Question 55 TV01 - Towing Vessels - Oceans or Near Coastal

The Correct Answer is A ### Why Option A is Correct The requirement for portable fire extinguishers on inspected tank barges is governed by 46 CFR 35.30-20 (Fire extinguishing equipment, size and number required). The regulations require a minimum number of portable extinguishers based on the vessel's size and location. For tank barges under 1,000 gross tons (GT), the specific requirement for the cargo deck area is detailed in 46 CFR 35.30-20(a)(2): > "Two approved B-II portable fire extinguishers must be readily available for use on the cargo deck." Since the barge is 90 GT (under 1,000 GT), it requires **Two B-II** extinguishers available on the cargo deck. * **B-II Classification:** A B-II extinguisher is the traditional designation. * **Post-2017 Equivalent:** After 2017, the equivalent size of a B-II unit is a 40-B or 40-B:C extinguisher. Therefore, the requirement is "Two B-II or post 2017 Two 40-B extinguishers." *** ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect **B) One B-II and One B-V or post 2017 One 40-B:C and One 160-B extinguisher** This option mixes required sizes. A B-V (or 160-B) unit is a significantly larger extinguisher, often required in pump rooms of larger vessels or used as a non-portable unit, but it is not the standard minimum requirement (two B-IIs) for the cargo deck area of a small barge. **C) Three B-II or post 2017 Three 40-B:C extinguishers** Three B-II extinguishers are the minimum required for tank barges 1,000 gross tons and over (46 CFR 35.30-20(a)(1)). Since this barge is only 90 GT, three is an excessive minimum requirement. **D) None are required on this barge since it is unmanned** This is incorrect. An unmanned tank barge is an inspected vessel (Subchapter D) and must maintain all required safety equipment, especially when it is actively engaged in cargo transfer operations (during which personnel are necessarily present, even if they are shore-side personnel or a supervising tankerman). The required equipment must be on the barge itself.