Question 62 QMED05 - Machinist-Pump Technician

The Correct Answer is D. **Why option D ("all of the above") is correct:** When an individual falls overboard (a "Man Overboard" scenario), the immediate priority is to maximize the chances of rescue and recovery. All three actions listed are critical, immediate steps that must be taken simultaneously or in rapid succession: * **A) Hail "Man Overboard":** This provides the immediate, standardized, urgent alarm to everyone onboard, alerting the crew and allowing them to prepare for rescue operations. * **B) Throw a life ring overboard:** This provides immediate flotation and visibility for the person in the water, even if the vessel cannot turn around instantly. The ring should be thrown toward the person as quickly as possible. * **C) Pass the word to the bridge:** The bridge (or pilothouse) controls the vessel's movement. They must be informed immediately so they can stop the engines (to prevent injury to the person in the water), initiate turning maneuvers (such as the Williamson Turn or Scharnow Turn), and activate the appropriate rescue procedures (like sounding the general alarm or launching a rescue boat). Since these three actions form the essential, immediate response protocol for a Man Overboard emergency, performing all of them is necessary. **Why the other options (A, B, and C) are incorrect:** While A, B, and C are all necessary actions, none of them alone constitutes the *complete* immediate response. * **A) Hailing "Man Overboard" (alone) is incorrect:** Hailing the alarm is vital, but if you only shout and do not provide flotation (B) or inform the control center (C), the person's chances of survival diminish, and the vessel will not start its recovery procedure. * **B) Throwing a life ring overboard (alone) is incorrect:** Providing flotation is crucial, but without raising the alarm (A) and informing the bridge (C), the crew won't mobilize, and the vessel won't be maneuvered correctly for the rescue. * **C) Passing the word to the bridge (alone) is incorrect:** Informing the bridge is essential for vessel control, but without the immediate loud alarm (A), the deck crew won't know to assist, and without throwing a life ring (B), the person in the water may drift away or become exhausted quickly.