Question 240Safety & Environmental - 1st Asst/Chief

The correct answer is C) allow entering ballast to displace the inert gas to a tank where cargo is currently being discharged. This method helps prevent the unnecessary release of hydrocarbons to the atmosphere when taking on departure ballast. By allowing the entering ballast to displace the inert gas to a tank where cargo is currently being discharged, the inert gas can be contained and handled properly, rather than being vented directly to the atmosphere. This is a common practice to minimize hydrocarbon emissions during ballast operations. The other options are incorrect because: A) using blowers to purge the inert gas would release it directly to the atmosphere, B) completely opening the mast riser valve would also release the inert gas to the atmosphere, and D) manually opening the pressure/vacuum device would not necessarily contain the inert gas during ballast operations.