Which additional PPE may be required beyond PFDs?

• A. Non-slip footwear, gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection where appropriate.
• B. Only sunglasses.
• C. Flotation devices only.
• D. Hard hats are mandatory on all vessels.

Answer: (B)

Beyond PFDs, additional PPE may be required to protect against common deck hazards. On a vessel, decks can be slick and ropes and equipment create risks for cuts, burns, and debris. Non-slip footwear helps you keep traction on wet surfaces, reducing slips and falls. Gloves protect your hands when handling lines, rigging, or tools and can prevent cuts and rope burns. Eye protection shields against flying particles, spray, or chemical splashes that can occur during maintenance or operations. Hearing protection is important around loud engines, generators, and pumps to prevent long-term hearing damage. Sunglasses alone don’t provide impact or splash protection, and flotation devices by themselves don’t address these other hazards. Hard hats may be required for certain tasks or on specific vessels, but not universally on all vessels. So, the most comprehensive answer is the combination that includes non-slip footwear, gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection where appropriate.