Tanker Familiarization Cargo Properties and Hazards Questions and Answers

Question 1

A cargo's Reid Vapour Pressure (RVP) is a standardized measure of what property?

Accepted Answer

Its volatility at a standard temperature of 100°F (37.8°C)

Answer

Its toxicity when inhaled at 100°F (37.8°C)

Answer

Its specific gravity compared to fresh water

Answer

Its corrosiveness to standard steel tank coatings

Question 2

A gas detector in a cargo tank reads a hydrocarbon concentration well above the Upper Flammable Limit (UFL). What is the primary hazard associated with this atmosphere?

Accepted Answer

The atmosphere is too rich to burn, but the introduction of air can bring it into the flammable range.

Answer

The atmosphere is in a prime condition for immediate explosion.

Answer

The atmosphere is inert and poses no fire or explosion risk under any circumstances.

Answer

The atmosphere is too lean to burn, and adding more hydrocarbon gas will make it explosive.

Question 3

What does the Threshold Limit Value - Time-Weighted Average (TLV-TWA) for a chemical cargo represent?

Accepted Answer

The average airborne concentration to which nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed over a lifetime without adverse effect.

Answer

The maximum concentration a worker can be exposed to for any 15-minute period without adverse effect.

Answer

The concentration that is immediately dangerous to life or health.

Answer

The absolute ceiling concentration that should never be exceeded, even for an instant.

Question 4

Which of the following cargoes presents a significant hazard due to its tendency to polymerize, a reaction that can be accelerated by heat and generate more heat in a dangerous feedback loop?

Accepted Answer

Styrene Monomer

Answer

Diesel Oil

Answer

Caustic Soda

Answer

Palm Oil

Question 5

During a pre-transfer conference, you are informed that the cargo to be loaded has a specific gravity of 1.05. What is the most important operational consideration based on this property in the event of a spill into the water?

Accepted Answer

The cargo is heavier than water and will sink, making containment and recovery difficult.

Answer

The cargo will float on the water, making it easy to contain with booms.

Answer

The cargo will dissolve completely in the water, posing a toxicity hazard.

Answer

The cargo will evaporate almost instantly upon contact with water.

Question 6

To minimize the hazard of static electricity generation when starting to load a static accumulator cargo into a non-inerted tank, what is the most critical operational procedure?

Accepted Answer

Introduce a small amount of water into the tank before loading begins.

Answer

Ensure all crew members are wearing synthetic fiber clothing.

Answer

Load at the maximum possible rate to finish the operation quickly.

Answer

Use a reduced, controlled loading rate until the tank bottom structure is submerged.