Question 1203 Deck General

The correct answer is D) start the cargo pump, then open sea suction valves. This is the correct procedure to prevent oil from escaping into the sea when ballasting through the cargo piping system. Starting the cargo pump first creates a negative pressure in the piping system, which helps prevent oil from being drawn out and spilling into the sea when the sea suction valves are opened. Opening the sea suction valves first could allow oil to be drawn out before the pump creates the necessary negative pressure, leading to an oil spill. The other options are incorrect because they do not follow the proper sequence of first starting the pump and then opening the sea suction valves, which is the key step to prevent oil from escaping.