Question 173Safety & Environmental - Assistant Engineer

The correct answer is D) along the bottom of any bulkhead. In a completely flooded compartment, the greatest pressure will be exerted along the bottom of the bulkhead. This is because the pressure exerted by the water increases linearly with depth, as per the hydrostatic pressure equation. The pressure at the bottom of the bulkhead, which is the deepest point, will be the highest. The other options are incorrect because the pressure is not necessarily greatest at one-third from the bottom (A), at the vertical center (B), or along the top (C) of the bulkhead. The pressure distribution follows the hydrostatic pressure principle, with the maximum pressure occurring at the bottom of the compartment.