Question 148General Subjects - 1st Asst/Chief

The correct answer is C) The water level should be located in the upper section of the tank. The reasoning is that in a properly functioning oily-water separator, the water level should be maintained in the upper section of the tank. This allows the coalescer bed (item 9) to effectively remove oil and contaminants from the bilge water before it is discharged overboard. Maintaining the water level in the upper section ensures that the oil and contaminants can be effectively separated and contained, rather than being discharged along with the water. The other answer choices are incorrect because: A) The water level should not be in the lower section, as this would bypass the coalescer bed; B) The water level should be above the coalescer bed, not just slightly above it; and D) Some water level must be maintained in the tank for the separator to function properly.