What does the PQS program define to be the minimum skills necessary to stand watches and perform duties?

• A. Qualifications
• B. Competencies
• C. Pre-requisites
• D. Training level

Answer: (C)

The thing being tested is how PQS defines the starting point for watching duties. In the PQS framework, prerequisites are the minimum skills and baseline requirements you must have before you can begin the qualification process for a watch or duty. They set the gatekeeping level so you’re equipped to learn and safely perform the tasks on the PQS checklist.

Once those prerequisites are met, you then work through the required tasks and demonstrations to earn the actual qualifications for the watch. In short, prerequisites are the foundational requirements you must satisfy upfront, while qualifications are the formal proof you’ve met the watch standards. Competencies describe the integrated abilities you demonstrate, and training level isn’t a standard PQS term.