Competence 16 (Deck)

The orange colored smoke signal or detonating luminous signal fired at an interval of one minute indicates that "We see you, we will provide help as soon as possible." This signal is used to communicate to someone in distress that they have been spotted and that assistance will be provided promptly. It serves as a reassurance to the person in need that help is on the way.

The hydrostatic release mechanism for a liferaft must be submerged to a certain depth to release automatically. This means that it is designed to activate only when it reaches a specific water pressure, ensuring that it does not release prematurely or in non-emergency situations. This mechanism is an important safety feature as it ensures that the liferaft is only deployed when it is actually needed, increasing the chances of survival for those in distress at sea.

In the given scenario, the immediate action that should be taken is to throw the crew member a life preserver. This is the most crucial step to ensure the safety and survival of the crew member who has fallen overboard. The life preserver will provide buoyancy and help the crew member stay afloat until further assistance can be provided. It is important to prioritize the immediate rescue of the crew member in such situations.

During an abandon ship drill, it is important to ensure that lifejackets are correctly donned. This means that all passengers and crew members should be wearing their lifejackets properly, with all straps fastened and adjusted for a secure fit. This is essential for their safety and survival in the event of an actual emergency. While checking distress signal rockets, lifeboat provisions and supplies, and passenger's immersion suits are also important safety measures, the immediate priority during an abandon ship drill is to ensure that everyone is properly wearing their lifejackets.

The correct answer is "those engaged in last-minute damage control." This is because when a vessel is in distress and needs to be abandoned, the crew members responsible for damage control will be the last ones to leave their posts. They need to ensure that all machinery is stopped and that watertight doors and hatches are tightly closed before they can safely evacuate the vessel. This is a crucial step in preventing further damage and ensuring the safety of everyone on board.

Storm oil is used to smooth the sea. During storms or rough weather conditions, the sea can become turbulent and choppy, which can be dangerous for boats and ships. Storm oil is specifically designed to create a thin film on the surface of the water, reducing the friction and smoothing out the waves. This helps to create a calmer and more navigable surface, making it safer for vessels to travel through rough seas.

A lifeboat is considered primary life-saving equipment because it is specifically designed to rescue people from a sinking or capsized ship. It is a sturdy and self-contained vessel that can hold a large number of individuals and provide them with protection and safety until they can be rescued. Personal floating devices, life preservers, and liferings are also important life-saving equipment, but they are typically used for individual use and may not be as effective in rescuing multiple people in emergency situations.

Lifelines are attached to a life float by being securely attached around the outside in bights no longer than three feet. This means that the lifelines are wrapped tightly around the life float in loops that are no longer than three feet in length. This method ensures that the lifelines are firmly attached to the life float, providing a secure connection. Serving and splicing are not mentioned as methods of attachment in this context, and using an approved safety hook or shackle is also not specified as the correct method.

When a lifeboat capsizes, it can potentially right itself if the passengers are strapped to their seats. This is because when the lifeboat flips, the weight of the passengers being secured to their seats helps to maintain the boat's stability and prevent it from further capsizing. This allows the lifeboat to naturally self-correct and return to an upright position.

The next action to be taken by the Chief Officer on duty in a distress situation and immediately after the distress signal has been sounded is to use the intercom to inform the crew and passengers of the reason for the alarm. This is important to ensure that everyone on board is aware of the situation and can take appropriate actions. Calling the nearest coastal radio station, using the VHF-radio telephone to ask ships in the vicinity to stand by, and sending distress signals to call for help may be necessary actions, but they would typically be done after informing the crew and passengers.