SVOP Marine Safety and Emergencies 2

Question 1

What is the purpose of a personal locator beacon (PLB) and how does it differ from an EPIRB?

Accepted Answer

A PLB is a personal-worn 406 MHz distress beacon that transmits position to COSPAS-SARSAT satellites when activated manually — smaller than an EPIRB, intended for individual use rather than the vessel

Answer

A PLB is a type of EPIRB designed for vessels over 100 GT only

Answer

A PLB transmits on VHF channel 16 only, with no satellite uplink

Answer

A PLB and EPIRB are identical devices with different brand names

Question 2

What is a 'pyrotechnic distress signal' and what are the different types used in Canadian waters?

Accepted Answer

A flare or rocket that produces bright light, smoke, or both to signal distress — types include hand flares, parachute rockets, smoke signals, and orange smoke for daytime

Answer

Electronic LED flashing devices approved under the 2018 Small Vessel Regulations update

Answer

Any signal visible at night — including flashlights and spotlight patterns

Answer

Only the orange smoke canister used by commercial vessels under the Small Vessel Regulations

Question 3

What immediate action should be taken if a fire breaks out in the engine compartment of a small vessel?

Accepted Answer

Shut down the engine and fuel supply immediately, deploy the fixed fire suppression system if installed, use a CO2 or dry chemical extinguisher through access port, radio for help, and prepare to abandon

Answer

Open the engine hatch immediately to assess the fire before doing anything else

Answer

Apply water generously to cool the engine and surrounding metal

Answer

Increase speed to blow the fire back with the vessel's slipstream

Question 4

What is 'cold water shock' and how can it be managed during an accidental immersion?

Accepted Answer

The immediate physiological response to sudden cold water immersion causing gasping, hyperventilation, and potential cardiac arrest — managed by controlling breathing and staying still

Answer

A type of hypothermia that develops after 30 minutes of cold water immersion

Answer

The feeling of numbness in extremities after prolonged cold water exposure

Answer

A cognitive impairment caused by drinking cold water after exertion

Question 5

What are the minimum first aid requirements for a small commercial passenger vessel operating in near-coastal waters?

Accepted Answer

A first aid kit meeting the standards of the First Aid Kit Schedule under Transport Canada marine regulations, including bandages, dressings, airway management, and emergency medications appropriate for the operating area

Answer

A basic first aid kit from a pharmacy — no specific certification or content is required

Answer

First aid is not regulated for commercial small vessels — it is at the operator's discretion

Answer

Only a single use-and-discard CPR mask is required under the Small Vessel Regulations

Question 6

What VHF radio channel is designated for distress, safety, and calling in Canadian waters, and what is the protocol for routine use?

Accepted Answer

Channel 16 — the universal distress/safety/calling channel that must be monitored at all times; routine vessel-to-vessel traffic must move to a working channel after initial contact on 16

Answer

Channel 22A — the primary distress channel used only for Coast Guard communication

Answer

Channel 6 — the inter-ship safety channel for all communications including routine calls

Answer

Channel 68 — the commercial calling channel designated by Transport Canada for small vessels