Tanker Familiarization Emergency Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: At what oxygen level in a confined space is the atmosphere considered immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) due to oxygen deficiency?
- Below 19.5% (Correct answer)
- Below 17.0%
- Below 16.0%
- Below 21.0%
Correct answer: Below 19.5%
An atmosphere below 19.5% oxygen is considered oxygen-deficient and requires SCBA; below 16% causes impairment and below 6% is fatal very quickly.
Question 2: When an emergency shutdown (ESD) system is activated on a tanker during loading, which sequence is CORRECT?
- Shore manifold closes first, then ship manifold closes
- Ship manifold closes first, then shore manifold closes
- Both ship and shore manifolds close simultaneously (Correct answer)
- Pump stops first, then both manifolds close in sequence
Correct answer: Both ship and shore manifolds close simultaneously
A properly integrated ESD system closes both ship and shore manifolds simultaneously to prevent hose/arm stress from pressure surges.
Question 3: A tanker's cargo tank pressure gauge shows a sudden drop to below atmospheric. What emergency risk does this indicate?
- Tank overpressure leading to structural failure
- Inert gas failure with potential air ingress and explosive mixture (Correct answer)
- Cargo pump cavitation
- Excessive ullage leading to overflow
Correct answer: Inert gas failure with potential air ingress and explosive mixture
Sub-atmospheric pressure in an inerted tank suggests inert gas system failure, allowing air ingress that could create an explosive mixture with hydrocarbon vapors.
Question 4: Which communication signal is used internationally to signal a ship is in distress and requires immediate assistance?
- PAN PAN repeated three times on VHF Ch 16
- SECURITE repeated three times on VHF Ch 16
- MAYDAY repeated three times on VHF Ch 16 (Correct answer)
- SOS transmitted on VHF Ch 70 DSC
Correct answer: MAYDAY repeated three times on VHF Ch 16
MAYDAY is the internationally recognized voice distress signal indicating grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance.
Question 5: When using a CO2 fixed fire-fighting system in a tanker pump room, crew must ensure the space is evacuated because CO2:
- Reacts chemically with cargo vapors to produce toxic byproducts
- Displaces oxygen, creating a lethal atmosphere for anyone inside (Correct answer)
- Corrodes pump room equipment if personnel are present
- Causes flashback if personnel carry ignition sources
Correct answer: Displaces oxygen, creating a lethal atmosphere for anyone inside
CO2 extinguishes fire by displacing oxygen below the level needed for combustion, which is the same level required for human survival.
Question 6: A tanker loses steering in a congested waterway. Which emergency steering method is typically employed first?
- Drop anchor to stop the vessel
- Activate the emergency towing connection at the stern
- Switch to emergency steering in the steering gear room (Correct answer)
- Signal tugs for immediate assistance on VHF Ch 16
Correct answer: Switch to emergency steering in the steering gear room
Emergency steering from the steering gear room provides direct manual control of the rudder and is the primary response before other measures.
Question 7: What is the purpose of a muster drill (emergency drill) conducted under SOLAS requirements on a tanker?
- To satisfy port state control inspection requirements only
- To ensure crew can respond effectively to emergencies through practiced procedures (Correct answer)
- To test emergency equipment serviceability annually
- To document crew familiarization for insurance purposes
Correct answer: To ensure crew can respond effectively to emergencies through practiced procedures
SOLAS drills ensure that every crew member knows their emergency duties and can respond effectively under stress through regular, realistic practice.
