How would you recognize the “steering oar” in a ship’s lifeboat? Ans.
The blade of the oar would be painted a distinctive colour. The blade should also be facing aft. The steering oar is also approximately 12 to 14 in. longer than other oars.
If you were the cox’n of the only motorised survival craft to be launched after a disaster, what would be your major function. Ans.
Collect and assemble all other survival craft. This would enable a roll call to be made of known survivors. The action would also provide a larger target for rescue craft to see. One of the other craft may have an emergency radio and in any event life support systems can be jointly used for the survival of all.
How would you take a reef in lifeboat sails? Ans.
Down helm, head the boat into the wind, and let fly the sheets. Stream the sea anchor to keep to boat’s head up wind. Lower the yard and lay it on to the side benches of the boat. Clear the foot of the sail. Secure the luff and leach earrings, respectively to the tack and clew cringles. Commence to secure the reef points about the bunched sail, starting to tie the reef knots from the forward end to aft. Secure the yard strop to the traveller and reset the sails. Trip the sea anchor and resume course.
How long is the tripping line of the sea anchor found in the ship’s lifeboats? Ans.
About 2 fathoms longer than the sea anchor hawser.
Of what construction would you expect wire lifeboat falls to be. How often would you expect them to be renewed? Ans.
Extra flexible steel wire rope (6×36 or 17×7) wps. To be renewed whenever required, and at no greater than at a five-yearly interval.
What is the purpose of the “tricing-in pennants” on the davits of lifeboats? Ans.
The tricing-in pennants are secured to bring the boat alongside the embarkation deck particularly when the mother vessel has an adverse list.
What is the standard length of painter fitted to an inflatable life raft? Can this length ever differ? Ans.
The standard length is 25 m (80 ft). This length can be increased by order to the manufacturer if so desired, e.g. for
high freeboard vessels.
Three life rafts are located together. Would you attempt to join up the rafts and if so at what distance would you
connect them together? Ans.
Yes, you would under normal circumstances join the rafts together. They should be secured as far apart as possible so
as to avoid the painters snatching and parting when in any sea and/or swell.
What is the release gear for the davit-launched life raft called, i.e. the gear found at the end of the fall above the raft? Ans.
Mills Atlas Release Gear.
At what angle of adverse list must a davit-launched raft be capable of being launched? Ans.
20° of adverse list.
How would you attempt to beach a life raft? Ans.
As follows, during the hours of daylight and on a gently sloping beach, if circumstances permit:
(a)Inflate the floor of the raft.
(b)Stream both sea anchors (drogues).
(c)Open up the entrances and man the paddles.
(d)See that all personnel are wearing lifejackets.
When in a life raft, what would you use the two sponges for? Ans.
One sponge should be used after the bailing to dry the inside floor area of the raft. The other sponge should be
used to collect condensation from the inside canopy for drinking use.
After a raft has been launched, how would you get it away from the ship’s side?
Cut the painter, and use both paddles. If the raft is of a circular design, use of the paddles may prove difficult. In that case use them in conjunction with a heavy object placed in the sea anchor: throw the sea anchor at right-angles to the fore and aft line of the vessel, then pull the raft towards the sea anchor.
What markings would you expect to find on the outside canister of an inflatable life raft? Ans.
The maker‘s name, an indication as to the top of the canister, the capacity of the raft (number of persons to be carried), the length of painter, date of last service, date of next service, statement whether raft complies with SOLAS regulations, instructions for launching, do not roll symbol if fitted with aerial facility.
How often are life rafts and hydrostatic release units surveyed and by whom? Ans.
Every twelve months by a Department of Trade approved agency.
What is the emergency boat muster signal? Ans.
Seven or more short blasts on the ship’s bells and whistles, followed by a continuous long ringing/sounding of each.