Grade 10 marine and fisheries technology – Safety and Survival Techniques Quiz
1. What is the safest action to take immediately after a small fishing boat capsizes in calm Kenyan coastal waters?
Staying with the boat increases visibility to rescuers and provides flotation. The capsized hull or debris is easier to spot than a lone swimmer and conserves energy.
2. Which item should every person on a Kenyan fishing vessel wear when working on deck in open water to reduce the risk of drowning?
A lifejacket or PFD keeps the wearer afloat and increases survival time if they fall overboard. It must be properly fastened to be effective.
3. Which is the correct order of actions in a basic man overboard drill on a small fishing canoe?
Shouting and pointing helps everyone know where the casualty is; throwing a float prevents them from sinking; then return to recover them safely.
4. When preparing to abandon a small fishing vessel at night, which signal is best to attract coastal rescuers in Kenyan waters?
Red flares are internationally recognised distress signals visible at night and help rescuers locate you quickly.
5. What is the primary reason you should avoid drinking seawater if you are stranded at sea off the Kenyan coast?
Seawater's salt content forces the body to use more water to eliminate salt, causing increased dehydration and faster deterioration.
6. Which of the following is the most important survival priority immediately after abandoning a fishing boat?
Protecting life by managing injuries, staying warm (or cool where needed), and preventing further harm are top survival priorities before secondary needs like food.
7. What is the correct way to wear a lifejacket to ensure it works properly on a small fishing craft?
A snug fit prevents the lifejacket from slipping off in the water and ensures it will keep the wearer's airways clear above the surface.
8. A crew member has severe bleeding from a deep cut while at sea. What should you do first?
Controlling bleeding by applying pressure is the immediate life-saving action. After bleeding is controlled, seek further medical help.
9. Which radio procedure is correct when making a distress call from a VHF radio in Kenyan waters?
Use channel 16 for distress, state 'Mayday', then clearly give location, the problem, and how many people are involved so rescuers can respond quickly.
10. What is the main danger of overloading a small fishing boat along the Kenyan coast?
Too much weight lowers the boat in the water (reduced freeboard) and reduces stability, making capsizing or swamping much more likely.
11. Which action helps prevent panic and hypothermia if someone falls into the water at night off the Kenyan coast?
Conserving energy and staying afloat with a PFD reduces heat loss and panic, increasing the chance of rescue.
12. What is the safest way to use a handheld flare in windy conditions on a fishing boat?
Being downwind prevents smoke blowing into faces; holding it away and pointing clear reduces fire risk to people and the vessel.
13. When checking a small boat before leaving a Kenyan landing site, which safety check is most important?
Lifejackets are essential safety equipment; checking they are available and serviceable must be part of every pre-departure check.
14. How should a crew respond if a small engine fire breaks out on board while at sea?
Stopping fuel and power removes the fire source; extinguishers can put out small fires. If it spreads, abandon ship safely.
15. Which signal is best during daytime to indicate distress to aircraft or nearby vessels off the Kenyan coast?
A large bright shape or smoke is visible from a distance during the day and is an internationally recognised distress signal.
16. What should you do if someone on board shows signs of heat exhaustion while fishing near the Kenyan coast?
Heat exhaustion needs cooling and rehydration. Shade, fluids, and evaporative cooling help recovery and prevent progression to heatstroke.
17. Why is maintaining a proper lookout important when navigating near reefs and rocks along the Kenyan coast?
Seeing hazards early allows time to take avoiding action and prevents accidents such as hitting submerged rocks or reefs.
18. What is the main use of a throwable buoyant cushion (lifebuoy) on a small fishing vessel?
A throwable buoy gives immediate flotation to a person overboard and helps rescuers keep the person visible and safe until recovery.
19. Which practice reduces the risk of falling overboard while working on a small Kenyan fishing boat?
A lifejacket provides flotation if a fall occurs. Keeping three points of contact (two hands and one foot or vice versa) improves stability on a moving deck.
20. What is the safest way to approach a person in the water for recovery using a small boat in calm conditions?
Approaching downwind/down-current allows better control and prevents pushing the boat toward the person; stopping the engine reduces propeller danger.
21. Which action helps prevent oil spills and pollution while doing engine maintenance on a small Kenyan fishing boat?
Collecting and disposing of used oil responsibly prevents marine pollution and is safer for the environment and local livelihoods.
22. If a crew member becomes unconscious but is breathing after a fall on deck, what is the correct immediate action?
The recovery position keeps the airway open and reduces choking risk. Continuous monitoring and getting help are vital.
23. When is it least safe to attempt to right a capsized dugout or canoe by yourself in open water?
Under dangerous conditions or fatigue, attempting to right a canoe alone increases risk of drowning; staying with the craft or signalling for help is safer.
24. What is the correct action if you spot thick black smoke from a neighbouring boat while fishing near the Kenyan coast?
Notifying the vessel and authorities helps coordinate assistance; keeping safe distance avoids danger from fire or explosion while standing ready to help.
25. Which piece of navigation equipment helps you avoid collisions with other vessels at night along busy Kenyan channels?
Navigation lights make the boat visible and indicate heading, while a lookout interprets lights and helps avoid collisions.
26. What should you do if someone on board is showing signs of severe cold and shivering after a long immersion in water off the Kenyan coast at night?
Gradual warming and rehydration help recovery; rapid warming or alcohol can be dangerous. Physical exertion may increase strain on the heart.
27. Which practice improves safety when setting and hauling gear from a small fishing boat in choppy Kenyan waters?
Even weight distribution and teamwork reduce the chance of capsizing; staying low improves stability on a moving boat.