Question 318Safety & Environmental - 1st Asst/Chief

The correct answer is D) along the bottom of any bulkhead. The reasoning is based on the principles of hydrostatic pressure. In a completely flooded compartment, the pressure exerted on the bulkhead will be greatest at the lowest point, which is along the bottom of the bulkhead. This is because the hydrostatic pressure increases linearly with depth, so the pressure is highest at the bottom of the compartment where the water depth is greatest. The other options are incorrect because the pressure is not evenly distributed across the bulkhead. Option A is incorrect because the pressure is not greatest at the vertical center. Option B is incorrect because the pressure is not one-third from the bottom, but rather increases linearly from top to bottom. Option C is incorrect because the pressure is not greatest along the top of the bulkhead.