Question 15 3AE02 - Third Assistant Engineer (Alt)

The Correct Answer is C **2. Explanation of why option C is correct (Unacceptable Method):** Option C, "Closing and tagging each valve leading to an overboard discharge," is the unacceptable method because it does not render the discharge valve inoperable. Federal regulations (specifically 33 CFR 159.7(c)) require that when operating a vessel with an installed MSD in a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ), the overboard discharge mechanism must be physically secured to prevent *any* accidental or intentional discharge. Simply closing and tagging a valve provides a warning or administrative control but does not physically prevent someone from immediately opening the valve to discharge sewage. **3. Explanation of why the other options are incorrect (Acceptable Methods):** * **A) Closing each valve leading to an overboard discharge and removing the handle:** This is an acceptable method. Removing the handle physically prevents immediate operation of the valve, requiring tools or reassembly before discharge can occur, thereby rendering the mechanism inoperable. * **B) Padlocking each valve leading to an overboard discharge in the closed position:** This is an acceptable method. A padlock physically secures the valve in the closed position, requiring a key or breaking the lock to open the valve, thus rendering the mechanism inoperable. * **D) Using a non-releasable wire-tire to hold each valve leading to an overboard discharge in the closed position:** This is an acceptable method. A non-releasable seal (such as a wire tie, cable tie, or other wire seal) must be physically cut or broken before the valve can be opened, rendering the mechanism inoperable.