Question 195Safety & Environmental - 1st Asst/Chief

The correct answer is B) reduce the loading rate when topping off. When topping off fuel oil tanks during bunkering, it is important to reduce the loading rate to avoid excessive pressures in the fuel oil filling system. This is because as the tanks become full, the air space in the tanks decreases, which can lead to a rapid rise in pressure if the loading rate is not decreased. Reducing the loading rate allows the system to accommodate the decreasing air space and maintain safe pressures. The other options, such as filling one tank at a time or closing valves quickly, do not address the issue of pressure buildup during the topping off process.