MTC Marine Plumbing & Sanitation Systems 3

Question 1

What is a 'no-discharge zone' (NDZ) as it relates to marine sanitation regulations?

Accepted Answer

A designated body of water where any sewage discharge—including treated effluent—is prohibited

Answer

An area where all engine exhaust discharges are prohibited

Answer

A zone where bilge pump-out to open water is restricted to daylight hours

Answer

An area where ballast water discharge is regulated by the Coast Guard

Question 2

What is the purpose of a pressure-accumulator tank in a pressurized marine freshwater system?

Accepted Answer

To store air pressure that maintains water pressure and reduces constant pump cycling

Answer

To heat water for the galley and shower using engine waste heat

Answer

To filter and remove sediment from the onboard freshwater supply

Answer

To mix freshwater with raw water for the engine cooling system

Question 3

What type of pump is most commonly used in pressurized marine freshwater systems?

Accepted Answer

Diaphragm pump that is self-priming and pressure-sensitive

Answer

Centrifugal pump requiring a flooded inlet

Answer

Rotary vane pump with mechanical seals

Answer

Gear pump requiring continuous external lubrication

Question 4

When inspecting a marine head (toilet), what is a common cause of water continuously seeping into the bowl (phantom flushing)?

Accepted Answer

A worn or damaged joker valve failing to prevent backflow

Answer

A clogged or kinked discharge hose restricting outflow

Answer

A faulty seacock that is partially open on the discharge line

Answer

A blocked vent line causing pressure buildup in the system

Question 5

What is 'permeation' as it relates to marine sanitation hoses?

Accepted Answer

Sewage odors migrating through the hose wall itself even without visible leaks

Answer

Water leaking through a cracked hose fitting or connection

Answer

Biological slime growth developing inside hoses over time

Answer

Chemical degradation of the hose from engine heat or fuel exposure

Question 6

How must oil-contaminated bilge water be legally disposed of under U.S. environmental regulations?

Accepted Answer

Collect and dispose of at an approved marine waste collection or pump-out facility

Answer

Discharge overboard in open ocean water more than 3 miles from shore

Answer

Burn off the oil content using the vessel's exhaust system at sea

Answer

Dilute with seawater to below detectable levels before overboard discharge

Question 7

What is the function of a vented loop installed above the vessel's waterline in a raw water or sanitation line?

Accepted Answer

To prevent back-siphoning that could allow seawater to flood back into the engine or hull

Answer

To increase water pressure by creating a head differential

Answer

To filter raw water through an air gap before it enters the pump

Answer

To reduce exhaust back pressure by venting gases at the transom