Question 499 Deck General

The correct answer is A) initiate loading in conjunction with unloading at the hatch. The reasoning behind this is that when commencing cargo operations on a container ship, it is common practice to completely discharge one cell at a hatch down to the bottom of the ship before removing any containers from the adjoining cells. This allows the loading and unloading operations to be coordinated and balanced, ensuring the stability of the vessel is maintained throughout the cargo handling process. The other options are incorrect because B) improving stability is not the primary reason, C) providing access for longshoremen is not the main objective, and D) removing an existing list is not the reason for discharging one cell completely before moving to adjoining cells.