Question 63 GLI04 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation of why option D is correct:** Cargo battens (also known as sparring) are wooden planks or metal strips secured to the frames of a ship's cargo hold. Their fundamental design purpose is twofold: 1. **Protection:** By keeping the cargo spaced slightly away from the cold or damp steel frames and shell plating, they prevent damage caused by condensation (sweat), rubbing, or physical impact against the harsh structure of the ship. 2. **Ventilation/Drainage:** The gap created by the battens allows air to circulate between the cargo and the shell plating, which is crucial for controlling condensation and moisture buildup. It also facilitates the drainage of any moisture or sweat down to the bilges, preventing water from pooling directly against the cargo. **Explanation of why other options are incorrect:** * **A) To support the dunnage floors which are laid down between tiers of cargo:** This is incorrect. The primary purpose of dunnage (wooden planks or mats) is to protect the cargo from the tank top (floor) or separate tiers of cargo. Cargo battens are fitted vertically/longitudinally on the sides of the hold and do not provide support for horizontal dunnage floors placed between cargo tiers. * **B) Used for securing a snatch block when snaking cargo into the wings of the hold when loading:** This is incorrect. While ship structures are often utilized for securing blocks, cargo battens are relatively lightweight structures designed for cargo separation, not for handling the heavy stresses associated with securing lifting gear like snatch blocks, which must be attached to robust structural points such as eye plates, pad eyes, or strong points on the frames themselves. * **C) To provide fittings to which cargo lashings may be secured:** This is incorrect. Cargo lashings must be secured to specially engineered strong points (e.g., pad eyes, lashing bars, or dedicated fittings) that are welded directly to the vessel's structure and designed to withstand immense force. Cargo battens are far too fragile to serve as secure points for lashing heavy cargo.