Question 38Safety & Environmental - 1st Asst/Chief

The correct answer is D) filling completely. A wooden plug fitted tightly in the vent of a damaged tank would prevent the tank from filling completely. This is because the plug would seal the vent, preventing air from entering the tank as it fills with liquid. Without the vent open, the tank would not be able to fill to its full capacity, as air would be unable to escape and the liquid would be unable to completely displace the air inside the tank. The other answer choices are incorrect because: A) collapsing - the plug would not prevent the tank from collapsing if the damage is severe enough, B) developing free surface moments - the plug would not affect the tank's free surface moments, and C) developing free surfaces - the plug would not prevent the development of free surfaces inside the tank.