STCW Personal Survival Techniques (PST) Written Exam: Free Mock Test & Practice Questions

STCW Personal Survival Techniques (PST) Written Exam

This exam is for all seafarers working on commercial vessels as a mandatory part of STCW Basic Safety Training. Passing is required to obtain the certificate of proficiency, which is essential for maritime employment.

Pass mark 24/30 30 minutes Real test fee Part of STCW Basic Safety Training course fee MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) How many can I get wrong?

Sit a full mock under the clock at least once. Nerves are half the battle.

Free practice questions

Try 3 real STCW Personal Survival Techniques (PST) Written Exam questions

Have a go, then reveal the worked explanation. A taster from a bank of 202 original questions — unlock for unlimited drills and full timed mocks.

Q1. According to SOLAS regulations, what information must be clearly marked on a lifebuoy?

A. The ship's MMSI number and call sign
B. The date of the last inspection
C. The ship's name and port of registry
D. The maximum weight capacity of the lifebuoy

Show answer & explanation

✓ Answer: C. The ship's name and port of registry

Marking the lifebuoy with the ship's name and port of registry helps search and rescue services identify the vessel involved in an incident.

Q2. What is the specific function of the 'weak link' in a liferaft's painter line and Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU) arrangement?

A. To break first, allowing the painter to pull out and inflate the liferaft.
B. To secure the liferaft to the ship during heavy weather.
C. To break after the liferaft inflates, freeing it from a sinking vessel.
D. To trigger the inflation of the liferaft once it hits the water.

Show answer & explanation

✓ Answer: C. To break after the liferaft inflates, freeing it from a sinking vessel.

The weak link is designed to break under a specific strain (approx. 2.2 kN), ensuring the inflated liferaft does not get pulled under by the sinking ship.

Q3. According to SOLAS regulations, an adult lifejacket must be designed to turn an unconscious person from any position to one where their mouth is clear of the water in no more than:

A. 2 seconds
B. 5 seconds
C. 10 seconds
D. 15 seconds

Show answer & explanation

✓ Answer: B. 5 seconds

A critical SOLAS safety standard is that a lifejacket must have sufficient buoyancy and turning moment to right an unconscious person within 5 seconds.

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STCW Personal Survival Techniques (PST) Written Exam — common questions

Frequently asked

How many questions are in the STCW Personal Survival Techniques (PST) Written Exam?

The exam has 30 questions. Every Revision Robin mock uses the same 30-question format so your practice matches the real thing.

What is the pass mark for the STCW Personal Survival Techniques (PST) Written Exam?

You need 24 out of 30 correct to pass, which is about 80%. Our mocks mark you against this exact threshold.

How long do you get?

The test is timed at 30 minutes. Our full mock runs on the same clock so you can practise your pacing.

Are these the real exam questions?

No. Our questions are original and written to match the current syllabus, so they give realistic practice without copying the official paper. Every answer comes with a plain-English explanation. Always confirm current rules and content with MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency).

How much does the official test cost?

The official MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) fee is Part of STCW Basic Safety Training course fee. Revision Robin practice is separate and helps you pass first time so you only pay that fee once.