Question 315General Subjects - 1st Asst/Chief

The correct answer is C) 1800 April 6th. According to the cargo and miscellaneous vessel regulations in 46 CFR, the steering gear must be tested within 12 hours prior to the vessel getting underway on a voyage exceeding 48 hours. Since the vessel is scheduled to depart at 0600 on April 7th, the earliest time the steering gear could be tested and be in compliance is 1800 on April 6th, which is 12 hours before the scheduled departure. The other options are incorrect because A) 0600 April 6th is more than 12 hours before departure, B) 1200 April 6th is less than 12 hours before departure, and D) 0000 April 7th is on the day of departure, which would not be within the 12-hour requirement.