Question 279General Subjects - 1st Asst/Chief

The correct answer is B) 12 or fewer hours before departure. According to 46 CFR 125.110, for an offshore supply vessel (OSV) expected to be away from shore for at least 48 hours, the regulations require that the communication system between the pilothouse and the engine room be tested within 12 hours prior to the vessel's departure. This ensures that the critical communication link between the bridge and the engine room is verified and functioning properly before the vessel embarks on its extended offshore voyage. The other options are incorrect because A) 6 hours is too short of a timeframe, C) 24 hours is too long, and D) 48 hours is far too long to test the communications system before the vessel departs.