NIMASA STCW Personal Survival Techniques Examination (Nigeria)

Under the STCW and SOLAS frameworks, what is the primary purpose of a ship's Muster List (Station Bill)?

• ATo define the emergency duties, signals, and station assignments of every crew member.
• BTo record the daily attendance of seafarers for port clearance and payroll purposes.
• CTo outline the cargo loading sequence and draft calculations for the voyage.
• DTo list the contact details of the shipowner's emergency response team ashore.

Which whistle and bell signal is universally defined under SOLAS as the General Emergency Alarm?

• AThree short blasts repeated at intervals of ten seconds.
• BSeven or more short blasts followed by one long blast.
• COne continuous blast lasting at least fifteen seconds.
• DFour short blasts followed by two long blasts.

What action should a seafarer take immediately upon hearing the General Emergency Alarm?

• AProceed directly to the nearest lifeboat and begin preparing it for launching.
• BReturn to their cabin to pack all personal belongings, documents, and cash.
• CReport to their designated muster station with a lifejacket, warm clothing, and any assig…
• DCall the navigation bridge to ask the officer of the watch for details about the emergenc…

What is the primary sound signal used to indicate the instruction to 'abandon ship'?

• AA continuous ringing of the ship's bells for at least five minutes.
• BAlternating short and long blasts on the ship's foghorn.
• CFive short blasts followed by two long blasts on the whistle.
• DA verbal command from the Master, usually supported by a specific alarm pattern or public…

Why is panic considered the single greatest hazard to a seafarer's survival during an onboard emergency?

• AIt prevents logical thinking, leads to irrational actions, and spreads rapidly among crew…
• BIt causes immediate muscle paralysis and physical inability to swim.
• CIt invalidates the vessel's protection under NIMASA marine insurance policies.
• DIt decreases the physical buoyancy of the seafarer's personal lifejacket.

Which of the following emergencies is most likely to result in an immediate order to prepare survival craft without full abandonment?

• AA minor fire in the galley that has already been extinguished.
• BA major collision resulting in rapid flooding that exceeds the ship's bilge pumping capac…
• CA temporary loss of main propulsion (blackout) in calm weather.
• DA routine change of watch crew at midnight.

During a shipboard fire emergency, what is the role of the support squad or backup team as defined on the Muster List?

• ATo immediately abandon the ship and wait in the liferafts.
• BTo document the fire and post live updates to social media.
• CTo assist the primary fire-fighting party with equipment, boundary cooling, and medical s…
• DTo take over the steering gear in the emergency steering compartment.

What is the main purpose of carrying out regular emergency drills on board?

• ATo satisfy NIMASA port state control officials without actual training value.
• BTo clean the lifeboat hulls and test the shipboard fire mains for water pressure.
• CTo allow seafarers to practice swimming in the open ocean around the vessel.
• DTo ensure the crew is familiar with emergency duties, equipment locations, and responds a…

Under SOLAS regulations, how often must abandon ship and fire drills be conducted on a cargo vessel?

• AAt least once every month.
• BOnce every six months.
• CDaily during ocean crossings.
• DOnly when the vessel enters a dry dock.

If a new crew member joins a ship, within what timeframe must they receive training in the use of the ship's life-saving appliances?

• AWithin the first six months of their contract.
• BAs soon as possible, but not later than two weeks after joining the vessel.
• CJust before the first port state control inspection.
• DImmediately before the vessel crosses an international boundary.

What information is typically displayed on the muster station signs on board a vessel?

• AThe names of the ship's captain and chief engineer.
• BA map showing the route to the next port of call.
• CThe muster station letter or number and the international symbol for a muster station.
• DThe vessel's commercial freight rates and cargo manifest.

In the event of an emergency in port, who has the primary authority to coordinate shipboard actions?

• AThe local port safety officer, who immediately takes command of the ship's crew.
• BThe charterer of the vessel.
• CThe youngest cadet on board.
• DThe Master (or the Officer of the Watch in the Master's absence), in cooperation with loc…

What is the correct definition of 'survival principles' at sea?

• AA set of mental and physical guidelines designed to maximize the chances of staying alive…
• BThe theoretical physics of vessel stability and buoyancy calculations.
• CThe legal rules governing maritime salvage claims and cargo recovery.
• DA training manual for underwater welding and hull repairs.

Which of the following is a key psychological trait required for survival in a liferaft?

• AA state of denial regarding the severity of the emergency.
• BThe 'will to live,' which keeps a survivor focused on rescue and survival despite extreme…
• CExtreme competitiveness to secure more water rations than others.
• DA sense of indifference to the survival of fellow crew members.

How does the ship's crew ensure that passengers are accounted for during a general emergency?

• ABy sending a group text message to all passengers' mobile phones.
• BBy counting the number of empty seats in the ship's main dining saloon.
• CBy checking cabin cards, clearing passenger spaces, and conducting roll calls at designat…
• DBy reviewing CCTV footage from the bridge after the ship has been abandoned.

What is the minimum number of lifebuoys required to be fitted with self-igniting lights and self-activating smoke signals?

• AAll lifebuoys carried on the vessel.
• BNone, lights are only required on lifejackets.
• COnly the lifebuoys stored inside the engine room.
• DAt least two lifebuoys, which must be equally distributed on both sides of the ship and c…

What is the purpose of the retro-reflective tape fitted on lifejackets, lifebuoys, and immersion suits?

• ATo reflect searchlights and rescue lights, making survivors highly visible in darkness or…
• BTo insulate the wearer's neck and head from cold sea wind.
• CTo prevent sharks and other marine predators from approaching.
• DTo chemically neutralize acidic oil spills in the water.

According to SOLAS regulations, what is the maximum time allowed for an untrained person to don an immersion suit?

• A30 seconds.
• B2 minutes, including unpacking and putting on any associated lifejacket.
• C5 minutes.
• D10 minutes.

Which of the following is a key design requirement of a standard SOLAS-approved lifejacket?

• AIt must be colored bright green or black for camouflage in coastal waters.
• BIt must have an integrated waterproof two-way satellite phone.
• CIt must be capable of turning an unconscious person in the water to a safe floating posit…
• DIt must be made of heavy lead plates to stabilize the wearer's center of gravity.

When donning a standard shipboard lifejacket, which action is critical to prevent the jacket from riding up over your head in the water?

• AInflating the lifejacket prior to leaving the interior cabin.
• BLubricating the collar with petroleum jelly or grease.
• CTying the lifejacket's whistle string to your wrist.
• DAdjusting and securing all straps tightly, especially the waist strap and crotch strap (i…

What is the purpose of the water-activated battery attached to the lifejacket light?

• ATo automatically illuminate the light upon immersion in water, helping rescuers locate th…
• BTo provide a small electrical charge to warm the survivor's chest.
• CTo power a GPS tracker that broadcasts coordinates directly to NIMASA.
• DTo charge the survivor's personal electronic devices.

An immersion suit is primarily designed to protect the wearer from which fatal condition?

• AInhalation of carbon monoxide from shipboard exhaust.
• BHypothermia caused by prolonged immersion in cold water.
• CDehydration and lack of fresh drinking water.
• DSunburn and ultraviolet radiation while on deck.

Why should you avoid jumping into the water from a height while wearing an inflated lifejacket or carrying a lifebuoy?

• AThe impact will immediately pop the lifejacket foam cells.
• BYou will sink to the bottom and be unable to resurface.
• CThe upward impact of the lifejacket can cause serious neck injury, and the lifebuoy can h…
• DThe noise of the impact will attract sharks from long distances.

What is a Thermal Protective Aid (TPA)?

• AAn electrical blanket powered by the lifeboat's battery system.
• BA chemical heating pack placed inside a first aid kit to treat burns.
• CA fire-retardant shield used to protect fire-fighters from radiant heat.
• DA bag or suit made of waterproof material with low thermal conductivity, used to reduce c…

Who must be provided with a Thermal Protective Aid (TPA) in a survival craft under SOLAS?

• AEvery person in a lifeboat or liferaft who is not already equipped with an immersion suit.
• BOnly the captain and officers.
• COnly passengers under the age of 12.
• DSeafarers working in the engine room who do not have access to coats.

What is the correct way to store a lifejacket on board a vessel?

• ALocked in the ship's bonded store to prevent unauthorized use.
• BIn easily accessible, clearly marked locations, free from moisture and direct sunlight.
• CFlat on the deck under cargo pallets to save cabin space.
• DSuspended from the ship's radar mast to keep them dry.

Which type of lifejacket must be carried on board for infant passengers?

• AA standard adult lifejacket folded in half.
• BNone, infants are held by parents without lifejackets.
• CA specially sized infant lifejacket designed to support smaller weights and keep the head…
• DTwo standard lifebuoys tied together.

What is the buoyant material used inside most modern rigid lifejackets?

• ABalsa wood blocks.
• BCompressed cotton and kapok fibers.
• CHollow lead chambers filled with air.
• DClosed-cell synthetic foam (such as polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride).

How is the whistle attached to a SOLAS lifejacket used in an emergency?

• ATo make sound signals to attract the attention of rescuers or other survivors in low visi…
• BTo scare away sea birds and marine predators.
• CTo signal the launch team to lower the lifeboat.
• DTo check the breathing rate of the wearer.

What is the purpose of the buddy line on a SOLAS lifejacket?

• AA line used to climb back on board the ship's deck.
• BA short line with a clip used to secure survivors together in the water, preventing them…
• CA securing strap to tie the lifejacket to the ship's rail.
• DA cord used to tie a water bottle to the survivor.

How does oil contamination affect the performance of an immersion suit?

• AIt increases the thermal insulation by forming a protective outer layer.
• BIt chemically reacts to generate heat and keep the wearer warm.
• CIt can degrade the neoprene material, reduce grip, and damage retro-reflective tape.
• DIt increases the buoyancy of the suit.

Why are immersion suits fitted with a face flap or spray shield?

• ATo allow the wearer to sleep comfortably in the water.
• BTo act as a pocket for storing signaling flares.
• CTo filter out toxic smoke from the ship's exhaust.
• DTo protect the face from wind, spray, and cold water, helping to prevent inhalation of wa…

What is the correct maintenance procedure for zippers on immersion suits?

• APeriodic cleaning and lubrication with paraffin wax or beeswax to ensure smooth closure.
• BPainting them with anti-fouling paint to prevent marine growth.
• CCoating them with heavy machine grease or hydraulic oil.
• DKeeping them permanently zipped shut during storage.

Which type of lifebuoy is required to have a buoyant lifeline attached to it?

• AEvery lifebuoy on the ship.
• BAt least two lifebuoys on the vessel, positioned so they can be thrown to a person in the…
• COnly the lifebuoys stored on the lifeboats.
• DNone, lifelines are only used on liferafts.

What is the minimum length required for the buoyant lifeline attached to a lifebuoy?

• A10 meters.
• B100 meters.
• CNot less than twice the height at which it is stowed above the waterline, or 30 meters, w…
• DExactly the length of the ship.

How does a seafarer check if an inflatable lifejacket is fully operational before a voyage?

• ABy inflating it fully using the oral inflation tube and leaving it overnight in a wet loc…
• BBy jumping into the ship's swimming pool to test the automatic valve.
• CBy weighing it on a cargo scale to see if it matches the dry weight.
• DBy checking the pressure indicator on the CO2 cylinder, verifying the expiry date, and in…

What is the function of the retro-reflective material on a lifebuoy?

• ATo assist search crews using searchlights to locate the lifebuoy at night.
• BTo keep the lifebuoy warm in cold climates.
• CTo provide grip for the survivor holding onto the buoy.
• DTo prevent the plastic shell from cracking under solar heat.

Which life-saving appliance must be fitted on both bridge wings of a vessel for immediate deployment?

• AA fully equipped inflatable liferaft.
• BA quick-release lifebuoy with self-activating smoke signal and self-igniting light (Man O…
• CA pair of immersion suits.
• DA portable fire extinguisher.

What is the key advantage of an inflatable lifejacket over a rigid foam lifejacket?

• AIt is completely immune to punctures and tears.
• BIt does not require any routine inspections or maintenance.
• CIt is less bulky to wear, allowing greater freedom of movement during work on deck.
• DIt has a higher thermal insulation rating in cold water.

How does the light on a SOLAS-approved lifejacket get deactivated?

• AIt cannot be turned off and must run until the battery dies.
• BBy covering the sensor with black electrical tape.
• CBy placing the light back into its plastic pocket on the jacket.
• DBy turning off the manual switch once the survivor is out of the water, or when daylight…

What is the purpose of the Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU) on a float-free liferaft?

• ATo automatically release the liferaft from its cradle when the ship sinks to a depth of 1…
• BTo inflate the liferaft while it is still secured in its steel cradle.
• CTo measure the water depth and report it to the bridge team.
• DTo release the survival craft's sea anchor during launching.

What does the 'weak link' in a liferaft's painter system do?

• AIt is a deliberate flaw in the liferaft floor to drain water.
• BIt breaks under tension after the painter line has inflated the raft, allowing the raft t…
• CIt allows the liferaft canopy to blow away in high winds.
• DIt connects the emergency radio to the antenna.

In a davit-launched liferaft, when is the inflation painter line pulled?

• AAutomatically when the liferaft hits the water.
• BBy the hydrostatic release unit when the vessel sinks.
• CWhile the liferaft is still suspended at the embarkation deck, before boarding.
• DAfter all survivors have jumped into the water.

Which type of lifeboat is fully enclosed and has an integrated compressed air system?

• AA standard open lifeboat.
• BA rigid-hull inflatable rescue boat.
• CA sailing lifeboat.
• DA tanker lifeboat, designed to protect the crew from toxic gases and external fire during…

What is the minimum operating time of a lifeboat engine under SOLAS regulations?

• AIt must have enough fuel to run at a speed of 6 knots for at least 24 hours.
• B2 hours.
• C12 hours.
• D48 hours.

What is the purpose of the water spray system fitted on some tanker lifeboats?

• ATo provide fresh water for survivors to drink.
• BTo draw seawater and spray it over the canopy to cool the lifeboat while passing through…
• CTo wash oil off the lifeboat's hull windows.
• DTo propel the lifeboat forward using water jet force.

Which device prevents a liferaft from drifting too rapidly with the wind?

• AA steel claw anchor.
• BThe painter line.
• CA sea anchor (drogue).
• DA keel weight.

What is the primary purpose of the canopy on an inflatable liferaft?

• ATo act as a sail to speed up navigation.
• BTo collect rainwater for drinking.
• CTo store emergency supplies.
• DTo protect survivors from exposure to wind, rain, cold, and extreme sun.