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RPSSR exit exam questions and answers — Set 3 — Refresher Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities

Set 3 of the Refresher Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (RPSSR) exit exam bank — 30 of 154 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 3 — 30 RPSSR exit exam questions with answers

1. According to IMO guidance (Resolution A.1050(27)), an enclosed space is one that has which characteristics?

  • A. Limited openings for entry and exit, inadequate ventilation and is not designed for continuous worker occupancy
  • B. Only cargo tanks of tankers
  • C. Any space with a locked door
  • D. Any space below the main deck
Answer: A — Limited openings for entry and exit, inadequate ventilation and is not designed for continuous worker occupancy
Resolution A.1050(27) defines an enclosed space as one with limited openings for entry and exit, inadequate ventilation and not designed for continuous worker occupancy, such as tanks, void spaces, cofferdams, chain lockers, duct keels and cargo holds.

2. Before entry into an enclosed space without breathing apparatus, the oxygen content of the atmosphere should be a steady:

  • A. 25% by volume
  • B. 18% by volume
  • C. 16% by volume
  • D. 21% by volume
Answer: D — 21% by volume
IMO Resolution A.1050(27) recommends that, before entry, the atmosphere should show a steady 21% oxygen by volume and no hazardous concentrations of flammable or toxic gases, confirmed by tests at different levels with calibrated instruments.

3. Under SOLAS, how often must enclosed space entry and rescue drills be carried out on board?

  • A. Only when a new crew member joins
  • B. At least once every week
  • C. At least once every year
  • D. At least once every two months
Answer: D — At least once every two months
SOLAS regulation III/19.3.6 requires enclosed space entry and rescue drills to be planned and conducted at intervals of not more than two months, so that crew practise entry procedures, use of equipment and rescue.

4. When testing the atmosphere of an enclosed space before entry, it is generally recommended to test for:

  • A. Only flammable gases
  • B. Only oxygen
  • C. Toxic gases first, then oxygen
  • D. Oxygen first, then flammable gases, then toxic gases
Answer: D — Oxygen first, then flammable gases, then toxic gases
Oxygen is measured first because oxygen deficiency is itself lethal and some combustible-gas sensors need adequate oxygen to read correctly; flammable and then toxic gases such as H2S and CO are measured next.

5. Why should the atmosphere of an enclosed space be tested at several levels and locations?

  • A. Because the gas detector needs warming up
  • B. To save time during testing
  • C. Gases of different densities can stratify and pockets of gas may remain in corners, bottoms or behind structures
  • D. To check the temperature at each level
Answer: C — Gases of different densities can stratify and pockets of gas may remain in corners, bottoms or behind structures
Heavier gases such as H2S collect low down and lighter gases high up, while poorly ventilated pockets can persist; testing only near the entrance can therefore give a false impression that the whole space is safe.

6. The attendant stationed at the entrance of an enclosed space during entry should:

  • A. Leave the entrance to fetch tools when needed
  • B. Remain at the entrance, keep in contact with those inside and raise the alarm in an emergency without entering alone
  • C. Close the hatch to keep out rain
  • D. Enter the space immediately if a person collapses
Answer: B — Remain at the entrance, keep in contact with those inside and raise the alarm in an emergency without entering alone
The attendant must stay at the entrance, maintain communication with the entrants and, if anything goes wrong, raise the alarm and summon the rescue team; entering without breathing apparatus has caused many multiple fatalities among would-be rescuers.

7. During an enclosed space entry, ventilation of the space should be:

  • A. Continued throughout the period that persons are inside
  • B. Carried out only after the work is complete
  • C. Done with pure oxygen to speed up the process
  • D. Stopped once the first test shows 21% oxygen
Answer: A — Continued throughout the period that persons are inside
Atmospheres can change through disturbance of residues, sludge or scale, or through the work itself, so ventilation with fresh air must be maintained throughout the entry; oxygen must never be used for ventilation because it greatly increases the fire risk.

8. SOLAS regulation XI-1/7 requires ships to carry appropriate portable atmosphere-testing instruments capable of measuring at least:

  • A. Only carbon dioxide and nitrogen
  • B. Oxygen, flammable gases or vapours, hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide
  • C. Only oxygen
  • D. Only flammable gases
Answer: B — Oxygen, flammable gases or vapours, hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide
SOLAS regulation XI-1/7, in force since 1 July 2016, requires ships to carry instruments that, as a minimum, measure the concentration of oxygen, flammable gases or vapours, hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide before persons enter enclosed spaces.

9. The footnote to the competence 'Observe safe working practices' in STCW Table A-VI/1-4 refers to which ILO publication on international accident prevention measures?

  • A. ILO Guidelines on Seafarers' Identity Documents
  • B. ILO Guide to Port State Control
  • C. ILO Code of practice on accident prevention on board ship at sea and in port
  • D. ILO Convention on Forced Labour
Answer: C — ILO Code of practice on accident prevention on board ship at sea and in port
The PSSR syllabus item on international measures concerning accident prevention and occupational health refers to the ILO Code of practice 'Accident prevention on board ship at sea and in port', which gives practical guidance on safe working on board.

10. Which Regulation of MLC 2006 deals with health and safety protection and accident prevention on board?

  • A. Regulation 3.1
  • B. Regulation 1.4
  • C. Regulation 4.3
  • D. Regulation 2.3
Answer: C — Regulation 4.3
Regulation 4.3 of MLC 2006 requires flag States to ensure that seafarers' work environment on board promotes occupational safety and health, with policies and programmes for accident prevention, risk evaluation, training and reporting.

11. Under MLC 2006 Standard A4.3, occupational accidents, injuries and diseases on board are to be:

  • A. Adequately reported, investigated and recorded, with statistics published
  • B. Kept confidential and not recorded
  • C. Reported only if a seafarer dies
  • D. Reported only to the P&I club
Answer: A — Adequately reported, investigated and recorded, with statistics published
Standard A4.3 requires occupational accidents, injuries and diseases to be reported and investigated, with comprehensive statistics kept, analysed and published, so that their causes can be identified and preventive measures introduced.

12. Why are near-miss reports encouraged on board?

  • A. They are used to punish the persons involved
  • B. They are needed only for insurance claims
  • C. They replace the need for safety meetings
  • D. They help identify hazards and correct unsafe conditions before an accident occurs
Answer: D — They help identify hazards and correct unsafe conditions before an accident occurs
A near miss is an event that could have caused injury or damage but did not; reporting and analysing near misses in a no-blame culture, as encouraged by the ISM Code, allows corrective action to be taken before a real accident happens.

13. Under MLC 2006, seafarers under the age of 18 shall not be employed or engaged in work which:

  • A. Involves cleaning their own cabin
  • B. Takes place on deck
  • C. Is carried out in daylight
  • D. Is likely to jeopardise their health or safety
Answer: D — Is likely to jeopardise their health or safety
Standard A1.1.4 prohibits employment of seafarers under 18 where the work is likely to jeopardise their health or safety, and the competent authority must determine the types of such hazardous work after consultation with shipowners' and seafarers' organisations.

14. What important information does a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for a chemical used on board provide?

  • A. The voyage on which it was delivered
  • B. Its hazards, safe handling and storage, required PPE, first-aid and spill measures
  • C. Its purchase price and supplier discount
  • D. Only the name of the manufacturer
Answer: B — Its hazards, safe handling and storage, required PPE, first-aid and spill measures
An SDS (formerly MSDS) gives the hazards of a substance and the precautions for its safe handling, storage, protective equipment, fire-fighting, first aid and spill response; it should be available and read before using chemicals such as paints, solvents and cleaners.

15. Which measure best helps to prevent heat stress when working in a hot engine room?

  • A. Drinking water frequently, taking regular rest breaks in a cooler area and wearing light, suitable clothing
  • B. Drinking alcohol after the watch to relax
  • C. Taking salt tablets instead of water
  • D. Working continuously to finish the job faster
Answer: A — Drinking water frequently, taking regular rest breaks in a cooler area and wearing light, suitable clothing
Heat stress is prevented by limiting exposure time, ensuring ventilation, frequent intake of water, regular rest in cooler places and suitable clothing; supervisors should watch for symptoms such as dizziness, cramps, nausea and confusion.

16. The role of the elected safety representative on board is to:

  • A. Decide disciplinary action against crew
  • B. Represent the crew on safety matters, take part in the safety committee, inspections and investigations, and raise crew concerns
  • C. Approve the company's budget
  • D. Replace the Master in emergencies
Answer: B — Represent the crew on safety matters, take part in the safety committee, inspections and investigations, and raise crew concerns
Under MLC 2006 Standard A4.3 and the ILO accident prevention code, seafarers' safety representatives participate in the ship's safety committee, inspections and accident investigations and bring the crew's safety concerns to the attention of management.

17. In closed-loop communication on board, the receiver of an order should:

  • A. Repeat back the message so the sender can confirm it was correctly understood
  • B. Ask someone else what the order meant
  • C. Carry out the order without acknowledgement
  • D. Remain silent to show agreement
Answer: A — Repeat back the message so the sender can confirm it was correctly understood
Closed-loop communication requires the receiver to read back the instruction and the sender to confirm or correct it; this simple check removes many misunderstandings, especially in noisy conditions or with a multinational crew.

18. The IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP), used to reduce misunderstanding in ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore and on-board communication, were adopted by IMO Resolution:

  • A. MSC.560(108)
  • B. A.1050(27)
  • C. A.741(18)
  • D. A.918(22)
Answer: D — A.918(22)
The SMCP were adopted by IMO Resolution A.918(22) in 2001 to provide standard English phrases for safety-related communication; STCW requires their use by officers in charge of a navigational watch.

19. Under SOLAS regulation V/14, the working language for the crew on board a ship must be:

  • A. The language of the Master's nationality
  • B. Always English
  • C. Established by the company and recorded in the ship's log-book
  • D. Chosen individually by each department
Answer: C — Established by the company and recorded in the ship's log-book
SOLAS regulation V/14.3 requires the company or the Master to determine an appropriate working language, record it in the log-book, and ensure each seafarer can understand and give orders and instructions and report back in that language.

20. Under STCW, Administrations must set a limit on blood alcohol content for persons performing watchkeeping or safety duties of not greater than:

  • A. 0.10% BAC
  • B. 0.05% BAC or 0.25 mg/l alcohol in the breath
  • C. 0.08% BAC or 0.40 mg/l in the breath
  • D. 0.02% BAC
Answer: B — 0.05% BAC or 0.25 mg/l alcohol in the breath
STCW Section A-VIII/1 paragraph 10 requires Administrations to establish a limit of not greater than 0.05% blood alcohol content or 0.25 mg/l alcohol in the breath, or a quantity of alcohol leading to such concentration, for masters, officers and other seafarers on watchkeeping or safety duties.

21. A seafarer found in possession of illegal drugs on board in a foreign port may cause:

  • A. No consequence if the drugs are for personal use
  • B. Prosecution of the seafarer and possible detention of the ship, fines on the company and damage to its reputation
  • C. Only a verbal warning from the Master
  • D. A reduction in the port dues
Answer: B — Prosecution of the seafarer and possible detention of the ship, fines on the company and damage to its reputation
Drug possession is a serious criminal offence in most countries; besides arrest and imprisonment of the individual, the ship can be detained and the owner heavily fined, which is why company drug and alcohol policies prohibit drugs and provide for random testing.

22. Which of the following is an obligation of every seafarer on board?

  • A. To refuse all overtime under any circumstances
  • B. To decide personally whether to take part in drills
  • C. To follow safe working procedures and lawful orders and report hazards, defects or unsafe acts
  • D. To keep safety concerns to himself to avoid trouble
Answer: C — To follow safe working procedures and lawful orders and report hazards, defects or unsafe acts
Along with the rights given by MLC 2006, seafarers have obligations under the ISM Code and the company SMS to comply with procedures, take part in drills, obey lawful orders and report hazards and non-conformities so that safety is maintained.

23. Under STCW and MLC 2006, the minimum hours of rest for a seafarer shall be not less than:

  • A. 6 hours in any 24-hour period and 42 hours in any 7-day period
  • B. 10 hours in any 24-hour period and 77 hours in any 7-day period
  • C. 8 hours in any 24-hour period and 56 hours in any 7-day period
  • D. 12 hours in any 24-hour period and 84 hours in any 7-day period
Answer: B — 10 hours in any 24-hour period and 77 hours in any 7-day period
STCW Section A-VIII/1 and MLC Standard A2.3 require a minimum of 10 hours of rest in any 24-hour period and 77 hours in any 7-day period, recorded so that compliance can be monitored.

24. Under STCW, the minimum 10 hours of rest in any 24-hour period may be divided into no more than two periods, one of which must be at least:

  • A. 5 hours long, with no more than 18 hours between rest periods
  • B. 4 hours long, with no more than 16 hours between rest periods
  • C. 6 hours long, with no more than 14 hours between consecutive rest periods
  • D. 8 hours long, with no more than 12 hours between rest periods
Answer: C — 6 hours long, with no more than 14 hours between consecutive rest periods
STCW Section A-VIII/1 allows the hours of rest to be split into no more than two periods, one of at least 6 hours, and the interval between consecutive periods of rest must not exceed 14 hours.

25. Which of the following is a healthy way for a seafarer to cope with stress on board?

  • A. Skipping meals to save time for work
  • B. Increasing alcohol consumption after duty
  • C. Regular physical exercise, adequate sleep, a balanced diet and talking problems over with trusted shipmates or family
  • D. Staying alone in the cabin during all free time
Answer: C — Regular physical exercise, adequate sleep, a balanced diet and talking problems over with trusted shipmates or family
Effective stress management includes exercise, sufficient rest, good nutrition, relaxation, planning workload and sharing problems with others; alcohol, isolation and poor diet worsen stress and fatigue and increase the risk of accidents.

26. The new STCW competence 'Contribute to the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault' has been added to which STCW Code table?

  • A. Table A-II/4 (Ratings forming part of a navigational watch)
  • B. Table A-VI/1-4 (Personal safety and social responsibilities)
  • C. Table A-VI/1-1 (Personal survival techniques)
  • D. Table A-VI/6-1 (Security awareness)
Answer: B — Table A-VI/1-4 (Personal safety and social responsibilities)
Resolution MSC.560(108) replaced Table A-VI/1-4, the PSSR competence table under Section A-VI/1, adding the new competence on prevention of and response to violence and harassment. It therefore forms part of basic training required for all seafarers.

27. The STCW Code amendments introducing training on prevention of and response to violence and harassment were adopted by which IMO resolution?

  • A. MSC.416(97)
  • B. MEPC.328(76)
  • C. A.1047(27)
  • D. MSC.560(108)
Answer: D — MSC.560(108)
The Maritime Safety Committee at its 108th session adopted resolution MSC.560(108) on 23 May 2024, amending Part A of the STCW Code to add the violence and harassment competence to Table A-VI/1-4.

28. On what date did the STCW Code amendments on prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault, enter into force?

  • A. 15 December 2025
  • B. 1 July 2025
  • C. 1 January 2027
  • D. 1 January 2026
Answer: D — 1 January 2026
Resolution MSC.560(108) provided for deemed acceptance on 1 July 2025 and entry into force on 1 January 2026. DGS Circular 53 of 2025 likewise brings the directive into force from 01.01.2026.

29. For the purpose of the new STCW competence, the term 'violence and harassment' is to be understood as defined in which instrument?

  • A. ISPS Code, Part B
  • B. MLC 2006, Regulation 4.3
  • C. ILO Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190)
  • D. ISM Code, Part A
Answer: C — ILO Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190)
The footnote to the amended Table A-VI/1-4 states that violence and harassment are as defined in the ILO Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190), the first international treaty dealing specifically with violence and harassment in the world of work.

30. In the context of violence and harassment training, the 'continuum of harm' means that:

  • A. Unacceptable behaviour ranges from less obvious acts such as offensive jokes and comments up to severe acts such as sexual assault, and lower-level behaviour left unchecked can escalate
  • B. Harm to the victim continues only until the perpetrator signs off
  • C. Harm is only recognised once it has continued for more than one voyage
  • D. Only physical assault is regarded as harmful
Answer: A — Unacceptable behaviour ranges from less obvious acts such as offensive jokes and comments up to severe acts such as sexual assault, and lower-level behaviour left unchecked can escalate
The continuum of harm describes a spectrum of behaviours from apparently minor acts such as derogatory remarks, jokes or unwanted attention to serious acts such as physical or sexual assault. Tolerating the lower end creates conditions in which more serious harm can occur.

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