USCG Exam PracticeFirefighting, damage control, and emergency response
According to the recommended emergency instructions under 46 CFR §185.512, which action regarding bilge dewatering is specifically identified to help prevent loss of stability?
- A. Open all sea cocks to equalize pressure and reduce free-surface effect.
- ✓ Keep bilges dry using the power-driven bilge pump, hand pump, and buckets; align fire pumps to bilge service if possible.Correct
- C. Transfer ballast to the low side to counteract the free-surface effect of bilge water.
- D. Close all watertight doors and hatches before commencing dewatering operations.
Why B is correct
46 CFR §185.512(a)(1)(ii) and (iii) state that bilges must be kept dry to prevent loss of stability due to water accumulation, using the power-driven bilge pump, hand pump, and buckets, and that fire pumps should be aligned to bilge service if possible. Closing watertight doors is a separate flooding-prevention measure listed in §185.512(a)(1)(i).
Cited:46 CFR §185.512