Question 1228 Deck General

The correct answer is A) final topping off is occurring. During bunkering (the process of taking on fuel), the most critical time for potential accidental oil pollution is when the final topping off is occurring. This is because as the fuel tank nears capacity, there is an increased risk of overfilling and spilling fuel overboard. Regulations and best practices require strict monitoring and procedures during this final stage to prevent such spills. The other options are incorrect because: B) hoses being blown down is not the most critical time, C) the start of receiving fuel is less critical than the final topping off, and D) hoses being disconnected is less likely to cause a spill than the final topping off stage.