100+ Free NIMASA STCW PSSR Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: NIMASA STCW PSSR Exam

70%

Passing Score

STCW Regulations

₦15,000

Exam Fee

NIMASA Tariffs

30 Min

Exam Time Limit

MTI Guidelines

5 Years

Certificate Validity

STCW Code

MARPOL

Pollution Framework

IMO Convention

Table A-VI/1-4

STCW Competence

IMO STCW Code

The NIMASA STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) exam is a mandatory assessment for Nigerian seafarers under STCW Table A-VI/1-4. Administered via accredited training providers, it requires a 70% score to pass. The exam covers safe working practices, emergency signals, MARPOL pollution rules, onboard communication, and prevention of harassment.

Sample NIMASA STCW PSSR Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your NIMASA STCW PSSR exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the primary role of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the hierarchy of hazard control on board a vessel?

A.It is the last line of defense when hazards cannot be eliminated or controlled by other means.

B.It is the primary method to eliminate hazards at their source.

C.It replaces the need for safety training and administrative risk assessments.

D.It is mainly used to speed up the completion of high-risk tasks.

Explanation: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is considered the last line of defense in the hierarchy of control because it does not eliminate the hazard itself; it only provides a barrier between the worker and the hazard. Higher-level controls (elimination, substitution, engineering controls, and administrative controls) must always be considered first.

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

A.Wearing safety glasses and steel-toed boots only.

B.Ensuring a lifebuoy is kept close to the ladder.

C.Wearing a safety harness secured to a certified anchor point above the worker.

D.Using a wooden ladder that has been inspected within the last year.

Explanation: Working at heights of 2 meters or more presents a significant fall hazard. Crew members must wear a safety harness with a lifeline secured to a certified anchor point, preferably above head height, to minimize fall distance and impact in the event of a slip.

3What is the most critical first step before any crew member enters an enclosed space, such as a cargo hold or ballast tank?

A.Putting on a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

B.Testing the atmosphere for oxygen, toxic gases, and flammable vapors using calibrated instruments.

C.Obtaining permission from the cook to enter the space.

D.Ensuring that a flashlight and a safety harness are placed inside the entrance.

Explanation: Enclosed spaces on ships can contain toxic fumes, flammable gases, or suffer from oxygen depletion. Testing the atmosphere with calibrated gas detectors at different levels is the most critical first step to ensure the air is safe for breathing before entry is authorized.

4Under international safety standards, what visual design characterizes a 'Prohibition' sign on board?

A.A circular red band with a diagonal crossbar on a white background and a black symbol.

B.A yellow triangle with a black border and a black symbol.

C.A blue circle with a white symbol depicting mandatory actions.

D.A green square or rectangle with a white symbol representing safety equipment.

Explanation: Prohibition signs indicate actions that must not be taken (e.g., 'No Smoking'). They are recognized by a circular red band with a diagonal crossbar over a black icon on a white background, signaling immediately that an activity is strictly forbidden.

5Which safety sign color and shape indicate a mandatory requirement, such as the obligation to wear safety goggles?

A.A red circle with a slash.

B.A yellow triangle.

C.A blue circle with a white symbol.

D.A green rectangle with white text.

Explanation: Mandatory signs instruct crew members of actions they must perform (e.g., wearing specific PPE). They are designed as a solid blue circle containing a white symbol illustrating the required behavior or equipment.

6What is the meaning of a yellow triangular safety sign with a black border on board a ship?

A.It indicates a safe escape route or exit direction.

B.It warns of a potential hazard or danger ahead.

C.It shows that a specific action is mandatory for all crew.

D.It marks the location of emergency firefighting equipment.

Explanation: Yellow triangular signs with black borders are warning signs. They are used to alert seafarers to potential hazards, such as electrical danger, hot surfaces, toxic substances, or overhead obstacles.

7Which safety sign indicates a 'Safe Condition,' such as the location of an emergency exit or emergency shower?

A.A red square with a white symbol.

B.A yellow triangle with a black symbol.

C.A blue circle with a white symbol.

D.A green square or rectangle with a white symbol.

Explanation: Green square or rectangular signs with white symbols are used to denote 'Safe Conditions.' This includes identifying emergency exits, evacuation routes, assembly points, first aid stations, and safety showers.

8What is the most effective daily practice for preventing slips, trips, and falls on the ship's deck?

A.Maintaining good housekeeping by immediately cleaning spills and securing loose tools.

B.Leaving all deck cleanup tasks for the end of the drydock period.

C.Wearing flat-soled leather shoes with no tread patterns.

D.Applying oil or grease to the deck surfaces to prevent rust build-up.

Explanation: Slips, trips, and falls are the most common cause of injuries on board. Daily safety is maintained through good housekeeping, which involves cleaning oil, grease, or water spills immediately and keeping walking passages free from tools, ropes, and other obstructions.

9What is the correct physical technique for manually lifting a heavy object from the deck?

A.Bend at the waist, keep the legs straight, and pull upward with the back muscles.

B.Keep the back straight, bend at the knees, and lift using the leg muscles.

C.Lift the object as quickly as possible with a jerking motion to build momentum.

D.Twist the torso while lifting to distribute the weight across the hips.

Explanation: To prevent spinal and back muscle injuries, seafarers should use correct lifting posture: keep the back straight, squat by bending the knees, hold the load close to the body, and push upward using the strength of the leg muscles.

10What is the primary purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS / MSDS) when handling chemicals on board?

A.To provide the purchasing department with the cost and supplier details of the chemical.

B.To describe the biological process of manufacturing the chemical.

C.To provide essential safety information about hazards, handling, PPE, storage, and emergency first aid.

D.To serve as a legal permit required to purchase chemicals in foreign ports.

Explanation: A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a standard document that details the chemical's hazards, safe handling instructions, storage requirements, necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency first aid procedures to follow in case of exposure.

About the NIMASA STCW PSSR Exam

Prepare for the NIMASA STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) exam. Master shipboard safety, emergency response, pollution prevention, and human relations.

Questions

30 scored questions

Time Limit

30 minutes

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

₦15,000 (Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA))

NIMASA STCW PSSR Exam Content Outline

20%

Safe Working Practices on Board

Adherence to safety protocols, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hazard identification, safety signs, and safety documentation.

20%

Emergency Procedures and Escape Routes

Understanding emergency alarms, muster stations, contingency plans, and identifying onboard escape routes.

20%

Prevention of Marine Pollution

Compliance with MARPOL regulations, pollution prevention (Annex I-VI), waste management, and oil spill reporting.

15%

Effective Onboard Communication

Teamwork, clear giving and receiving of orders, barriers to communication, and closed-loop communication.

15%

Human Relations and Social Responsibilities

Interpersonal relationships, multicultural environments, preventing harassment, bullying, and sexual assault at sea.

10%

Health, Hygiene, and Fatigue Management

Drug and alcohol policies, personal hygiene, sleep hygiene, and managing fatigue in a maritime environment.

How to Pass the NIMASA STCW PSSR Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70%
Exam length: 30 questions
Time limit: 30 minutes
Exam fee: ₦15,000

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NIMASA STCW PSSR Study Tips from Top Performers

1Familiarize yourself with the 6 Annexes of MARPOL. Understand which annex governs oil, garbage, sewage, and air emissions.

2Understand the difference between general emergency alarms (7 short blasts followed by 1 long blast) and other shipboard alarms.

3Practice key safety terminology: PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), MSDS/SDS (Safety Data Sheets), and SOPEP (Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan).

4Learn the principles of closed-loop communication: always repeat orders back to confirm understanding.

5Recognize the signs and symptoms of fatigue and the critical role of adequate rest cycles in preventing maritime accidents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the passing score for the NIMASA STCW PSSR exam?

The passing score is 70%. Trainees must pass both the written theoretical assessment and show active competency in group safety/social training exercises.

Who must take the Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) exam?

All seafarers who wish to work on commercial vessels must complete the PSSR course and pass the assessment as part of the mandatory Basic Safety Training (BST) package required by the STCW Code.

How long is the NIMASA STCW PSSR certificate valid?

Under STCW regulations, the PSSR certificate is valid for 5 years, after which seafarers must complete a refresher course to renew their certification.

Does the PSSR exam cover topics like harassment and bullying?

Yes. Recent STCW amendments (under Resolution MSC.560(108)) mandate coverage of the prevention of and response to violence, harassment, sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault on board.