4. (a) List FOUR aspects upon which a new person joining a vessel for the first time would receive instruction.(4)
(b) Detail SIX ways in which personal action can increase the risk of fire on a vessel.(6)
(a) Aspects upon which a new person joining a vessel for the first time would receive instruction (4)
- Fire and emergency station duties – allocation of muster station, lifeboat/raft duties, and fire team responsibilities.
- Familiarisation with escape routes and safety equipment – location of emergency exits, fire extinguishers, breathing apparatus, and alarm panels.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) – correct use of firefighting clothing, gloves, helmets, and respiratory protection.
- Shipboard safety procedures – Code of Safe Working Practices, permit to work systems, and emergency alarms/signals.
(b) Ways in which personal action can increase the risk of fire on a vessel (6)
- Improper smoking practices – smoking outside designated areas or discarding matches/cigarette ends carelessly.
- Neglect of cleanliness and housekeeping – accumulation of oily rags, waste paper, or combustible materials in machinery spaces or accommodation.
- Incorrect use of electrical equipment – overloading sockets, using damaged wiring, or unauthorised portable heaters.
- Failure to follow hot work procedures – carrying out welding, grinding, or cutting without a permit to work or proper fire watch.
- Improper storage of flammable substances – leaving paints, solvents, or fuels outside designated lockers.
- Neglect of fire doors and dampers – wedging open or obstructing self-closing doors, allowing fire to spread unchecked.