Question 19Safety & Environmental - Assistant Engineer

The correct answer is A) foam directed against the vessel's side. Foam is the best means of combating an oil fire on the surface of the water surrounding a vessel tied to the pier. Foam works by creating a blanket that smothers the fire and prevents oxygen from reaching the fuel source. Directing the foam against the vessel's side allows the foam to spread across the water surface and extinguish the fire. The other options are not as effective. Dry chemical would be difficult to apply effectively on the water surface. Water fog or solid water streams would not provide the same smothering effect as foam. Additionally, directing water directly into the fire could potentially spread the oil and make the fire worse.