hold the lifejacket down with the other
- B. Spread your arms wide for balance and stability
- C. Bend your back backwards to absorb the impact
- D. Dive in headfirst with arms extended
Answer: A — Keep legs together, cover nose and mouth with one hand and hold the lifejacket down with the other
Before jumping, check the water below is clear, look straight ahead and jump feet first with legs together. One hand covers nose and mouth, the other holds the lifejacket collar down to prevent it riding up and injuring the neck.
28. How should food and water be rationed while adrift in a liferaft?
- A. Consume small portions at regular intervals
- B. Eat all the food at once to avoid spoilage
- C. Drink large quantities of water to stay hydrated
- D. Let each survivor eat and drink as they wish
Answer: A — Consume small portions at regular intervals
Rations should be issued in small, regular portions under the person in charge. Normally no water is given in the first 24 hours except to the sick or injured, after which about 0.5 litre per person per day is issued.
29. How can you maintain a positive mental attitude while awaiting rescue?
- A. Focus on negative thoughts to prepare for the worst
- B. Keep your eyes closed to escape reality
- C. Engage in positive self-talk and visualise a successful rescue
- D. Detach yourself mentally from the situation
Answer: C — Engage in positive self-talk and visualise a successful rescue
The will to live is a key survival factor. Positive thinking, keeping busy with tasks and believing that rescue will come help survivors resist despair, which otherwise leads to apathy and death.
30. What is the recommended method for boarding a liferaft from the water?
- A. Dive headfirst into the raft
- B. Climb in at the entrance using the boarding ladder and handles
- C. Inflate the raft and swim inside
- D. Pull yourself over the buoyancy tube at any point
Answer: B — Climb in at the entrance using the boarding ladder and handles
Liferafts have a boarding ladder or ramp and handholds at the entrances (LSA Code 4.2.4). Survivors board through an entrance using them; those already aboard help others in by grasping the lifejacket shoulders.
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