Question 54 ONC03 - Master LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is B **Why option B is correct:** Hot work (such as welding or cutting) after handling dangerous cargoes is heavily regulated, particularly when conducted within a cargo facility or port area. While there are general prohibitions and strict safety requirements, the ultimate authority for granting permission for hot work in US ports rests with the **Captain of the Port (COTP)**, who represents the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). The COTP has the authority under 33 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) and other maritime safety regulations to evaluate the specific circumstances, impose necessary safety conditions (such as gas freeing, fire watches, and securing necessary permits), and grant specific, case-by-case approval for hot work that might otherwise be restricted. Since the vessel has discharged a dangerous cargo, the area is hazardous, requiring the highest level of regulatory approval. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) Hot-work repairs at such a facility are prohibited.** This is incorrect because hot work is not absolutely prohibited in all cases. It is heavily restricted and requires explicit authorization, but exceptions can be made under strict regulatory supervision (i.e., COTP approval) once safety precautions are met (e.g., gas freeing/testing is completed). * **C) You can make repairs with permission of the facility owner since you are empty and the cargo is on the facility.** This is incorrect. While the facility owner's permission is often required for operational purposes, the authority to approve safety-sensitive activities like hot work within US navigable waters and port facilities rests solely with the federal regulator (the USCG/COTP), not the private facility owner. Furthermore, being "empty" does not mean the vessel is automatically safe; dangerous vapors may still linger in tanks or structures from the discharged cargo. * **D) The repair area must be inspected by a marine surveyor to ensure that it can be done safely.** This is incorrect as the primary regulatory requirement for ensuring safety for hot work in port, especially following dangerous cargo operations, is authorization and inspection by the COTP or their designated representative, often involving a **Certified Marine Chemist** for tank safety checks. While a marine surveyor might be involved for damage assessment or insurance purposes, they do not hold the statutory authority to grant permission for regulatory compliance regarding hot work in a hazardous environment; the COTP does.