Cargo Handling and Operations Flashcards
7 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 7 Cargo Handling and Operations flashcards as text
What action must be taken before opening a cargo tank on a chemical tanker that previously held a toxic substance?
Answer: Confirm the atmosphere is safe using calibrated gas detection equipment
Before entry or opening of tanks containing toxic substances, the atmosphere must be tested with calibrated instruments to confirm safe oxygen and toxic gas levels.
What is the function of a 'P/V valve' (pressure/vacuum valve) on a tanker cargo tank?
Answer: To automatically regulate tank pressure within safe limits during loading and discharge
P/V valves automatically open to relieve excess pressure or vacuum in cargo tanks, protecting the tank structure while minimizing vapor release during normal operations.
On a product tanker, what is 'segregation' of cargoes primarily intended to prevent?
Answer: Contamination between incompatible or different grade cargoes
Cargo segregation prevents cross-contamination between different grades or incompatible products by maintaining separate piping systems, pumps, and tanks for each cargo.
During a ship-to-ship (STS) transfer, what is the critical first step before connecting cargo hoses?
Answer: Conduct a pre-transfer conference and complete a safety checklist
A pre-transfer conference ensures both vessels' officers agree on transfer rates, emergency procedures, communication signals, and safety arrangements before any connections are made.
What is the purpose of a 'drip tray' at the cargo manifold on a tanker?
Answer: To contain small spills and drips to prevent overboard pollution
Drip trays at manifolds capture small spills, leaks, or drips from connections, preventing hydrocarbon contamination of the sea and ensuring compliance with pollution prevention regulations.
When carrying heated cargo (such as heavy fuel oil), what risk must be carefully managed in the cargo tanks?
Answer: Thermal expansion causing overflow or excessive pressure
Heated cargoes expand as temperature increases; if tanks are loaded too full, thermal expansion can cause overflow or dangerous overpressure, so adequate ullage must be maintained.
What document records all cargo quantities, temperatures, densities, and ullages throughout a loading or discharge operation?
Answer: Ullage/sounding report (tank measurement report)
The ullage/sounding report (or tank measurement report) provides a systematic record of all tank measurements taken during cargo operations, forming the basis for cargo quantity calculations.