Question 112Safety & Environmental - QMED

The correct answer is D) inerted. In order to safely operate a vessel's crude oil wash system, the cargo tanks must be inerted, meaning they must be filled with an inert gas such as nitrogen or flue gas. This creates an oxygen-deficient atmosphere inside the tanks, which prevents the risk of explosions or fires during the crude oil washing process. Inerting the tanks is a critical safety requirement specified in international regulations for the carriage of crude oil. The other answer choices are incorrect because: A) the tanks do not need to be gas-free, as the inert gas atmosphere is necessary; B) the tanks do not need to be full of cargo, as the crude oil washing process involves cleaning the tank walls; and C) the tanks do not need to be opened to the atmosphere, as the inert gas atmosphere must be maintained.