National Maritime Center

Providing Credentials to Mariners

U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam

Lifeboatman Limited

Q447 Lifeboatman Limited

(Sample Examination)

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Q447 Lifeboatman Limited
Q447-Lifeboatmen Limited
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Lifeboatman Limited
Illustrations: 2

Choose the best answer to the following Multiple Choice Questions.

1. What is the name given to a smooth, tapered pin, usually of wood, used to open up the strands of a
rope for splicing?

o (A) Batten
• (B) Fid
o (C) Awl
o (D) Bench hook

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

2. After having activated the emergency position indicating radio beacon, which is the appropriate
action to take?

• (A) Leave it on continuously

o (B) Turn it off during daylight hours
o (C) Turn it off for 5 minutes every half-hour
o (D) Turn it off and on at 5 minute intervals

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

3. The signal has been given to abandon ship. Which of the following describes the action to be taken
with the EPIRB?

o (A) No action is required, the unit will activate when triggered by a satellite
o (B) Activate the unit and secure it to the vessel before entering the survival craft
o (C) No action is required, muster at your boat station to wait for further direction
• (D) Activate the unit and take it with you to the closest survival craft

If choice D is selected set score to 1.

4. Before you start an engine in a compartment, it's MOST important to __________.

o (A) check the flame arrester

• (B) ventilate the bilges
o (C) check the battery
o (D) check the fuel tank

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

5. How is the external flotation bladder of an immersion suit inflated?

o (A) It is inflated by a small CO2 bottle that is manually tripped.

o (B) It inflates by sea water bleeding into the flotation bladder and reacting with a chemical therein.
o (C) It is inflated by a small CO2 bottle that is automatically tripped when the front zipper is at the
top of the zipper track.
• (D) It is inflated by blowing through an inflation tube.

If choice D is selected set score to 1.

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Q447 Lifeboatman Limited
Q447-Lifeboatmen Limited
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Lifeboatman Limited
Illustrations: 2

6. Which of the following is considered the normal operational range from a SART unit to a surface
vessel?

• (A) 5-10 miles

o (B) 50-75 miles
o (C) 75-100 miles
o (D) unlimited

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

7. Ordinarily, bleeding from a vein may be controlled by what method?

• (A) applying direct pressure to the wound

o (B) pinching the wound closed
o (C) pouring ice water directly onto the wound
o (D) heavy application of a disinfectant

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

8. What is the maximum length of time that distress flares are approved for?

o (A) 1 and 1/2 years

o (B) 2 years
• (C) 3 and 1/2 years
o (D) 5 years

If choice C is selected set score to 1.

9. When a person is in shock, how will their skin appear?

o (A) cold and dry

o (B) warm and dry
o (C) warm and damp
• (D) cold and damp

If choice D is selected set score to 1.

10. If an inflatable liferaft inflates upside down, you can right it by __________.

o (A) doing nothing; it will right itself after the canopy supports inflate
o (B) pushing up on one side
o (C) getting at least three or four men to push down on the side containing the CO2 cylinder
• (D) standing on the CO2 bottle, holding the bottom straps, and throwing your weight backwards

If choice D is selected set score to 1.

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Q447 Lifeboatman Limited
Q447-Lifeboatmen Limited
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Lifeboatman Limited
Illustrations: 2

11. If you must jump from a vessel, what does the correct posture include?

o (A) Body straight and arms held tightly at the sides for feet first entry into the water
• (B) Holding down the life preserver against the chest with one arm crossing the other, covering
the mouth and nose with a hand, and feet together
o (C) Knees bent and held close to the body with both arms around legs
o (D) Both hands holding the life preserver below the chin with knees bent and legs crossed

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

12. If more than one raft is manned after the vessel has sunk, you should take which action?

• (A) Tie the rafts together and try to stay in a single group
o (B) Go in a different direction in search of land
o (C) Reduce the number of rafts by getting as many people as possible into as few rafts as
possible
o (D) Spread out to increase the possibility of a search aircraft finding you

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

13. Which of the following describes a SART?

o (A) A unit that transmits locating signals to a satellite at 406 MHz

o (B) A unit that transmits vessel information to a Rescue Coordination Center
o (C) A unit that transmits locating signals that can be received on a Y band radar
• (D) A unit that transmits locating signals that can be received on a X band radar

If choice D is selected set score to 1.

14. After abandoning ship, why should you deploy the sea anchor from a liferaft?

• (A) To stay in the general location

o (B) To navigate against the current
o (C) To keep the liferaft from capsizing
o (D) To keep personnel from getting seasick

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

15. BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which signal, other than a distress signal, can be used by a
vessel to attract attention?

o (A) Burning barrel

o (B) Orange smoke signal
• (C) Searchlight beam
o (D) Continuous sounding of a fog signal apparatus

If choice C is selected set score to 1.

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Q447 Lifeboatman Limited
Q447-Lifeboatmen Limited
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Lifeboatman Limited
Illustrations: 2

16. Using a sea anchor will __________.

o (A) increase your visibility

• (B) reduce your drift rate
o (C) aid in recovering the liferaft
o (D) keep the liferaft from turning over

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

17. While reading the muster list you see that "3 short blasts on the whistle and three short rings on the
general alarm" is the signal for __________.

• (A) dismissal from fire and emergency stations

o (B) man overboard
o (C) abandon ship
o (D) fire and emergency

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

18. Life jackets should be stowed in __________.

o (A) messrooms
o (B) locked watertight containers
o (C) survival craft
• (D) readily accessible locations

If choice D is selected set score to 1.

19. BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What does the continuous sounding of a fog whistle by a vessel
indicate?

o (A) That the vessel is anchored

o (B) A vessel is broken down and drifting
• (C) A vessel is in distress
o (D) A request that the draw span of a bridge to be opened

If choice C is selected set score to 1.

20. Puncture leaks in the lower tubes or bottom of an inflatable liferaft should FIRST be stopped by
using __________.

o (A) sail twine and vulcanizing kit

• (B) sealing clamps
o (C) a tube patch
o (D) repair tape

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

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Q447 Lifeboatman Limited
Q447-Lifeboatmen Limited
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Lifeboatman Limited
Illustrations: 2

21. In illustration D014SA below, which item number correctly identifies the ballast bags?

• (A) 13
o (B) 2
o (C) 22
o (D) 12

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

22. An inflatable liferaft should be manually released from its cradle by __________.

o (A) cutting the straps that enclose the container

• (B) pushing the button on the hydrostatic release
o (C) loosening the turnbuckle on the securing strap
o (D) removing the rubber sealing strip from the container

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

23. Which letter shown in illustration D030DG below represents a clove hitch?

o (A) U
• (B) X
o (C) R
o (D) T

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

24. If you are forced to abandon ship in a lifeboat 1,000 natuical miles from the coast, which is your best
action to take?

o (A) Vote on what to do, so all hands will have a part in the decision
o (B) Head for the nearest land
• (C) Remain in the immediate vicinity
o (D) Head for the closest sea-lanes

If choice C is selected set score to 1.

25. An emergency sea anchor may be constructed by using __________.

o (A) an air tank filled with water

o (B) an oar and canvas weighted down
o (C) a boat bucket
• (D) All of the above

If choice D is selected set score to 1.

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Q447 Lifeboatman Limited
Q447-Lifeboatmen Limited
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Lifeboatman Limited
Illustrations: 2

26. What is the appropriate first aid treatment for small cuts and open wounds?

• (A) stop the bleeding, clean, medicate, and cover the wound
o (B) apply an ice pack to the wound and cover it when the bleeding stops
o (C) apply a hot towel to purge the wound, then medicate and cover it
o (D) lay the patient down and cover the wound when the bleeding stops

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

27. How should the sea painter of a rescue boat be led?

o (A) Vertically up and down from the main deck

• (B) Forward and outboard of all obstructions
o (C) To the foremost point on the vessel
o (D) Forward and inboard of all obstructions

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

28. Under normal conditions a liferaft is released from its cradle by __________.

• (A) pushing the plunger on the center of the hydrostatic release

o (B) lifting one end of the raft
o (C) unscrewing the turnbuckle on the back of the cradle
o (D) cutting the restraining strap

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

29. Which statement about two lines spliced together is TRUE?

o (A) Splicing is used to increase the circumference of each line.

• (B) Splicing two lines together is stronger than knotting two lines together.
o (C) Splicing is used to increase the overall strength of the line.
o (D) Splicing is used to prevent rotting of the lines bitter end.

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

30. BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which signal should be used to indicate that your vessel is in
distress?

• (A) Continuously sounding the fog whistle

o (B) Displaying a large red flag
o (C) Sounding four or more short rapid blasts on the whistle
o (D) Displaying three black balls in a vertical line

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

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Q447 Lifeboatman Limited
Q447-Lifeboatmen Limited
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Lifeboatman Limited
Illustrations: 2

31. A magnetic compass card is marked in how many degrees?

o (A) 90
o (B) 180
• (C) 360
o (D) 400

If choice C is selected set score to 1.

32. The canopy of an inflatable liferaft should __________.

o (A) be put up after everyone is aboard

o (B) be used as a sail if the wind is blowing
• (C) go into place as the raft is inflated
o (D) be put up only in severe weather

If choice C is selected set score to 1.

33. You have abandoned ship and after two days in a liferaft you can see an aircraft near the horizon
apparently carrying out a search pattern. What action should you take?

o (A) switch the EPIRB to the homing signal mode

• (B) use visual distress signals in conjunction with the EPIRB
o (C) use the voice transmission capability of the EPIRB to guide the aircraft to your raft
o (D) turn on the strobe light on the top of the EPIRB

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

34. When using a hand held smoke signal aboard a survival craft, you should activate the signal
__________.

• (A) on the downwind side of the craft

o (B) at the stern of the craft
o (C) on the upwind side of the craft
o (D) inside the craft

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

35. EXCEPT when suffering from a head or chest injury a patient in shock should be placed in which
position?

o (A) Head up and feet down

• (B) Head down and feet up
o (C) Arms above the head
o (D) Flat on back with head and feet elevated

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

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Q447 Lifeboatman Limited
Q447-Lifeboatmen Limited
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Lifeboatman Limited
Illustrations: 2

36. While at your lifeboat station, you hear a signal consisting of one short blast of the whistle. This
signal indicates __________.

• (A) commence lowering boats

o (B) secure from boat stations
o (C) abandon ship
o (D) stop lowering boats

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

37. (2.8.2.3A-32) What type of knot in illustration D030DG below is indicated by the Letter "G"?

o (A) Round turn and two half hitches

o (B) Barrel hitch
o (C) Timber hitch
• (D) Fisherman's bend

If choice D is selected set score to 1.

38. (2.8.2.3A-4) When improperly tied, which knot shown in illustration D030DG below is called a granny
or thief's knot?

o (A) F
o (B) M
o (C) R
• (D) W

If choice D is selected set score to 1.

39. If you find an inflatable liferaft container with the steel bands still in place around its case, you should
__________.

• (A) leave the bands in place

o (B) tell the Mate
o (C) remove the bands yourself
o (D) tell the Master

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

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Q447 Lifeboatman Limited
Q447-Lifeboatmen Limited
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Lifeboatman Limited
Illustrations: 2

40. Signaling devices which are required on inflatable liferafts include __________.

o (A) an air horn

o (B) an oil lantern
o (C) a rocket shoulder rifle
• (D) red flares

If choice D is selected set score to 1.

41. (2.8.2.3A-1) What type of knot is indicated by the Letter "I" in illustration D030DG below?

o (A) Timber hitch

• (B) Bowline on a bight
o (C) Square knot
o (D) Round knot

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

42. In all but the most severe cases, how should bleeding from a wound be controlled?

o (A) applying a tourniquet

o (B) cooling the wound with ice
o (C) submerging the wound in lukewarm water
• (D) applying direct pressure to the wound

If choice D is selected set score to 1.

43. The carburetor is placed on the engine to __________.

• (A) mix the fuel and air

o (B) assist in priming the cylinders
o (C) properly lubricate the engine
o (D) distribute the gasoline

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

44. What is the purpose of the hydrostatic release on an inflatable liferaft?

o (A) To inflate the raft automatically

• (B) To release the raft from the cradle automatically as the ship sinks
o (C) To test the rafts hydrostatically
o (D) None of the above

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

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Q447 Lifeboatman Limited
Q447-Lifeboatmen Limited
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Lifeboatman Limited
Illustrations: 2

45. Inflatable liferafts are provided with __________.

o (A) a portable radio

o (B) an oil lantern
• (C) a towing bridle
o (D) canned milk

If choice C is selected set score to 1.

46. The nozzle of a gasoline hose or can should be kept __________.

• (A) in contact with the fill opening to guard against static spark
o (B) from making contact with the fill opening to guard against static spark
o (C) in contact with the fill opening to allow proper venting
o (D) None of the above

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

47. When personnel are lifted by a helicopter from an inflatable liferaft, what should the personnel on the
raft do?

o (A) Take in the sea anchor to prevent fouling of the rescue sling
o (B) Remove their lifejackets to prepare for the transfer
• (C) Deflate the floor of the raft to reduce the danger of capsizing
o (D) Inflate the floor of the raft to provide for additional stability

If choice C is selected set score to 1.

48. As a vessel sinks to a depth of 15 feet, the hydrostatic trip releases the liferaft container from its
cradle by __________.

o (A) breaking the weak link

o (B) pulling the operating cord
• (C) releasing the tie-down strap
o (D) releasing the CO2 canister

If choice C is selected set score to 1.

49. The external flotation bladder on an immersion suit should be inflated __________.

• (A) upon entry into the water

o (B) only after two hours in the water
o (C) only after four hours in the water
o (D) before entry into the water

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

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Q447 Lifeboatman Limited
Q447-Lifeboatmen Limited
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Lifeboatman Limited
Illustrations: 2

50. Provided every effort is made to preserve body moisture content by avoiding perspiration, how long
is it normally possible to survive without water?

o (A) Up to 3 days
• (B) 8 to 12 days
o (C) 15 to 20 days
o (D) 25 to 30 days

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

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Q447 Lifeboatman Limited
National Maritime Center
Providing Credentials to Mariners

D014SA

Adapted for testing purposes only

5/23/2016 Further reproduction prohibited without permission Page 13 of 14
Q447 Lifeboatman Limited
National Maritime Center
Providing Credentials to Mariners

D030DG

Adapted for testing purposes only

5/23/2016 Further reproduction prohibited without permission Page 14 of 14
Q447 Lifeboatman Limited