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Exam Review

Key Facts: STCW Fast Rescue Boat Exam

20 knots

Minimum FRB speed in calm water with a crew of three under the LSA Code

IMO LSA Code

A-VI/2-2

STCW Code table that sets the competence standard for fast rescue boats

STCW Code

~23 hours

Approximate course duration under IMO Model Course 1.24, over 2-4 days

IMO Model Course 1.24

5 years

Validity of the certificate before refresher revalidation is required

STCW Convention

18 years

Minimum age to be issued the fast rescue boat proficiency certificate

STCW Convention

90 degrees

Turn angle used in the IAMSAR expanding square search from the datum

IAMSAR Manual

PSCRB

Prerequisite certificate required before fast rescue boat training

STCW Table A-VI/2-1

STCW Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (A-VI/2-2) is taken by seafarers who must operate fast rescue boats on vessels such as ro-ro passenger ferries. Candidates need a valid PSCRB certificate and must be at least 18. The course follows IMO Model Course 1.24 and runs about 23 hours over 2-4 days, ending in a written knowledge test (commonly multiple choice) and a practical assessment. Content under Table A-VI/2-2 covers FRB construction, self-righting and equipment; launching and recovery appliances and making a lee; handling in head, following, beam and breaking seas while avoiding broaching; engine operation, troubleshooting and maintenance; IAMSAR search patterns with datum and drift; and recovery of casualties including hypothermia care, helicopter coordination and righting a capsized boat. The certificate is valid for five years and is revalidated by approved refresher training.

Sample STCW Fast Rescue Boat Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the STCW Fast Rescue Boat exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under STCW Regulation VI/2, paragraph 2, the proficiency in fast rescue boats endorsement is governed by which table of the STCW Code?
A.Table A-VI/1-1
B.Table A-VI/2-2
C.Table A-VI/2-1
D.Table A-VI/3
Explanation: Competence for fast rescue boats is set out in Table A-VI/2-2 of the STCW Code; Table A-VI/2-1 covers survival craft and (non-fast) rescue boats.
2What is the minimum age requirement that candidates must normally satisfy to be issued a certificate of proficiency in fast rescue boats?
A.16 years
B.18 years
C.17 years
D.21 years
Explanation: Candidates must be at least 18 years old, consistent with the seafarer minimum age and the demanding physical nature of fast rescue boat operations.
3Which certificate is normally a prerequisite before a seafarer can attend the proficiency in fast rescue boats course?
A.Medical First Aid
B.Advanced Fire Fighting
C.Ship Security Officer
D.Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB)
Explanation: The PSCRB certificate (Table A-VI/2-1) is the recognised prerequisite, because fast rescue boat training builds on the survival-craft and rescue-boat competences.
4By definition under the SOLAS/LSA Code, what speed must a fast rescue boat be able to maintain in calm water with a suitably qualified crew of three?
A.At least 20 knots for at least 4 hours
B.At least 8 knots for at least 4 hours
C.At least 6 knots for at least 2 hours
D.At least 30 knots for at least 2 hours
Explanation: Under the LSA Code a fast rescue boat must be capable of maintaining a speed of at least 20 knots in calm water with a suitably qualified crew of three, and at least 8 knots with its full complement and equipment, for a period of at least 4 hours.
5On which type of vessel is a fast rescue boat most commonly required to be carried as a dedicated lifesaving appliance?
A.Bulk carriers only
B.Inland barges
C.Ro-ro passenger ships (ro-pax ferries)
D.Fishing vessels under 12 m
Explanation: Ro-ro passenger ships are required by SOLAS to carry fast rescue boats so that a large number of persons in the water can be recovered quickly after an incident.
6A fast rescue boat is fitted with a rigid hull and an inflated collar (sponson) around the gunwale. What is the primary purpose of the inflated collar?
A.To store fuel for extended range
B.To provide reserve buoyancy and fendering while keeping a planing hull
C.To act as a sea anchor in heavy weather
D.To carry the boat's pyrotechnic signals
Explanation: The inflated collar of a rigid-hulled inflatable provides reserve buoyancy and acts as a fender during alongside recovery, while the rigid hull allows the boat to plane at high speed.
7A self-righting fast rescue boat is one that, after a capsize, will automatically return to the upright position. Which feature most directly provides this capability?
A.A heavy keel ballast tank only
B.An inflatable righting bag or buoyant superstructure that creates an off-centre buoyancy moment
C.Twin outboard engines mounted high
D.Extra fuel stored low in the bilge
Explanation: Self-righting is achieved by buoyancy positioned high and off-centre (a righting bag, buoyant canopy or air chamber) so that when inverted the boat is unstable and rolls back upright.
8Which of the following propulsion arrangements is favoured on many fast rescue boats specifically because it removes an exposed propeller and reduces injury risk to persons in the water?
A.Single fixed-pitch inboard propeller
B.Waterjet propulsion
C.Sterndrive with surface propeller
D.Sailing rig with auxiliary oars
Explanation: Waterjet propulsion has no exposed rotating propeller, so it greatly reduces the risk of injuring a casualty in the water during a close approach and recovery.
9Why are many fast rescue boats fitted with an outboard or inboard engine equipped with a manual recoil starting capability in addition to electric starting?
A.To increase top speed
B.To comply with noise regulations
C.To provide a means of starting the engine if the battery fails
D.To reduce fuel consumption
Explanation: A manual recoil start gives a reliable back-up means of starting the engine if the battery is flat or the electric starter fails, which is essential for a craft that must launch in an emergency.
10What is the purpose of a kill cord (engine cut-off lanyard) attached to the helmsman of a fast rescue boat?
A.It locks the steering amidships
B.It stops the engine immediately if the helmsman is thrown from the helm position
C.It increases engine idle speed
D.It charges the starting battery
Explanation: The kill cord clips to the helmsman so that, if they are ejected or fall, the lanyard pulls out and instantly stops the engine, preventing a runaway boat and propeller injuries.

About the STCW Fast Rescue Boat Exam

The STCW Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (A-VI/2-2) certificate qualifies seafarers to launch, take charge of and operate a fast rescue boat in emergency conditions. It is required for crew on ships fitted with fast rescue boats, such as ro-ro passenger ferries, and builds on the PSCRB certificate. The competence standard is set in Table A-VI/2-2 of the STCW Code and is delivered through courses based on IMO Model Course 1.24. Assessment combines a written knowledge test, commonly multiple choice, with a practical on-the-water assessment of boat handling, righting and casualty recovery.

Exam sponsor: STCW-approved maritime training centres (flag-state approved). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Question count not published by the exam provider

Time Limit

Written test time set by the centre; course runs about 23 hours over 2-4 days

Passing Score

Set by the training centre (commonly around 70% on the written test plus a pass in the practical assessment)

Exam / Certification Fees

Varies by training centre (typically USD 250-700)

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

18%

FRB Construction, Outfit and Equipment

Hull and rigid-inflatable types, self-righting features, buoyancy collar compartments, propulsion (inboard, outboard, waterjet), navigation, communications and pyrotechnic equipment

16%

Launching and Recovery Appliances

Davit-type appliances, single-point release hooks, painter use, shock-load and constant-tension winches, launch and recovery in a seaway and making a lee

20%

Boat Handling in Adverse Weather

Taking charge after launch, throttle and helming technique in head, following, beam and breaking seas, broaching avoidance, trim, station-keeping and safe-speed decisions

14%

Engine Operation and Maintenance

Starting and operating the engine, kill cord, troubleshooting cooling and starting faults, submerged-engine recovery, fuel checks, buoyancy inflation and routine maintenance

20%

Search Patterns and Casualty Recovery

IAMSAR expanding square, sector and parallel-track searches, datum and drift, person-in-water approach, recovery of conscious and unconscious casualties, hypothermia care

12%

Safety, Communications and Crew Coordination

VHF and helicopter communications, static discharge, highline handling, suspended-load and falls safety, PPE, crew roles, briefings and righting a capsized boat

Preparing for the STCW Fast Rescue Boat Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Set by the training centre (commonly around 70% on the written test plus a pass in the practical assessment)
  • Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
  • Time limit: Written test time set by the centre; course runs about 23 hours over 2-4 days
  • Exam / certification fees: Varies by training centre (typically USD 250-700) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

STCW Fast Rescue Boat: Suggested Study Strategy

1Memorise the IAMSAR patterns: expanding square uses 90-degree turns with lengthening legs from the datum, while a single-unit sector search uses 120-degree turns.
2Learn the LSA Code FRB speeds: at least 20 knots in calm water with a crew of three and at least 8 knots with full complement for at least 4 hours.
3Understand self-righting: an off-centre or high buoyancy element (righting bag or canopy) rolls an inverted FRB back upright; crew use a righting line to start the roll.
4Practise the rule that propulsion goes to neutral or stop just before contact with a person in the water, and approach into the wind and sea to stop under control.
5Know the heavy-weather techniques: ease the throttle at crests in a head sea, and adjust speed to sit on the back of a wave in a following sea to avoid broaching.
6Remember helicopter safety: let the highline or hook earth on the water first to discharge static, and never make the line fast to the boat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the STCW A-VI/2-2 fast rescue boat certificate?

It is the STCW proficiency that qualifies seafarers to launch, take charge of and operate a fast rescue boat in emergencies. The competence standard is Table A-VI/2-2 of the STCW Code, delivered through IMO Model Course 1.24.

What do I need before taking the fast rescue boat course?

You normally need a valid Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB) certificate and must be at least 18 years old. The course is intended for crew on ships fitted with fast rescue boats.

How long is the fast rescue boat course?

Based on IMO Model Course 1.24 it runs about 23 hours, typically over 2 to 4 days, including classroom theory and practical on-the-water sessions for launching, handling, righting and recovery.

How is the exam structured?

There is a written knowledge test, commonly multiple choice, plus a practical assessment of boat handling, capsize righting and casualty recovery. The pass mark and test length are set by each approved training centre.

How long is the certificate valid?

The certificate is valid for five years. It is revalidated by completing approved refresher training or demonstrating continued competence, in line with STCW requirements.

Which search patterns are tested?

The IAMSAR expanding square (90-degree turns from the datum), sector search (120-degree turns) and parallel-track sweep, together with how current and leeway move the datum during a search.

Why must propulsion be in neutral when recovering a person?

A running propeller or waterjet intake can seriously injure a person in the water, so the engine is placed in neutral or stopped just before contact during a close recovery.