Question 7 TK01 - Tank Vessel Assistant - Dangerous Liquids

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation for Option D (Cargo-holds):** 46 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations), specifically addressing vessels subject to Subchapter I (Cargo and Miscellaneous Vessels) and related regulations for stability and prevention of pollution, directs where sounding tubes for fuel oil tanks may be located. Historically, the intent of the regulation (and good engineering practice) is to allow sounding to be taken in locations that are protected, yet do not expose accommodation spaces or machinery spaces to the risk of fuel spillage during the sounding operation. Section 46 CFR § 32.30-20(a) states, in part, that sounding tubes "shall be led to accessible places, but not to tanks below the cargo-holds or to tanks in accommodations, where there would be danger of spillage in event of rupture or overflow." However, the regulation does permit lead pipes and access openings to be located in protected, non-accommodation areas, including weather decks, walkways, and, by common interpretation and practice on cargo vessels (where accommodations are often limited to the superstructure), access to the tube heads is frequently provided in spaces like sheltered passageways or, importantly, areas accessible from the main deck level or near hatch coamings, which might include protected areas within or accessed from the **cargo-holds** (or main cargo deck areas) provided they meet accessibility and protection requirements. Crucially, in the context of prohibiting accommodation spaces (A, B, C) and requiring non-accommodation/non-machinery locations that offer accessibility, a cargo-hold (or spaces immediately adjacent to the main cargo deck) represents a designated non-accommodation working area that satisfies the regulatory requirement of not being an accommodation space and typically allows for protected access. *(Note: While leading sounding tubes *into* the bottom of the cargo-hold area (a double bottom tank below the hold) is common, leading the access/opening itself *into* the physical cargo-hold space is acceptable, provided the opening is protected from cargo damage and meets all spillage prevention requirements, often achieved by placing the opening in a protected access trunk or coaming near the cargo area.)* **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **A) Laundries:** This is an accommodation/service space. 46 CFR strictly prohibits the location of fuel oil sounding tube access openings in accommodation spaces, including laundries, washrooms, galleys, etc., due to the danger of spillage, fire hazard, and contaminating areas where personnel frequent. * **B) Crew lounge:** This is a defined accommodation space. As stated above, sounding tube access openings are prohibited in accommodation spaces. * **C) Washrooms:** This is an accommodation/service space (sanitary space). Access openings are prohibited in these areas to prevent fuel spillage in areas of high human traffic and contamination risk.