USCG Exam PracticeWatch duties, terminology, and instrumentation
Before departing on a small commercial vessel, a crewmember checks the raw-water sea-strainer and finds it partially clogged with debris. According to pre-departure engine checks, what is the correct action?
- A. Depart and monitor the charge gauge for any drop below 13.5 V
- ✓ Clear the sea-strainer before getting underwayCorrect
- C. Log the condition and check it again after one hour underway
- D. Increase engine RPM to flush the strainer clear
Why B is correct
USCG Boatswain Manual Ch. 9 §9.2 lists a clear raw-water sea-strainer as a required pre-departure check. A partially clogged strainer restricts raw-water cooling flow and must be cleared prior to departure, not monitored underway.