Question 86Safety & Environmental - Assistant Engineer

The correct answer is B) the pump is sucking air. When discharging cargo, a gurgling noise from within the cargo tank indicates that the pump is sucking air, which can occur if the tank foot valve is not fully open or if there is a leak in the suction line. This allows air to be drawn into the pump, causing the characteristic gurgling sound. The other answer choices are incorrect because excessive pump discharge pressure, a partially clogged tank foot valve, or highly viscous cargo would not typically result in a gurgling noise from the tank.