OUPV - Operator Uninspected Passenger Vessel Deck General and Safety Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to 46 CFR Subchapter C, what is the MINIMUM type of Personal Flotation Device (PFD) that must be carried for each person on board an uninspected passenger vessel?
- Type II PFD
- Type I PFD (Correct answer)
- Type III PFD
- Type IV PFD
Correct answer: Type I PFD
Federal regulations (46 CFR 25.25-5) require that all Uninspected Passenger Vessels carry at least one USCG-approved Type I PFD of a suitable size for each person on board. While other types may be carried as supplemental equipment, Type I PFDs provide the most buoyancy and are designed to turn an unconscious person face-up in the water.
Question 2: You are the operator of a 35-foot uninspected passenger vessel. A fire breaks out in the engine compartment, which has a fixed fire extinguishing system. How many B-I portable fire extinguishers are you required to have readily available?
- Three
- Two
- One (Correct answer)
- None, the fixed system is sufficient
Correct answer: One
For vessels between 26 and 40 feet, the requirement is for two B-I type portable extinguishers. However, if an approved fixed fire extinguishing system is installed in the machinery space, this may count in place of one B-I type portable extinguisher, reducing the required number of portable extinguishers to one.
Question 3: While operating an OUPV, a passenger falls overboard. Which of the following actions should be your IMMEDIATE priority after ensuring the propellers are clear of the person?
- Notify the Coast Guard via VHF radio.
- Administer first aid to the person.
- Throw a life ring or other throwable PFD to the person. (Correct answer)
- Note the vessel's position in the logbook.
Correct answer: Throw a life ring or other throwable PFD to the person.
The immediate priority in a man overboard situation is to establish flotation for the person in the water and maintain visual contact. Throwing a Type IV throwable device, like a life ring, provides immediate buoyancy and a visible target to keep in sight while maneuvering the vessel for recovery.
Question 4: Before getting underway with passengers, the operator of an uninspected passenger vessel must provide a safety orientation. Which of the following is NOT a required topic for this briefing?
- The location of the vessel's Certificate of Documentation. (Correct answer)
- Stowage locations of life preservers.
- The proper method of donning and adjusting life preservers.
- The location and contents of the Emergency Checkoff List.
Correct answer: The location of the vessel's Certificate of Documentation.
According to 46 CFR 26.03-1, the safety orientation must cover the stowage and proper use of PFDs, the location of other lifesaving devices, and the location of the emergency instructions. The vessel's documentation is not a required part of the passenger safety briefing.
Question 5: On an uninspected passenger vessel operating in coastal waters, what is the minimum requirement for visual distress signals (VDS)?
- Three day signals and three night signals. (Correct answer)
- One orange distress flag or one electric distress light.
- Six handheld red flares.
- One parachute flare and two orange smoke signals.
Correct answer: Three day signals and three night signals.
All uninspected passenger vessels operating on coastal waters, the Great Lakes, or oceans must carry a minimum of three day-use and three night-use approved visual distress signals. Combinations of devices can be used to meet this requirement, such as three combination day/night flares.
Question 6: Which of the following conditions would require an uninspected passenger vessel to be equipped with an exhaust blower system?
- The vessel is over 40 feet in length.
- The vessel carries more than four passengers.
- The vessel has a diesel engine in an enclosed compartment.
- The vessel has a gasoline engine that is not in a fully open-to-the-atmosphere compartment. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The vessel has a gasoline engine that is not in a fully open-to-the-atmosphere compartment.
Vessels with permanently installed gasoline engines must be ventilated by an exhaust blower system if the engine compartment is not open to the atmosphere. This is to prevent the buildup of explosive gasoline fumes in enclosed spaces.
OUPV - Operator Uninspected Passenger Vessel Deck General and Safety Questions and Answers
According to 46 CFR Subchapter C, what is the MINIMUM type of Personal Flotation Device (PFD) that must be carried for each person on board an uninspected passenger vessel?