Question 40

The Correct Answer is D **Why option D ("drained into drip pans or tanks") is correct:** Upon completing bunkering (fueling) operations, the primary safety and environmental procedure is to ensure that the hoses are cleared of any remaining fuel. This residual fuel must be collected responsibly to prevent spillage onto the deck or overboard. Draining the hoses into designated **drip pans or tanks** (such as slop tanks or a dedicated hose draining receptacle) is the standard operating procedure to minimize pollution, comply with MARPOL regulations (which strictly prohibit oil discharge), and prepare the hoses for safe disconnection and stowage. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) steam cleaned and flushed with hot water:** While cleaning the hoses might be necessary before long-term storage or maintenance, immediately after bunkering, this is not the first or mandatory step. Furthermore, injecting steam or hot water into a hose that may still contain flammable vapours is dangerous, and disposing of large volumes of oil-contaminated water (slops) is more complex than simply draining the fuel residue. * **B) blown down with inert gas:** Blowing down hoses with gas (inert or otherwise) is a specialized procedure, sometimes used for clearing large pipelines, but it is less common or appropriate for flexible bunkering hoses. It carries the risk of pressurizing the residual fuel or vapour and potentially releasing hydrocarbon vapours into the atmosphere, which is undesirable. Simple draining is safer and more effective for this context. * **C) stowed with their ends open for venting:** Stowing hoses with open ends is extremely dangerous and irresponsible. It guarantees that any remaining residual fuel will leak onto the deck or into the storage area, violating environmental and safety protocols. Hoses should be drained and then typically capped or blanked off before stowage.