USCG Exam PracticeFirefighting, damage control, and emergency response
According to the recommended emergency instructions for a small passenger vessel, what action should be taken with the bilges during a flooding emergency?
- A. Flood the bilges intentionally to lower the center of gravity and improve stability
- ✓ Keep bilges dry to prevent loss of stability, using power pump, hand pump, or bucketsCorrect
- C. Seal the bilge pump suctions to prevent backflow into the vessel
- D. Transfer bilge water to the highest tanks to reduce free surface effect
Why B is correct
46 CFR §185.512(a)(1)(ii) states that bilges must be kept dry to prevent loss of stability, using a power-driven bilge pump, hand pump, and buckets to dewater. Water accumulating in the bilges degrades vessel stability.
Cited:46 CFR §185.512