MTC Marine Technician Safety & Environmental Practices 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under MARPOL Annex V, what is the default rule for garbage discharge in special areas such as the Antarctic?
- No discharge of any garbage is permitted (Correct answer)
- Food waste may be discharged beyond 12 nm
- Plastic may be discharged if ground to 25 mm
- All garbage may be discharged beyond 3 nm
Correct answer: No discharge of any garbage is permitted
In MARPOL Annex V special areas, no garbage of any kind may be discharged into the sea.
Question 2: A marine technician notices oil sheen on bilge water before pumping overboard. What is the correct action?
- Process through an approved oily water separator before discharge (Correct answer)
- Dilute with fresh water to reduce sheen and then discharge
- Discharge at night when visibility is low
- Report only if sheen exceeds one square meter
Correct answer: Process through an approved oily water separator before discharge
Oil-contaminated bilge water must be processed through an approved oily water separator (OWS) to meet the 15 ppm limit before any overboard discharge.
Question 3: Which label color indicates an NFPA 704 health hazard on a chemical storage placard?
- Blue (Correct answer)
- Red
- Yellow
- White
Correct answer: Blue
In the NFPA 704 diamond, the blue quadrant (left) represents health hazard on a 0–4 scale.
Question 4: When using a grinding wheel near a fuel tank, which control measure is MOST critical?
- Purging and certifying the tank gas-free before work begins (Correct answer)
- Wearing a face shield rated for grinding
- Using a 10-lb dry chemical extinguisher nearby
- Ensuring the work area is ventilated with one air change per hour
Correct answer: Purging and certifying the tank gas-free before work begins
Spark-generating work near any fuel tank requires the tank to be purged and declared gas-free by an approved tester to eliminate explosion risk.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Section 8?
- Exposure controls and personal protective equipment requirements (Correct answer)
- Physical and chemical properties of the substance
- First-aid measures for exposure
- Reactivity and stability information
Correct answer: Exposure controls and personal protective equipment requirements
SDS Section 8 covers exposure controls, occupational exposure limits, and required PPE for safe handling.
Question 6: Which class of USCG-approved fire extinguisher is required where Class B fires (flammable liquids) are the primary hazard in a marine engine room?
- B-I or B-II portable extinguisher (Correct answer)
- A-I water extinguisher
- C-I CO2 extinguisher rated for electrical only
- D-I dry powder for metal fires
Correct answer: B-I or B-II portable extinguisher
USCG regulations require B-I or B-II rated extinguishers in machinery spaces where flammable liquid fires are the dominant risk.
Question 7: A refrigerant leak test using an electronic halogen detector in an enclosed engine room requires the technician to first:
- Ventilate the space and check oxygen level before entry (Correct answer)
- Turn off all electrical equipment to prevent sparks
- Don a supplied-air respirator rated for refrigerant vapors
- Notify the USCG before testing begins
Correct answer: Ventilate the space and check oxygen level before entry
Enclosed spaces must be ventilated and oxygen levels verified (19.5–23.5%) to ensure safe breathing conditions before a technician enters.
MTC Marine Technician Safety & Environmental Practices 2
Under MARPOL Annex V, what is the default rule for garbage discharge in special areas such as the Antarctic?