USCG Exam PracticeWatch duties, terminology, and instrumentation
During a boiler watch, the water level disappears from sight in the gauge glass. What is the correct immediate action?
- A. Open the feedwater regulator bypass valve fully to restore level as quickly as possible
- ✓ Secure the fires immediately rather than risk running the boiler dryCorrect
- C. Blow down the gauge glass to confirm the reading, then increase feed flow
- D. Notify the bridge to reduce speed so steam demand decreases and level recovers
Why B is correct
NAVEDTRA 14104 §4-2 explicitly states that if water level is ever lost from sight, the safe action is to secure the fires immediately rather than risk running the boiler dry. Attempting to restore level by increasing feed flow while fires remain lit risks a low-water casualty that can rupture tubes and destroy the boiler.
Cited:NAVEDTRA 14104 §4-2