🔍 Key Concepts

• Inert gas system purpose – why tanks must be kept at positive pressure and low oxygen during cargo operations • Flammability range of hydrocarbon vapors – what happens if oxygen rises above the safe limit • SOLAS/Company cargo procedures – what they usually require when a critical safety system fails

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: if the system that keeps the tank non-flammable is not doing its job, what immediate risk does that create? • Consider whether it is acceptable to keep transferring cargo while you "wait" for conditions to improve, even at a slower rate or with more frequent checks. • Think about what the most conservative, safety-first action would be when a primary fire and explosion prevention barrier is lost.

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify what is required when a critical safety system (like inert gas) cannot meet required parameters (pressure and oxygen level). • Check whether temporary loss of positive pressure or oxygen control is treated the same as a full failure of the system in standard tanker procedures. • Confirm whether company/SOLAS guidance allows any normal cargo operation when oxygen may exceed 8% in cargo tanks.