Life-Saving Appliances Study Guide

Answer: 22 pounds

Type I PFDs (Offshore Life Preservers) must provide at least 22 lbs of buoyancy for adults. This is significantly more than Type II and III (15.5 lbs each) and is why Type I is the only type specifically designed to turn an unconscious person face-up in rough, open water. Type I for children requires 11 lbs minimum. This number appears directly on USCG exam questions.

Answer: Secure the EPIRB and immediately notify the nearest USCG station and NOAA.

An accidental EPIRB activation initiates a SAR response within minutes. The captain must: (1) Turn off or cover the EPIRB to stop transmission. (2) Call USCG on VHF Ch 16 to cancel the alert — give vessel name, MMSI, EPIRB registration number, and confirm it was accidental. (3) Contact NOAA at 1-888-212-SAVE (7283). Failure to cancel can result in SAR resources being deployed at significant cost, and repeat false alerts can result in civil penalties under 47 CFR.

Answer: No — it is out of compliance. Annual inspection is required.

Inflatable liferaft canisters must be inspected at a USCG-approved service facility annually (every 12 months). At 14 months, the canister is 2 months overdue. A vessel carrying an out-of-service liferaft is deficient and the USCG can issue a deficiency citation during inspection. The vessel should not operate on routes requiring the raft until the service is completed and a new service label is attached. Note: some manufacturers have received approval for 30-month service intervals — check the label.

Answer: A series of 12 dots extending from the SART position toward the searching vessel on the radar display.

A SART operates on 9 GHz (X-band radar frequency). When the searching vessel's radar sweeps across the SART, the SART responds with a series of rapid pulses that appear as 12 equally spaced dots on the radar display. The dots extend from the SART toward the radar — the dot closest to the SART position is the actual position; the line extends in the direction of the searching radar. As the searching vessel gets closer (within about 1 nm), the dots become arcs and eventually a full circle of 12 concentric rings. The SART also has an internal audible and visual indicator alerting survivors that a radar is sweeping them.

Answer: 1 minute (60 seconds)

This is the most frequently tested immersion suit fact on the USCG exam. Under 46 CFR 160.171 and SOLAS LSA Code requirements, an immersion suit must be capable of being donned — without assistance, over normal clothing — within 1 minute. This requirement drives the design: large zippers, simple closures, and a single-entry design. Crew members on inspected vessels must demonstrate they can meet this requirement during drills. The 1-minute clock typically starts when the person picks up the suit.

Answer: Orange smoke signal

Orange smoke signals are the primary daytime visual distress signal because the bright orange color contrasts strongly against both water and sky, and the smoke column is visible for several miles in calm conditions. Smoke signals are ineffective at night and in high winds (smoke disperses quickly). For nighttime distress, the parachute rocket flare is most effective. Red hand flares work day or night but are most visible at night. Many mariners carry both — orange smoke for day, red rocket or hand flare for night.

Answer: To allow the raft to break free if the sinking vessel pulls it under water.

The weak link has a breaking strength of approximately 2.2 kN (about 500 lbs force). When the vessel sinks and begins pulling the inflated raft downward, the painter tension exceeds the weak link's breaking strength and it snaps — freeing the raft to float to the surface rather than being dragged down with the vessel. This is a safety feature that prevents the raft from being lost with the ship. The weak link is NOT the same as the HRU (hydrostatic release unit), which releases the raft canister from the vessel's cradle automatically — the weak link is in the painter line itself.

Answer: 230 meters (approximately 250 yards)

Line throwing appliances must project a line to a horizontal distance of at least 230 meters under 46 CFR 160.040. This applies to both the Lyle gun and rocket-type line throwers. The 230-meter figure is a specific regulatory number that appears on the USCG exam. The line itself must be of sufficient strength and length to bridge the gap to a vessel or person in distress and then support the transfer of a heavier towing line.

Answer: No — a Type V PFD must be worn to count as required equipment.

This is a critical distinction for the exam. Type V PFDs (including inflatable PFDs) are only compliant as a required PFD when they are actually being worn by the person for whom they are intended. A Type V stored in a bag or lifejacket box does NOT satisfy the USCG requirement — you need an additional PFD of Type I, II, or III for that person. The approval label on a Type V will state the condition of use. Additionally, inflatable PFDs are not approved for children under 16, persons weighing less than 80 lbs, or persons who cannot swim.

Answer: SOLAS pack is a full survival kit; coastal pack is reduced.

A SOLAS A or B equipment pack contains: bailers, sponges, sea anchors, paddles, knife, repair kit, fishing equipment, fresh water (1.5 liters per person for SOLAS A), food (rations for SOLAS A), first aid kit, seasickness tablets, signal mirror, whistle, parachute signals (4), hand flares (6), smoke signals (2), flashlight, compass, and instructions. A USCG coastal service pack is a subset of this — fewer rations, fewer signals, and may not include food. Vessels on international voyages must carry SOLAS-pack rafts; vessels on domestic coastal routes may use coastal-service rafts.