Question 1882 Deck General

The correct answer is B) the bilge pump. According to the small passenger vessel regulations, when a vessel is required to have a power-driven fire pump, that same pump may also be used as the bilge pump. This allows for efficient use of the available power and equipment on the vessel. The fire pump can serve dual purposes, providing water for firefighting as well as removing water from the vessel's bilges as needed. The other options are incorrect because the fire pump cannot be used for the drinking water supply system (A), as that would require additional equipment and treatment to ensure the water is potable. Similarly, the fire pump cannot be used directly for engine cooling water (C), as that would have different temperature and flow requirements. Therefore, the correct answer is that the fire pump may be used for the bilge pump (B) on small passenger vessels.