🔍 Key Concepts

• Crude oil washing (COW) requirements in 46 CFR and SOLAS – what conditions must be met before using a cargo tank as a wash source • The purpose of inert gas systems in cargo and source tanks during crude oil washing • Why regulations pay attention to the condition of the source tank (e.g., safety vs. product quality)

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: during COW, what is the main safety hazard with the source tank and how do regulations reduce that hazard? • Look at which options deal with flammability and explosion risk versus those that deal with cargo quality or past tank history. • Which choice describes a requirement that must be in place before you start pumping from the source tank to the washing machines?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which option clearly addresses fire and explosion safety in the source tank, not just cleanliness or cargo compatibility. • Check whether COW rules focus more on oxygen content and inerting or on how recently the tank was washed. • Confirm from COW/inert gas guidance that the source tank must be in a safely inerted condition before it is used for washing.