Question 54 GLI03 - Master-LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is C **Explanation for why Option C ("12") is correct:** U.S. regulations governing fire protection and safety standards for cargo vessels, including barges, are primarily found in Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), specifically in Subchapter I (Cargo and Miscellaneous Vessels) and Subchapter D (Tank Vessels), depending on the vessel type. The threshold for requiring extensive fire protection systems, such as fire pumps, hydrants, hose, and nozzles, is often determined by the vessel's size (tonnage) or the number of people it can accommodate. For cargo vessels (non-tank vessels) under 100 gross tons, the requirements are specified in 46 CFR Part 34.10-5. This section generally dictates that vessels must have the requisite fire extinguishing systems based on their accommodations. Specifically, the requirement to install fire pumps, hydrants, hose, and nozzles applies to vessels that are certified to carry **more than 12 persons** (crew and other personnel) or have sleeping accommodations for **more than 12 persons**. A vessel with accommodations for 12 or fewer persons (a "less than 13" vessel) is generally allowed to use less comprehensive fire protection equipment, such as a sufficient number of portable extinguishers and a fixed bilge pump arrangement capable of serving as a fire pump, rather than a dedicated fire main system with hydrants and hoses. Therefore, 12 is the maximum number of sleeping accommodations a barge may have before the full requirements for fire pumps, hydrants, hose, and nozzles are mandated. If the number of accommodations reaches 13 or more, the full system must be installed. **Explanation for why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) 5:** This number is too low. Regulations allow vessels with very few accommodations (like 5) to meet fire safety requirements using basic equipment like portable extinguishers and potentially a power-driven bilge pump acting as a fire pump, without needing a full fire main system. * **B) 8:** This number is also too low. While 8 accommodations require substantial fire safety measures, they do not trigger the mandate for the full fire pump and hydrant system, as the regulatory threshold is set higher at 12 accommodations. * **D) 15:** This number is too high. A barge with 15 sleeping accommodations **is already required** to have the full fire pump, hydrant, hose, and nozzle system installed. The question asks for the maximum number *before* the requirement is triggered. Since 13 accommodations triggers the requirement, 15 is well past the maximum threshold.