Question 553 Deck General

The correct answer is D) ship's sweat. Dunnage refers to the packing material used to protect cargo from loss or damage during transportation. Ship's sweat, which is the condensation that forms on a ship's interior surfaces, can potentially damage cargo if it is not properly insulated or protected. Dunnage is used to create air gaps and ventilation around the cargo, preventing it from coming into direct contact with the ship's surfaces and thus protecting it from the effects of ship's sweat. The other options are incorrect because: A) Tainting refers to the contamination of cargo by odors or flavors, which is not the primary purpose of using dunnage. B) Inherent vice refers to the natural tendency of a cargo to deteriorate or lose value over time, which is not directly related to the use of dunnage. C) Hygroscopic absorption refers to the cargo's ability to absorb moisture, which can also be addressed through the use of dunnage.