🔍 Key Concepts

• 46 CFR requirements for fuel oil tank vents, sounding tubes, and access openings on cargo vessels • Spaces that are generally considered safe vs. unsafe for possible fuel vapor accumulation • Regulatory intent to keep fuel system openings away from accommodation and service spaces

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: if a sounding tube or access opening leaked fuel or vapors, which type of space would pose the greatest risk to crew? • Think about where regulations usually allow flammable liquid systems to open—are they normally inside, or outside/across boundaries from accommodation spaces like lounges, laundries, and washrooms? • Consider whether the rules are more likely to specify particular allowed rooms or to prohibit all accommodation/service spaces for these openings.

✅ Before You Answer

• Check whether accommodation spaces (crew living or recreation areas) are allowed locations for fuel tank openings under 46 CFR • Verify if service spaces such as laundries and washrooms are treated similarly to accommodation spaces for fire and vapor hazards • Confirm whether the regulation explicitly allows these openings in any of the listed spaces, or if they must be located in dedicated/other spaces only