Tanker Familiarization Tanker Systems and Equipment 4

Question 1

What does 'vapor pressure' of a cargo determine in tanker operations?

Accepted Answer

The volatility of the cargo and the required venting arrangements

Answer

The structural pressure rating of the cargo tank

Answer

The operating speed of the cargo pump

Answer

The minimum ballast needed for the voyage

Question 2

On a gas tanker, what is the purpose of a reliquefaction plant?

Accepted Answer

To condense boil-off gas back into liquid cargo to minimize losses

Answer

To convert liquid gas into compressed gas for delivery ashore

Answer

To purify gas cargo before discharge

Answer

To heat the cargo for easier pumping in cold climates

Question 3

Which safety device automatically stops a cargo pump if the discharge pressure drops dangerously low?

Accepted Answer

Low-pressure auto-stop (deadman) switch

Answer

High-temperature shutdown switch

Answer

Overflow control valve

Answer

Emergency shutdown valve (ESD)

Question 4

What is the purpose of 'tank gauging' using a closed (restricted) system on a chemical tanker?

Accepted Answer

To measure cargo quantity without opening the tank and releasing vapors

Answer

To visually inspect the cargo color

Answer

To circulate cargo for homogeneity

Answer

To check for water bottoms in the tank

Question 5

A tanker's 'high-level alarm' on a cargo tank is set to activate at what approximate fill level?

Accepted Answer

95–98% of tank capacity

Answer

50% of tank capacity

Answer

75% of tank capacity

Answer

100% (completely full)

Question 6

What is the primary reason for heating certain cargo tanks on a tanker?

Accepted Answer

To prevent high-viscosity or high-pour-point cargoes from solidifying

Answer

To increase cargo volume for greater profit

Answer

To reduce the weight of the cargo for stability

Answer

To destroy biological contaminants in the cargo

Question 7

On a tanker, what does 'MFAG' stand for and how is it used?

Accepted Answer

Medical First Aid Guide — used to treat crew exposed to toxic cargo vapors

Answer

Marine Firefighting Advisory Guide — used for fire suppression planning

Answer

Mandatory Fuel Accounting Guide — used for bunker management

Answer

Maximum Flow Allowance Graph — used to set pump rates