Question 457General Subjects - Assistant Engineer

The correct answer is C) The dew point temperature of the cargo-hold is normally maintained 10oF below the surface temperature of the cargo or ship structure. This is correct because maintaining the cargo hold dew point temperature 10oF below the surface temperature of the cargo or ship structure helps prevent condensation from forming on the cargo or interior surfaces. Condensation can lead to damage of dry cargoes, so the ventilation and dehumidification systems are designed to keep the dew point low enough to prevent this. The other options are incorrect because: A) maintaining the dew point 10oF above the surface temperature would allow condensation to form, B) maintaining a constant dew point regardless of surface temperature would not account for changing conditions, and D) maintaining the dew point at the surface temperature would also allow condensation to occur.