100+ Free SAMSA COP Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (STCW A-VI/2-1) Practice Questions

Prepare for the SAMSA Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats Other Than Fast Rescue Boats exam with instant access — no signup required.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: SAMSA COP Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (STCW A-VI/2-1) Exam

100

Practice Questions

SAMSA / STCW Adaptation

60%

Passing Grade

SAMSA Code of Qualifications

5 Years

Certificate Validity

STCW Manila Amendments

2.5 Hours

Exam Duration

SAMSA Assessment Guidelines

The SAMSA / STCW Section A-VI/2-1 Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB) exam evaluates candidate competency in davits, release hooks, engine operation, rescue boat maneuvers, and survivor management. Note: Our 100 MCQs are an English-language MCQ study adaptation designed for PSCRB certification preparation under South African maritime safety regulations.

Sample SAMSA COP Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (STCW A-VI/2-1) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your SAMSA COP Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (STCW A-VI/2-1) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1At what approximate water depth is a standard hydrostatic release unit (HRU) designed to automatically release a liferaft container?

A.1.5 to 4.0 meters

B.0.5 to 1.0 meter

C.6.0 to 8.0 meters

D.10.0 to 12.0 meters

Explanation: SOLAS regulations specify that hydrostatic release units (HRUs) must automatically release survival craft when submerged to a depth between 1.5 and 4.0 meters. Water pressure at this depth activates the release mechanism, allowing the liferaft container to float free.

2What is the primary function of the painter line when launching a davit-launched survival craft?

A.To prevent the boat from swinging out off the davit arm

B.To keep the craft positioned alongside the vessel near the embarkation deck during lowering

C.To automatically start the lifeboat engine upon reaching the water

D.To lock the winch drum brake during emergency lowering

Explanation: The painter line is secured forward on the ship to keep the survival craft aligned alongside the vessel near the embarkation deck as it is lowered. This prevents the craft from drifting away or spinning in the wind and current prior to release.

3What distinguishes an on-load release mechanism from an off-load release mechanism on a davit-launched lifeboat?

A.An on-load mechanism can only be activated when the boat is completely airborne.

B.An off-load mechanism automatically releases when the lifeboat engine is started.

C.An on-load mechanism allows the hooks to be opened under load while weight is still on the fall wires.

D.An off-load mechanism can be released under tension in high seas.

Explanation: An on-load release hook system is designed to allow release even when there is weight on the hooks (such as when towing or in heavy seas). In contrast, off-load systems require the weight of the boat to be off the hooks (e.g., floating fully in water) before the hooks can disengage.

4When resetting a Rottmer-type on-load hook release system after recovery, which step is essential to ensure safe re-hooking?

A.The release hooks must be kept open until the boat is hoisted above the waterline.

B.The falls must be tensioned fully before moving the release handle.

C.The hydrostatic unit must be manually bypassed using an Allen key.

D.The release lever in the boat must be moved to the fully locked position and the safety pin re-inserted before attaching falls.

Explanation: To safely reset a Rottmer-type release gear, the control handle inside the craft must be returned to the closed/locked position, the hooks locked in place, and the mechanical safety pin inserted before connecting the fall wire links.

5Which safety requirement must occupants fulfill before a free-fall lifeboat is released from its ramp?

A.Occupants must be seated facing aft with headrests supported and four-point safety harnesses securely fastened.

B.All occupants must stand near the bow to absorb launch impact.

C.Occupants must inflate their lifejackets prior to board entry.

D.The engine must remain turned off until entry into the water is confirmed.

Explanation: Free-fall lifeboats subject occupants to high deceleration forces upon water entry. Occupants must sit in approved, padded seats facing aft, with headrests supporting the head and neck, and multi-point safety harnesses tightly secured.

6What is the main purpose of limit switches installed on gravity davit arms?

A.To lock the winch brake when lowering reaches the waterline.

B.To automatically cut off electrical power to the winch motor before the davit arms hit the mechanical stops during hoisting.

C.To trigger the hydrostatic release unit when the vessel sinks.

D.To start the lifeboat engine automatically when davits begin to move.

Explanation: Limit switches prevent structural damage to davit arms, wire ropes, and winch gear by cutting off electrical power to the winch motor just before the davit arms reach their fully stowed mechanical stops during hoisting.

7Under SOLAS regulations, what is the maximum required interval for end-for-ending and renewing lifeboat fall wires?

A.End-for-ended every 12 months, renewed every 2 years

B.Renewed every 10 years without end-for-ending

C.End-for-ended at intervals not exceeding 30 months, renewed at intervals not exceeding 5 years

D.Inspected annually and renewed only after a wire strand snaps

Explanation: SOLAS requires davit fall wires to be inspected periodically, end-for-ended at intervals not exceeding 30 months, and renewed completely when necessary due to deterioration or at intervals not exceeding 5 years.

8How is a gravity davit-launched lifeboat lowered to the water when main electrical power is lost on the ship?

A.It cannot be lowered until emergency generator power is restored.

B.By pumping hydraulic fluid with a hand pump to push the davit arms out.

C.By cutting the gripes and fall wires with emergency wire cutters.

D.By manually releasing the winch centrifugal brake lever from the deck or from inside the lifeboat.

Explanation: Gravity davits rely on gravity to swing out and lower the craft. Lowering does not require electrical power; it is controlled by lifting the weighted winch brake lever manually using a brake wire pulled from inside the boat or from the deck.

9What is the purpose of gripes fitted to a davit-launched lifeboat?

A.To hold the lifeboat securely against the davit cradle and prevent movement while stowed at sea.

B.To hoist the lifeboat back onto the deck after sea drills.

C.To steer the lifeboat in emergency conditions.

D.To secure the painter line to the bow of the vessel.

Explanation: Gripes are heavy wire ropes, straps, or chains that secure the lifeboat tightly against the davit cradles to prevent movement, chafing, or lashings coming loose during heavy ship pitching and rolling.

10In a liferaft hydrostatic release assembly, what role does the 'weak link' perform?

A.It locks the liferaft container to the deck cradle during heavy weather.

B.It breaks under tension as the ship sinks, allowing the painter line to pull free after fully inflating the liferaft.

C.It prevents seawater from entering the hydrostatic release mechanism.

D.It releases the painter line immediately before the container inflates.

Explanation: The weak link connects the liferaft painter line to the ship. When the ship sinks, the raft floats up, pulling the painter line to inflate the raft. Once inflated, tension breaks the weak link (rated at ~2.2 kN), separating the floating raft from the sinking ship.

About the SAMSA COP Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (STCW A-VI/2-1) Exam

The SAMSA Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB) Other Than Fast Rescue Boats is issued in accordance with STCW Regulation VI/2 and Section A-VI/2-1. This qualification confirms that a seafarer is competent to take charge of a survival craft or rescue boat during and after launch, operate survival craft engines, manage survivors, and use emergency location equipment.

Assessment

100 multiple-choice questions assessing practical and theoretical survival craft competencies

Time Limit

2.5 hours

Passing Score

60%

Exam Fee

R 1,500 (South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA))

SAMSA COP Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (STCW A-VI/2-1) Exam Content Outline

30%

Launching and Recovery Systems

Gravity davits, luffing davits, free-fall launching systems, hydrostatic release units (HRU), on-load/off-load hooks, winch brakes, and fall wire maintenance.

25%

Survival Craft Engine Operation and Steering

Compression-ignition engines, cold starting methods, closed cooling loops, fuel shutoff systems, bilge pumping, tiller steering, and manual rowing.

25%

Rescue Boat Operation and Man Overboard Recovery

Rigid and inflatable rescue boat handling, painter management, heavy weather maneuvering, MOB recovery, casualty lifting, and capsized boat righting.

20%

Survival Craft Management, First Aid and Search Signaling

Muster duties, leader responsibilities, hypothermia care, water and food rationing, pyrotechnic signals, EPIRB, SART, and VHF radio operation.

How to Pass the SAMSA COP Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (STCW A-VI/2-1) Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 60%
Assessment: 100 multiple-choice questions assessing practical and theoretical survival craft competencies
Time limit: 2.5 hours
Exam fee: R 1,500

Keys to Passing

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

SAMSA COP Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (STCW A-VI/2-1) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Understand the difference between on-load and off-load release hooks and the safety precautions required for each.

2Memorize the step-by-step procedures for cold-starting survival craft diesel engines under adverse conditions.

3Review MOB (Man Overboard) maneuvering techniques, including the Williamson turn and direct rescue boat approach tactics.

4Master the proper operation and range of pyrotechnic signals, EPIRBs, SARTs, and portable VHF radios.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SAMSA COP PSCRB certification?

The SAMSA Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB) is a mandatory STCW Section A-VI/2-1 qualification for seafarers who are designated to take charge of survival craft or rescue boats onboard commercial vessels.

What is the format of our practice exam bank?

Our practice exam bank consists of 100 English-language multiple-choice questions adapted specifically for study and self-assessment ahead of the SAMSA PSCRB oral and written assessments.

What topics are covered on the PSCRB exam?

The exam covers four main areas: Launching & Recovery Systems (30%), Survival Craft Engine Operation & Steering (25%), Rescue Boat Operation & Man Overboard Recovery (25%), and Survival Craft Management, First Aid & Search Signaling (20%).

How long is the PSCRB Certificate valid?

Under STCW 2010 Manila Amendments, PSCRB certification must be updated every 5 years by completing approved SAMSA refresher training.

What are the prerequisites to obtain SAMSA PSCRB certification?

Candidates must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid SAMSA seafarer medical certificate, have completed STCW Basic Safety Training, and possess at least 6 months of approved sea service.