CMC - Certified Marine Chemist Regulatory Compliance and Standards Questions and Answers

Question 1

A Marine Chemist issues a certificate for a vessel's cargo tank which includes specific requirements for continuous mechanical ventilation.
Two days later, the shipyard experiences a power failure, disabling the required ventilation.
According to NFPA 306, what is the immediate status of the Marine Chemist's certificate for that tank?

Accepted Answer

It is automatically rendered invalid.

Answer

It remains valid for 24 hours to allow for power restoration.

Answer

It converts to a 'Safe for Entry' certificate only.

Answer

It must be re-signed by the Shipyard Competent Person to remain active.

Question 2

A vessel's fuel oil purifier has been removed and taken to a land-side machine shop within the shipyard's boundaries for welding repairs. Which standard(s) contain the primary governing requirements that a Marine Chemist must follow to certify the part as safe for hot work?

Accepted Answer

NFPA 306, as it applies to vessels and land-side spaces within a shipyard or waterfront facility.

Answer

OSHA 29 CFR 1910 only, as it is now in a general industry setting.

Answer

USCG 46 CFR Subchapter F, as it is a part from a regulated vessel.

Answer

NFPA 51B only, as it is the primary standard for welding and cutting.

Question 3

According to NFPA 306, what are the requirements for the calibration of test instruments used by a Marine Chemist?

Accepted Answer

The accuracy of the instruments shall be verified or calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Answer

Calibration must be performed by an external laboratory annually.

Answer

A functional test (bump test) is required before each day's use, with full calibration performed semi-annually.

Answer

Instruments must be calibrated monthly, and records must be kept for 1 year.

Question 4

A vessel is being prepared for a long-term 'cold' lay-up. According to NFPA 312, which is referenced by NFPA 306 for this activity, what is the general requirement for the vessel's cargo tanks that previously held flammable liquids?

Accepted Answer

Tanks must be kept gas-free.

Answer

Tanks must be filled with water and a corrosion inhibitor.

Answer

Tanks must be inerted to below 5% oxygen for the duration of the lay-up.

Answer

Tanks must be certified 'Safe for Hot Work' prior to being secured.

Question 5

A Marine Chemist is certifying a refrigerated hold on a fishing vessel for entry. The refrigeration system utilizes ammonia (NH3). Which value represents the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) that the chemist must test for?

Accepted Answer

50 ppm

Answer

10 ppm

Answer

100 ppm

Answer

35 ppm

Question 6

Under OSHA 29 CFR 1915, what is the minimum period that a shipyard employer must retain a Marine Chemist's certificate after the completion of the work it pertains to?

Accepted Answer

For 3 months.

Answer

For the duration of the employee's employment plus 30 years.

Answer

For 5 years.

Answer

Until the vessel leaves the facility or for 30 days, whichever is longer.