Question 24General Subjects - 1st Asst/Chief70% to pass
The bilge system has been performing well; however, the aft starboard engine room bilge well suddenly fails to be pumped out. Which of the following should be done first to determine the cause?
AI Explanation
The correct answer is B) Attempt to pump out another bilge well to determine if the entire system is affected.
The reasoning behind this is that if only the aft starboard engine room bilge well is failing to be pumped out, it indicates a problem specific to that well rather than the entire bilge system. Attempting to pump out another bilge well will help determine if the issue is isolated or affects the entire system. This is the logical first step to diagnose the problem before taking more intrusive actions like opening the bilge pump or removing manifold valves.
The other options are incorrect because opening the bilge pump for inspection (A) or removing the manifold valves (C, D) are more involved troubleshooting steps that should only be taken if the initial test of another bilge well indicates a broader system issue.
Related Questions
#22 As routine maintenance, the bilge manifold valves are periodically removed and examined. Prior to re-securing the valve bonnets, the valve _______________.#23 The aft starboard bilge well is clogged, and back flushing has not been successful. The next practical solution would be to _______________.#25 You are unable to pump out the aft starboard engine room bilge well that is fouled, with one foot of water over the top of the bilge well, what action should be carried out? #26 If one of the bilge system manifold valves does not properly seat, the _______________.#27 If an operating bilge pump is developing good vacuum, but is unable to discharge any water, which of the following problems is the most probable cause?