Regulations require that prior to departure on a three-day voyage, the steering gear, whistle, and communications system between the bridge and engine room must be tested prior to departure no earlier than __________.
• Pre-departure tests required by SOLAS and 46 CFR for steering gear, whistle, and bridge–engine room communications • The purpose of a time limit ("no earlier than") before departure for critical equipment tests • Difference between a functional pre-sailing test and routine maintenance done well in advance
• Ask yourself: Why would the regulations limit how long before departure these tests can be done? What could change if you wait too long after testing? • Which time option seems short enough to still be meaningful as a last-minute safety check, but also long enough to be practical on a busy ship before sailing? • Think about the seriousness of losing steering or communications shortly after departure. Would the law allow these tests to be done almost half a day before leaving?
• Verify in 46 CFR and SOLAS what systems must be checked immediately prior to departure for voyages over 24 hours. • Check which of the listed times is commonly associated with “pre-departure tests” rather than periodic or maintenance checks. • Make sure you distinguish between checks that must be done daily or regularly and the specific test required just before the ship leaves port.
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