Question 1519 Deck General

The correct answer is D) when the compartment itself is gas free. The use of power-driven or manually-operated spark producing devices in the pump room is only acceptable when the specific compartment or space is confirmed to be gas free, regardless of the cargo tank conditions. This is because the pump room may contain flammable vapors or gases even when the cargo tanks are empty or inerted, so the compartment itself must be verified as safe before using any spark-producing equipment. The other options, such as the vessel being gas free or the cargo tanks being empty or inerted, do not necessarily ensure the pump room is free of hazardous atmospheres, which is the critical factor for the safe use of such equipment.