JATC 3A Written Test Prep Exam 2026 | Complete Study Guide & Verified Answers
Define "Cavitation" and identify what causes cavitation in a centrifugal pump. - (answer)"Condition in
which vacuum pockets form due to localized regions of low pressure at the vanes in the impeller of the
centrifugal pump, causing vibrations, loss of efficiency, and possibly damage to the impeller."
It can happen when water is being discharged faster than it is coming into the pump. Causing the air
pockets that developed to collapse and cause a shock wave to the pump, which can damage it over
time.
Explain the purpose of a Pressure Relief Valve/Pressure Sensor Governor.
Explain the difference between the two types of relief systems. - (answer)A relief valve and pressure
governor both work to prevent surges of pressure from damaging the pump or hurting firefighters.
Those that relieve excess pressure on the discharge side of the pump.
Those that relieve excess pressure on the intake side of the pump.
They are two parts of the same things. The governor keeps the pressure from going above a certain level
while the relief valve is the actual place where the water or pressure is being released
What are the two basic pressurized water supply sources that a driver/operator will encounter? What
should be a concern when increasing flow volume? - (answer)1. Fire hydrant
2. Other engine supplying water
When increasing flow volume, it is important to recognize that you could out pump the hydrant or
source and not have enough water coming from the system to supply the increased need.
In general, there are seven basic causes of fire apparatus collisions. List them. - (answer)1. Improper
backing
2. Reckless driving
3. Excessive speed
4. Lack of driving skill and experience
, JATC 3A Written Test Prep Exam 2026 | Complete Study Guide & Verified Answers
5. Overloading and misuse
6. Mechanical failure
7. Driver/operator personal readiness
List the types of water pressure gauges found on your primary engine. - (answer)Liquid Filled Panel
Mount Compound PSI Pressure Gauges.
Digital gauge
Describe the safety restraint requirement for all passengers riding in an emergency vehicle. -
(answer)WAC 296-305-04503
"All persons riding on fire apparatus must be seated and secured to the vehicle by seat belts or safety
harnesses at any time the vehicle is in motion."
The RCW provides for emergency vehicles responding to a call to break laws that apply to other drivers
such as not stopping at a stop sign or going into oncoming lanes of traffic. When does this provision not
protect the driver from consequences of their driving? - (answer)(2) The driver of an authorized
emergency vehicle may:
(a) Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this chapter;
(b) Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for
safe operation;
(c) Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he or she does not endanger life or property;
(d) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.
(3) The exemptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when such
vehicle is making use of visual signals meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.190, except that: (a) An
authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not be equipped with or display a red
light visible from in front of the vehicle; (b) authorized emergency vehicles shall use audible signals
when necessary to warn others of the emergency nature of the situation but in no case shall they be
required to use audible signals while parked or standing.
(4) The foregoing provisions shall not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the
duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such provisions protect the driver
from the consequences of his or her reckless disregard for the safety of others.
Define "Cavitation" and identify what causes cavitation in a centrifugal pump. - (answer)"Condition in
which vacuum pockets form due to localized regions of low pressure at the vanes in the impeller of the
centrifugal pump, causing vibrations, loss of efficiency, and possibly damage to the impeller."
It can happen when water is being discharged faster than it is coming into the pump. Causing the air
pockets that developed to collapse and cause a shock wave to the pump, which can damage it over
time.
Explain the purpose of a Pressure Relief Valve/Pressure Sensor Governor.
Explain the difference between the two types of relief systems. - (answer)A relief valve and pressure
governor both work to prevent surges of pressure from damaging the pump or hurting firefighters.
Those that relieve excess pressure on the discharge side of the pump.
Those that relieve excess pressure on the intake side of the pump.
They are two parts of the same things. The governor keeps the pressure from going above a certain level
while the relief valve is the actual place where the water or pressure is being released
What are the two basic pressurized water supply sources that a driver/operator will encounter? What
should be a concern when increasing flow volume? - (answer)1. Fire hydrant
2. Other engine supplying water
When increasing flow volume, it is important to recognize that you could out pump the hydrant or
source and not have enough water coming from the system to supply the increased need.
In general, there are seven basic causes of fire apparatus collisions. List them. - (answer)1. Improper
backing
2. Reckless driving
3. Excessive speed
4. Lack of driving skill and experience
, JATC 3A Written Test Prep Exam 2026 | Complete Study Guide & Verified Answers
5. Overloading and misuse
6. Mechanical failure
7. Driver/operator personal readiness
List the types of water pressure gauges found on your primary engine. - (answer)Liquid Filled Panel
Mount Compound PSI Pressure Gauges.
Digital gauge
Describe the safety restraint requirement for all passengers riding in an emergency vehicle. -
(answer)WAC 296-305-04503
"All persons riding on fire apparatus must be seated and secured to the vehicle by seat belts or safety
harnesses at any time the vehicle is in motion."
The RCW provides for emergency vehicles responding to a call to break laws that apply to other drivers
such as not stopping at a stop sign or going into oncoming lanes of traffic. When does this provision not
protect the driver from consequences of their driving? - (answer)(2) The driver of an authorized
emergency vehicle may:
(a) Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this chapter;
(b) Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for
safe operation;
(c) Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he or she does not endanger life or property;
(d) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.
(3) The exemptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when such
vehicle is making use of visual signals meeting the requirements of RCW 46.37.190, except that: (a) An
authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not be equipped with or display a red
light visible from in front of the vehicle; (b) authorized emergency vehicles shall use audible signals
when necessary to warn others of the emergency nature of the situation but in no case shall they be
required to use audible signals while parked or standing.
(4) The foregoing provisions shall not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the
duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such provisions protect the driver
from the consequences of his or her reckless disregard for the safety of others.
