TheorySTCW Basic Safety Training Practice Questions
Free STCW Basic Safety Training practice questions with answers and plain-English explanations. Browse the PDF, video and online mock test.
STCW Basic Safety Training Questions
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Q1What does the abbreviation STCW stand for?
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✓ Correct answer: Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers
STCW is the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, adopted by the IMO in 1978 and amended since.
Q2Which organisation adopted the STCW Convention?
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✓ Correct answer: The International Maritime Organization (IMO)
The STCW Convention was adopted under the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the UN agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping.
Q3Basic Safety Training (BST) is mandatory for which seafarers?
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✓ Correct answer: All personnel assigned shipboard duties with designated safety or emergency responsibilities
Under STCW, all seafarers with designated safety, pollution-prevention or emergency duties must complete Basic Safety Training before being assigned shipboard duties.
Q4How many separate modules make up STCW Basic Safety Training?
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✓ Correct answer: Four modules
BST comprises four modules: Personal Survival Techniques; Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting; Elementary First Aid; and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities.
Q5How often must seafarers normally refresh their core Basic Safety Training certificates?
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✓ Correct answer: Every five years
STCW requires seafarers to provide evidence of continued competence; core BST certificates such as survival craft and fire fighting are typically revalidated every five years.
Q6What is the primary purpose of an emergency muster list (station bill)?
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✓ Correct answer: To assign each crew member their duties and station in an emergency
The muster list assigns every crew member specific emergency duties and the station to report to, so that response is organised and nobody is left without a role.
Q7On hearing the general emergency alarm, a seafarer should first:
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✓ Correct answer: Go to their assigned muster station with the required equipment
The general emergency alarm signals all crew to proceed to their muster stations with lifejackets and any assigned equipment to await instructions.
Q8What is the recognised general emergency alarm signal on board ships?
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✓ Correct answer: Seven or more short blasts followed by one long blast
The general emergency alarm is seven or more short blasts followed by one prolonged blast on the ship's whistle and alarm system.
Q9A safety drill on board is intended mainly to:
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✓ Correct answer: Make sure crew can carry out their emergency duties quickly and correctly
Drills build familiarity so that, in a real emergency, crew react quickly and correctly without hesitation.
Q10Who has overall command and responsibility for safety on a ship?
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✓ Correct answer: The master
The master holds overall command and ultimate responsibility for the safety of the ship, crew, passengers and cargo.
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