Question 16 CEL01 - Chief Engineer - Limited

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation of Correct Option (B):** Option B is correct because the replacement of a standard cooling water pump for a refrigeration system is considered routine maintenance or like-for-like replacement of auxiliary equipment. This type of work does not typically require prior notification to or approval from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) or a marine surveyor. The vessel is under a valid Certificate of Inspection (COI), and the replacement does not affect the vessel's primary structure, firefighting capabilities, lifesaving systems, or major propulsion machinery. Routine maintenance of auxiliary systems falls within the responsibility of the vessel's engineering staff. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** **A) Inform the Coast Guard if the replacement will involve welding or burning.** This option is incorrect because, while welding or burning (hot work) requires specific safety precautions (like a hot work permit and boundary checks), the *act of replacing the pump itself* does not trigger mandatory notification to the Coast Guard unless the welding/burning is on primary structure, pressure vessels, or critical systems outside of the typical maintenance scope. If the pump is simply unbolted and replaced, no hot work is involved. Focusing the requirement solely on hot work incorrectly implies that the Coast Guard must be notified about the pump replacement itself. **C) Defer informing the Coast Guard of the pump's replacement until the mid-period inspection.** This option is incorrect. Since this is routine maintenance, there is no requirement to "inform" the Coast Guard formally at any point, including during scheduled inspections, unless the replacement was deemed to be substandard or the pump was critical safety equipment that failed. Inspectors often review maintenance records, but the act of installing a new auxiliary pump is not a deferrable notification item. **D) Inform the nearest Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection of the pump replacement.** This option is incorrect. USCG regulations (found typically in 46 CFR Subchapter I and J) require notification for major alterations, repairs affecting critical safety systems (such as main propulsion, steering, pressure vessels, or fire suppression), or repairs following a casualty. A routine replacement of a refrigeration system cooling pump is not considered a major alteration or a casualty repair that mandates immediate OCMI notification.