Question 62 ONC03 - Master LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is B. ### Explanation for Option B (Correct) Option B, "Spread an absorbent material, such as sawdust," is the correct immediate action. When an oil spill occurs on deck and the scuppers are plugged (to prevent pollution), the primary goal is containment and cleanup of the spilled material. Absorbent materials (like sawdust, specialized oil sorbents, rags, or pads) are used to soak up the oil, preventing it from spreading further on deck or escaping the contained area. This action immediately addresses the spill and begins the cleanup process safely and effectively while minimizing environmental impact. ### Explanation for Other Options (Incorrect) **A) Rig a fire hose to wash down the deck:** This is incorrect and potentially dangerous in a pollution scenario. Washing oil down with water generally serves only to spread the spill over a larger area on deck, making cleanup more difficult. If the scupper plugs were somehow compromised, washing the oil overboard would result in immediate and serious water pollution, violating regulations. **C) Remove the plugs from the scuppers:** This is fundamentally wrong. The scuppers were plugged specifically to contain potential spills and prevent pollution. Removing the plugs would allow the spilled oil to flow directly overboard into the environment, causing a pollution incident. The plugs must remain in place until the cleanup is complete. **D) Sound the general alarm:** While informing personnel is necessary, sounding the *general alarm* (which signals an immediate, severe emergency requiring all hands to muster, such as fire, collision, or abandoning ship) is an overreaction for a small contained oil spill on deck. The engine room has already been informed (as per the question stem), and the appropriate next step is active mitigation (cleanup), not escalating the situation to a full-scale emergency response requiring the general alarm.