Mixed Deck — All Tanker Familiarization Topics Flashcards
100 cards from real Tanker Familiarization practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 20 Mixed Deck — All Tanker Familiarization Topics flashcards as text
LPG carriers transport cargo such as propane and butane in what condition?
Answer: As compressed gas at high pressure or refrigerated liquid
LPG is carried either fully pressurized, semi-pressurized/semi-refrigerated, or fully refrigerated as a liquid to keep it in a manageable state.
A Panamax tanker is dimensionally constrained by:
Answer: The original locks of the Panama Canal
Panamax tankers are designed with maximum dimensions (approximately 294.1 m length, 32.3 m beam) to fit through the original Panama Canal locks.
What does the term 'ullage' refer to in cargo measurement?
Answer: The distance from the liquid surface to the top of the tank
Ullage is the empty space above the liquid in a tank, measured from the reference point at the top; cargo volume is calculated from ullage tables.
Which fire extinguishing agent is most appropriate for a Class B (flammable liquid) cargo fire on a tanker?
Answer: CO₂ or dry chemical powder or foam
Class B fires require agents that smother, cool, or interrupt combustion—CO₂, dry chemical, and foam are all effective and standard tanker firefighting agents.
What should be the first step when a tanker begins to take on water due to a hull breach?
Answer: Activate the bilge pumps to remove water
When a tanker begins to take on water due to a hull breach, the first critical step is to activate the bilge pumps to remove the ingress of water. This action helps control the flooding, maintain the vessel's stability, and reduce the risk of capsizing or further damage. It buys valuable time for the crew to assess the breach and implement damage control measures.
What is the primary purpose of an inert gas system on a tanker?
Answer: To prevent flammable mixtures from forming in cargo tanks
Inert gas systems replace oxygen in cargo tanks with non-flammable gas (typically flue gas or nitrogen) to prevent explosive mixtures from forming.
Which regulation requires chemical tankers carrying flammable cargoes to have an inert gas system or equivalent?
Answer: IBC Code Chapter 8
The IBC Code (International Bulk Chemical Code) Chapter 8 specifies cargo tank atmosphere control requirements including inerting for flammable liquid cargoes.
A tanker's inert gas system (IGS) is used primarily to prevent which hazard?
Answer: Explosive atmosphere in cargo tanks by maintaining oxygen below 8%
The IGS displaces oxygen in cargo tanks with inert gas to keep the oxygen level below 8%, preventing a flammable atmosphere.
In tanker cargo operations, what is the main objective of 'stripping' a cargo tank?
Answer: To remove the last remaining cargo residue after main pumps lose suction.
Stripping is the process of removing the final quantities of liquid cargo from a tank after the main cargo pumps can no longer effectively pump it out. This is done to maximize the amount of cargo discharged and minimize residues left in the tank.
A tanker is preparing for a voyage to the United States. In addition to MARPOL requirements, the vessel must comply with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA '90). What is a key requirement under OPA '90 for tankers?
Answer: The vessel must have an approved Vessel Response Plan (VRP) and a designated Qualified Individual (QI).
The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA '90) mandates that all tankers operating in U.S. waters must have a comprehensive Vessel Response Plan (VRP). This plan must detail response strategies for various spill scenarios, including a worst-case discharge. A critical component of the VRP is the designation of a Qualified Individual (QI) who has full authority to implement the plan and liaise with authorities.
What does a 'safety relief valve' on a tanker cargo tank do?
Answer: Automatically vents excess pressure to prevent tank structural failure
Safety relief valves open automatically when tank pressure exceeds a preset limit, protecting the tank structure from overpressure damage.
What is the purpose of 'line displacement' or 'pigging' of cargo lines before switching products?
Answer: Removing residual cargo from lines to prevent contamination of the next product
Line displacement or pigging clears cargo remaining in pipelines after pumping, preventing the residue from contaminating the next cargo or causing inaccurate quantity measurements.
An EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) on a tanker activates automatically when:
Answer: It is submerged in water to a depth of 1–4 meters
Hydrostatic release mechanisms activate EPIRBs automatically upon immersion at 1–4 meters depth, transmitting a distress signal even if the crew cannot manually activate it.
Which class of fire involves flammable liquids such as oil or fuel cargo on a tanker?
Answer: Class B
Class B fires involve flammable and combustible liquids, including petroleum products and other liquid cargo typical on tankers.
What is the safe working pressure limit concept known as MAWP in tanker operations?
Answer: Maximum Allowable Working Pressure — the upper pressure limit for cargo tanks and piping
MAWP is the maximum pressure at which a pressure vessel or piping system is designed to operate safely.
What is the purpose of a 'dead man alarm' system on a tanker's bridge watch?
Answer: To trigger an emergency signal if the officer on watch becomes incapacitated
A dead man alarm (Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System, BNWAS) alerts the crew if the watch officer fails to respond within a set interval, indicating possible incapacitation.
What is the 'flammable range' of a hydrocarbon-air mixture?
Answer: The concentration range between LEL and UEL where ignition and explosion can occur
The flammable range encompasses all vapor concentrations between the LEL and UEL where an ignition source could cause a fire or explosion.
Which type of fire suppression system is most commonly used in tanker cargo pump rooms?
Answer: CO2 or fixed foam system
Cargo pump rooms typically use CO2 or fixed foam systems because they effectively suppress hydrocarbon fires without damaging electrical equipment.
Which class of tanker typically requires the most stringent safety systems due to its highly flammable, low flash-point cargo?
Answer: LPG/LNG gas carriers
LPG and LNG carriers transport cryogenic or pressurized gases that are extremely flammable at ambient temperatures, requiring the most advanced containment and safety systems.
Before boarding a chemical tanker for the first time, crew members must complete which mandatory training per STCW?
Answer: Basic Training in Tanker Operations and Advanced Chemical Tanker Training (STCW A-V/1-2)
STCW Regulation V/1-2 requires documented basic and advanced training specific to chemical tankers before crew can work on such vessels.