NIMASA STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities Examination (Nigeria)

What is the primary role of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the hierarchy of hazard control on board a vessel?

• AIt is the last line of defense when hazards cannot be eliminated or controlled by other m…
• BIt is the primary method to eliminate hazards at their source.
• CIt replaces the need for safety training and administrative risk assessments.
• DIt is mainly used to speed up the completion of high-risk tasks.

Which safety measure is mandatory when working at a height of 2 meters or more above the deck?

• AWearing safety glasses and steel-toed boots only.
• BEnsuring a lifebuoy is kept close to the ladder.
• CWearing a safety harness secured to a certified anchor point above the worker.
• DUsing a wooden ladder that has been inspected within the last year.

What is the most critical first step before any crew member enters an enclosed space, such as a cargo hold or ballast tank?

• APutting on a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
• BTesting the atmosphere for oxygen, toxic gases, and flammable vapors using calibrated ins…
• CObtaining permission from the cook to enter the space.
• DEnsuring that a flashlight and a safety harness are placed inside the entrance.

Under international safety standards, what visual design characterizes a 'Prohibition' sign on board?

• AA circular red band with a diagonal crossbar on a white background and a black symbol.
• BA yellow triangle with a black border and a black symbol.
• CA blue circle with a white symbol depicting mandatory actions.
• DA green square or rectangle with a white symbol representing safety equipment.

Which safety sign color and shape indicate a mandatory requirement, such as the obligation to wear safety goggles?

• AA red circle with a slash.
• BA yellow triangle.
• CA blue circle with a white symbol.
• DA green rectangle with white text.

What is the meaning of a yellow triangular safety sign with a black border on board a ship?

• AIt indicates a safe escape route or exit direction.
• BIt warns of a potential hazard or danger ahead.
• CIt shows that a specific action is mandatory for all crew.
• DIt marks the location of emergency firefighting equipment.

Which safety sign indicates a 'Safe Condition,' such as the location of an emergency exit or emergency shower?

• AA red square with a white symbol.
• BA yellow triangle with a black symbol.
• CA blue circle with a white symbol.
• DA green square or rectangle with a white symbol.

What is the most effective daily practice for preventing slips, trips, and falls on the ship's deck?

• AMaintaining good housekeeping by immediately cleaning spills and securing loose tools.
• BLeaving all deck cleanup tasks for the end of the drydock period.
• CWearing flat-soled leather shoes with no tread patterns.
• DApplying oil or grease to the deck surfaces to prevent rust build-up.

What is the correct physical technique for manually lifting a heavy object from the deck?

• ABend at the waist, keep the legs straight, and pull upward with the back muscles.
• BKeep the back straight, bend at the knees, and lift using the leg muscles.
• CLift the object as quickly as possible with a jerking motion to build momentum.
• DTwist the torso while lifting to distribute the weight across the hips.

What is the primary purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS / MSDS) when handling chemicals on board?

• ATo provide the purchasing department with the cost and supplier details of the chemical.
• BTo describe the biological process of manufacturing the chemical.
• CTo provide essential safety information about hazards, handling, PPE, storage, and emerge…
• DTo serve as a legal permit required to purchase chemicals in foreign ports.

What is the fundamental purpose of the 'Permit to Work' (PTW) system on board a ship?

• ATo ensure high-risk tasks are systematically planned, hazards identified, controls implem…
• BTo request overtime payment from the shipping company for difficult tasks.
• CTo bypass standard safety procedures in order to complete emergency repairs quickly.
• DTo assign blame to specific crew members if an accident occurs during a task.

Which of the following safety measures is required before commencing any 'Hot Work' (e.g., welding or gas cutting) on board?

• AClearing the area of combustible materials, testing for flammable gases, and posting a de…
• BDrenching the entire workspace with seawater to prevent metal distortion.
• CTurning off all ventilation to keep the heat concentrated on the weld.
• DEnsuring the work is done during night hours when fewer crew members are active.

What is the most effective safety practice to prevent accidental electrocution when maintenance is performed on shipboard electrical machinery?

• AWearing standard cotton gloves to absorb electrical currents.
• BImplementing Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures and verifying the system is completely de-e…
• CPouring water on the circuit breaker to trigger an automatic trip.
• DWorking quickly without looking at the wires to minimize exposure time.

What is a key safety rule regarding the use of hand tools on board a vessel?

• AUse whatever tool is closest to you, even if it is damaged, to save time.
• BUse the correct tool for the specific job and inspect it for defects before use.
• CModify tools (e.g., grinding down screwdrivers) to make them fit non-standard parts.
• DClean grease off tool handles by rubbing them with engine oil.

What should a crew member do when operating near machinery with moving parts, such as winches or pumps?

• AEnsure all safety guards are securely in place and avoid wearing loose clothing.
• BRemove guards to monitor the gears and bearings more closely.
• CWear loose-fitting long sleeves and gloves to protect skin from oil.
• DBypass the emergency stop button if it keeps getting in the way of operations.

Why is it important to report 'near-miss' incidents to the Safety Officer or safety committee?

• ATo identify safety gaps and implement corrective measures before an actual accident occur…
• BTo penalize the crew member who was involved in the near-miss.
• CTo increase the ship's paperwork and meet a mandatory monthly quota of reports.
• DTo prove to the company that the crew is working too fast.

Which protocol should be followed to prevent heat-related illnesses when working in high-temperature environments, such as the engine room or on deck in tropical areas?

• AAvoid drinking water during work hours to prevent stomach cramps.
• BDrink highly caffeinated energy drinks and wear thick heavy clothing.
• CSchedule regular rest breaks in cool areas, stay hydrated with water or electrolytes, and…
• DWork continuously without breaks to finish the job faster and leave the hot area.

When is the most appropriate time to conduct a 'Toolbox Talk' or safety briefing?

• AAt the end of the month to review all completed tasks.
• BImmediately before starting a specific work task, particularly one that is high-risk or n…
• CDuring the weekly Sunday social gathering in the crew mess.
• DOnly after an accident occurs on board.

What is one of the primary duties of the designated Safety Officer on board a merchant vessel?

• ATo ensure that seafarers are active in promoting safety, conduct safety audits, and inves…
• BTo stand navigation watch on the bridge 24 hours a day.
• CTo personally carry out all physical cleaning of the deck and machinery spaces.
• DTo handle the crew payroll and verify flight tickets for crew changes.

How should compressed gas cylinders (such as oxygen and acetylene) be stored on board?

• ALaid horizontally on deck near the work area for easy access.
• BSecured vertically in a well-ventilated dedicated room outside the accommodation area.
• CStored inside the engine room next to the boilers to keep them warm.
• DPacked tightly in plastic bags in the food provision stores.

What is the standard signal for the General Emergency Alarm on a merchant vessel under SOLAS regulations?

• AA single continuous blast on the whistle and alarm bells.
• BSeven or more short blasts followed by one long blast on the ship's whistle and alarm bel…
• CThree short blasts followed by three long blasts on the whistle.
• DA continuous verbal announcement over the public address system with no alarm bells.

What should a crew member do immediately upon hearing the General Emergency Alarm?

• AGo to the galley to secure food and drinks for the next 24 hours.
• BLock their cabin door and wait for a direct telephone call from the bridge.
• CReport to the engine control room to check the status of the auxiliary machinery.
• DPut on warm clothing, don their lifejacket, and proceed directly to their designated must…

What vital information is displayed on the ship's Muster List?

• AThe emergency duties of all crew members, their designated muster stations, and the signa…
• BThe cargo manifest and loading distribution of the ship.
• CThe list of ports visited during the current voyage and fuel costs.
• DThe personal email addresses and phone numbers of the crew's next of kin.

What does a continuous ringing of the ship's electrical alarm bells or sirens indicate?

• AThe ship has arrived at its destination port.
• BA man overboard has been sighted on the starboard side.
• CA fire has been detected or fire emergency is active on board.
• DA routine shift handover is taking place.

Who is the only person on board authorized to give the order to abandon ship?

• AThe Master (Captain).
• BThe Chief Engineer.
• CThe Safety Officer.
• DThe Designated Person Ashore (DPA).

What is the primary purpose of a muster station on board a vessel?

• ATo serve as a recreation area where crew members can play games.
• BTo provide a storage space for spare engine parts and mooring ropes.
• CTo serve as an organized assembly point where crew members gather, are accounted for, and…
• DTo act as a secondary galley for preparing emergency meals.

What are the structural and maintenance requirements for emergency escape routes on ships?

• AThey should be used as temporary storage areas for trash bags.
• BThey must be kept clear of all obstructions, be properly illuminated, and clearly marked…
• CThey should be locked at sea to prevent unauthorized crew access to deck spaces.
• DThey must only be used by officers and senior engineers.

What is the function of a 'kick-out' panel located at the bottom of cabin doors on a ship?

• ATo provide an emergency escape exit if the main cabin door is jammed or blocked by fire.
• BTo allow fresh air ventilation into the cabin when the air conditioning fails.
• CTo make it easier to pass food trays to crew members who are sick.
• DTo allow water to drain out of the cabin in the event of flooding.

According to SOLAS regulations, how frequently must abandon ship and fire drills be conducted on a merchant vessel?

• AOnce every six months for all crew.
• BOnly when the vessel undergoes its annual drydock inspection.
• COnce a week for deck crew, and once a year for engine crew.
• DAt least once a month, or within 24 hours of leaving port if more than 25% of the crew ha…

What is the safety rule regarding the operation of watertight doors on board a vessel at sea?

• AThey should be kept propped open with wooden wedges to facilitate easy movement of the cr…
• BThey can only be operated by the captain or the chief engineer.
• CThey must be kept closed at sea, and if opened for transit, closed immediately after pass…
• DThey should be welded shut before the ship leaves port.

What is the primary function of an Emergency Escape Breathing Device (EEBD) on board a ship?

• ATo allow crew members to work inside fuel tanks for up to two hours.
• BTo provide breathable air for escape from a space containing smoke or toxic gases.
• CTo serve as diving gear for conducting underwater hull inspections.
• DTo supply medical oxygen to a crew member suffering from a heart attack.

Where are lifejackets required to be stowed on board a merchant vessel?

• AIn individual cabins, at muster stations, and at watch stations (like the bridge and engi…
• BLocked in the ship's safe under the captain's custody.
• CStacked in a single pile at the bottom of the cargo holds.
• DUnder the lifeboats on the open deck without any protection.

If you discover a fire in a compartment on board, what is your immediate first action?

• ARun to your cabin to pack your personal belongings.
• BSearch for a bucket of water to pour on the fire.
• CRaise the alarm immediately by breaking the glass on a manual call point or notifying the…
• DAttempt to extinguish the fire by yourself without telling anyone.

What is the emergency signal for a 'Man Overboard' situation?

• AOne short blast on the ship's whistle.
• BThree long blasts on the ship's whistle and general alarm bells.
• CA continuous ringing of the ship's fire bell.
• DA flashing red light on the radar screen.

What is the immediate action you must take if you witness a crew member fall overboard?

• AThrow a lifebuoy, keep eyes on the casualty, and shout 'Man Overboard' to alert the bridg…
• BJump into the water immediately to swim and rescue the casualty.
• CRun to the engine room to stop the main engines yourself.
• DGo to the galley to inform the cook about the accident.

Why must emergency exits and escape route signs be photoluminescent or electrically illuminated on ships?

• ATo make the ship look more modern during VIP inspections.
• BTo save on electricity bills by keeping cabin lights turned off.
• CTo ensure they remain visible to escaping crew even in complete darkness or thick smoke.
• DTo prevent crew members from sleeping in the corridors.

What are onboard 'contingency plans' and how do they assist the crew?

• AThey are financial documents describing the ship's insurance policies.
• BThey are cargo loading software used by deck cadets.
• CThey are checklists and guidelines for managing specific emergencies (e.g., flooding, col…
• DThey are holiday schedule rotas for the crew during port visits.

Where is the emergency generator located on a merchant vessel, and why?

• AAbove the uppermost continuous deck, to keep it functional even if the main engine room i…
• BAt the bottom of the engine room near the keel, to keep it cool.
• CInside the steering gear flat, to power the rudder directly.
• DIn the captain's office, so the captain can monitor its fuel levels.

How often must lifeboats be launched into the water and maneuvered by their assigned crew under SOLAS rules?

• AAt least once every week.
• BAt least once every three months.
• COnly once a year during drydock.
• DEvery time the vessel enters a new port.

How are shipboard smoke and heat detectors tested to ensure they are functional?

• AThey are painted over to prevent dust from blocking their sensors.
• BThey are left untested until they trigger an actual alarm.
• CThey are disconnected to save battery life during cargo operations.
• DThey are tested regularly by the safety officer using approved aerosol smoke test cans or…

What is the primary international convention governing the prevention of pollution from ships?

• AThe MARPOL Convention (73/78).
• BThe SOLAS Convention.
• CThe Load Line Convention.
• DThe STCW Convention.

Which annex of the MARPOL Convention contains regulations for the prevention of pollution by oil?

• AAnnex VI.
• BAnnex I.
• CAnnex IV.
• DAnnex II.

Which substances are regulated under MARPOL Annex II?

• AHarmful substances in packaged form.
• BSewage from toilets.
• CNoxious liquid substances (chemicals) carried in bulk.
• DOily bilge water and fuel oil residues.

What is the focus of MARPOL Annex III?

• APrevention of pollution by harmful substances carried by sea in packaged form.
• BControl of air pollution and exhaust gases from main engines.
• CDisposal of food waste and galley garbage.
• DTreatment and discharge of graywater.

Which shipboard waste is regulated by MARPOL Annex IV?

• ACombustible cargo packaging material.
• BExhaust gas emissions from auxiliary generators.
• COily residues from fuel centrifuges.
• DSewage from toilets, urinals, and medical dispensaries.

Which annex of MARPOL contains regulations for the prevention of pollution by garbage from ships?

• AAnnex III.
• BAnnex V.
• CAnnex I.
• DAnnex VI.

Which type of shipboard pollution is controlled under MARPOL Annex VI?

• ASewage discharge in coastal waters.
• BAccidental loss of containers carrying hazardous materials.
• CAir pollution, including sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and ozone-depleting…
• DDisposal of metal cans and glass bottles at sea.