🔍 Key Concepts

• Tank barge construction types and how framing can be arranged relative to cargo tanks • Difference between independent tanks and tanks that form part of the hull structure • What double hull actually means in terms of outer shell, inner barrier, and framing location

💭 Think About

• For each choice, picture where the cargo tank plating is and where the outer shell plating is. In which design are these clearly separated with framing outside the actual cargo tank? • Think about whether the term usually refers to a hull arrangement (overall barge structure) or to a tank that stands alone inside another space. • Ask yourself: is the question focusing on having two complete hulls, or on how the framing and plating are arranged around one cargo tank? That distinction points strongly toward one option.

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which term in the choices is defined in U.S. regulations for tank barge construction—especially for tank and hull separation. • Check your understanding that an independent tank is normally a self-supporting tank not using the hull for strength, and see if that matches the description in the question. • Confirm what double hull specifically requires: two layers of side and bottom plating with a void or ballast space in between, and whether that alone describes the framing-outside arrangement mentioned.