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TASCO exit exam questions and answers — Set 4

Set 4 of the Advanced Training for Oil Tanker Cargo Operations (TASCO) exit exam bank — 30 of 181 questions, with the correct option marked and a one-line explanation for every one. Read it end to end, jump to a single set, or search it — then sit the same bank as a timed paper. The real DG Shipping exit exam is 30 marks with 15 to pass.

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Set 4 — 30 TASCO exit exam questions with answers

1. When did Annex VI take effect?

  • A. May 19, 2005
  • B. February 25, 1997
  • C. October 12, 1991
  • D. July 3, 2015
Answer: A — May 19, 2005
MARPOL Annex VI, which addresses air pollution from ships, including sulfur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions, officially entered into force on May 19, 2005.

2. The extent of MARPOL compliance is determined by:

  • A. Vessel flag, type and age
  • B. Vessel type, size and speed
  • C. Vessel type, size and age
  • D. Vessel type, size and crew
Answer: C — Vessel type, size and age
MARPOL requirements are stringent and evolve based on the vessel's specific type (e.g., oil tanker vs. general cargo), its size (deadweight/tonnage), and its age, as newer vessels must meet stricter construction and equipment standards.

3. MARPOL applies to:

  • A. tankers greater than 150GT and cargo ships greater than 400GT
  • B. applies to all ships, oil platforms, barges and private yachts and hydrofoils
  • C. applies to all ships, oil platforms, barges and private yachts and hovercrafts
  • D. applies to all ships, oil platforms, barges and private yachts
Answer: D — applies to all ships, oil platforms, barges and private yachts
MARPOL is a comprehensive convention that applies to all ships, including commercial vessels, private yachts, barges, and offshore platforms, to prevent pollution from operational and accidental causes.

4. When you have completed bunkering operations, the hoses should be ___________ .

  • A. steam cleaned and flushed with hot water
  • B. stowed with their ends open for venting
  • C. drained into drip pans or tanks
  • D. blown down with inert gas
Answer: C — drained into drip pans or tanks
After bunkering, hoses must be drained to prevent spillage from residual oil remaining in the line. Draining into drip trays or designated slop tanks ensures that the residual oil is contained and managed correctly.

5. What is the most important regulatory requirement for the master arriving at the lightering position?

  • A. Factors considered in designating lightering zones.
  • B. Lightering of Oil and Hazardous Material Cargoes Pre-arrival notices.
  • C. Reporting of incidents.
  • D. Designation of lightering zones.
Answer: B — Lightering of Oil and Hazardous Material Cargoes Pre-arrival notices.
Lightering involves transferring cargo between ships at sea. The Master must adhere to strict regulatory requirements regarding pre-arrival notices to ensure the operation is authorized, safe, and complies with environmental pollution prevention standards.

6. Most minor spills of oil products are caused by

  • A. equipment failure
  • B. major casualties
  • C. human error
  • D. unforeseeable circumstances
Answer: C — human error
Statistically, the majority of oil spills during routine shipboard operations occur due to human error, such as improper valve alignment, failing to monitor levels, or poor communication during liquid transfers.

7. Containment and Damage Control: identify which step is of the highest importance for personal protection?

  • A. Don required PPE as determined from the MSDS.
  • B. Shut off or otherwise stem the spill at the source.
  • C. Contain liquid material using barriers, such as absorbents, rags or other equipment suitable to dam the flow.
  • D. Fight fire (if any), being careful to use firefighting methods compatible with the material involved.
Answer: A — Don required PPE as determined from the MSDS.
Personnel safety is the paramount priority in any emergency response. According to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is the first step to prevent exposure to hazardous substances before attempting containment.

8. What is used to incinerate solid and liquid wastes arising from the operation of the ship?

  • A. ISM Screen
  • B. Oily water separation
  • C. Fire Sprinkler Cleaner
  • D. Incinerator
Answer: D — Incinerator
An incinerator is the designated shipboard equipment used for the controlled burning of solid and liquid wastes, as permitted under MARPOL Annex V and Annex VI, to reduce waste volume and manage shipboard garbage.

9. The Volatile Organic Compound (cargo vapor) Management Plan is required on what type of vessel?

  • A. Container vessels
  • B. Ro-ro vessels
  • C. Tank sensors
  • D. Crude Oil Carriers
Answer: D — Crude Oil Carriers
The Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Management Plan is mandatory for crude oil carriers, as these vessels handle cargoes that release significant amounts of VOCs, which must be managed to comply with environmental regulations.

10. Your vessel is carrying 24,000 barrels (3816 cubic metres) of oil for discharge. The cargo hoses have an inside diameter of eight inches. The container around the loading manifold must hold

  • A. four barrels
  • B. eight barrels
  • C. six barrels
  • D. three barrels
Answer: D — three barrels
Under industry standards, the containment capacity of the drip tray beneath the cargo manifold is sized based on the manifold size to ensure it can contain potential initial spills during connection/disconnection; for an 8-inch hose, this requirement is typically 3 barrels.

11. It is generally NOT allowed to clean up an oil spill by using ___________ .

  • A. boom
  • B. chemical agents
  • C. skimmers
  • D. suction equipment
Answer: B — chemical agents
Chemical agents, such as dispersants, are strictly regulated and generally not allowed for oil spill cleanup without specific approval, as they can cause deeper ecological damage or toxicity to the marine environment compared to mechanical recovery methods like booms and skimmers.

12. The total quantity of oil discharged at sea on new tankers must not exceed:

  • A. 1/15000 of the total quantity of that particular cargo of which the residue formed part
  • B. 1/30000 of the total quantity of that particular cargo of which the residue formed part
  • C. 1/25000 of the total quantity of that particular cargo of which the residue formed part
  • D. 1/2000 of the total quantity of that particular cargo of which the residue formed part
Answer: B — 1/30000 of the total quantity of that particular cargo of which the residue formed part
MARPOL regulations strictly limit the discharge of oil residues. For a new tanker, the total quantity of oil which may be discharged into the sea is restricted to no more than 1/30,000 of the total quantity of the particular cargo which the residue formed part.

13. A starting interlock in the ODME ensures

  • A. stops discharge of the oil effluent when the oil content exceeds 5 part per million
  • B. prevents malfunctioning of the system
  • C. that an alarm is given off when the system malfunctions
  • D. the monitoring equipment is fully operational before commencing the discharge of the oil effluent at sea
Answer: D — the monitoring equipment is fully operational before commencing the discharge of the oil effluent at sea
The starting interlock on an Oil Discharge Monitoring Equipment (ODME) system ensures that the system is fully calibrated and functional before any discharge begins, preventing accidental illegal discharge of oily water.

14. A gas venting system on a tanker that has gas lines in each tank connected to a common gas main running the full length of the ship is called:

  • A. gas-main system
  • B. An independent system
  • C. common-main system
  • D. vent-main system
Answer: C — common-main system
In a common-main system, multiple cargo tanks are connected to a single, shared gas main running the length of the ship, allowing for efficient venting or inerting of the cargo tank atmosphere.

15. The inert gas is delivered to the cargo tanks by an inert gas deck main line. Find the correct labelling for the deck equipment items.

  • A. 1-Cargo tank valves; 2- Pressure/Vacuum Valve; 3- Mast Riser; 4-Isolating Valve
  • B. 1-Pressure/Vacuum Valve; 2- Cargo tank valves; 3- Mast Riser; 4-Isolating Valve
  • C. 1-Mast Riser; 2-Isolating Valve; 3-Cargo tank valves; 4- Pressure/Vacuum Valve
  • D. 1-Isolating Valve; 2- Pressure/Vacuum Valve; 3- Mast Riser; 4-Cargo tank valves
Answer: A — 1-Cargo tank valves; 2- Pressure/Vacuum Valve; 3- Mast Riser; 4-Isolating Valve
The proper sequence for deck equipment in the IG distribution line is the cargo tank isolating valve, then the PV valve, followed by the mast riser and final isolating valves, ensuring pressure control and safety of the tank boundary.

16. Pneumatically Operating Valve; what is the most critical component for correct valve operation, based on your shipboard experience of running such a system?

  • A. Valve stem
  • B. The valve springs
  • C. The Diaphragm
  • D. Valve orifice
Answer: C — The Diaphragm
The diaphragm in a pneumatically operated valve is the most critical component, as it acts as the sealing/actuating mechanism; if it fails or ruptures, the valve loses its ability to respond to control signals or maintain its position.

17. Advantages of using inert gas, pick one that is the main reason for its application,

  • A. Reduces corrosion.
  • B. Voyage cleaning of tanks is unnecessary.
  • C. No explosive mixtures can form in the tank.
  • D. Reduces pumping time because of positive pressure in the tanks.
Answer: C — No explosive mixtures can form in the tank.
The primary objective of an Inert Gas System is to maintain the oxygen content within the cargo tanks below the level required for combustion, thereby preventing the formation of an explosive atmosphere.

18. The total capacity of the slop tank or tanks should be not less than what percentage of the oil-carrying capacity of the vessel?

  • A. 3%
  • B. 7%
  • C. 5%
  • D. 10%
Answer: A — 3%
MARPOL regulations specify that the slop tank capacity must be sufficient to hold the oily water generated during tank cleaning and cargo residue, which is set at a minimum of 3% of the ship's total oil-carrying capacity.

19. Acidic solutions are formed in cargo tanks of tankers

  • A. when sulphur compounds in oil cargoes react with hydrocarbon gas
  • B. when sulphur compounds in oil cargoes react with oxygen
  • C. when sulphur compounds in oil cargoes react with water
  • D. when sulphur compounds in oil cargoes react with chemicals
Answer: C — when sulphur compounds in oil cargoes react with water
When sulfur compounds inherent in crude oil react with moisture or water introduced into the cargo tanks, they form acidic solutions (like sulfuric acid), which significantly increase the rate of corrosion of the tank structure.

20. Tank level measurement of free water by gauging tape and plumb bob: find the labeling combination that is correct,

  • A. 1 Water Innage; 2-Water Cut; 3- Water Cut; 4- Water Ullage
  • B. 1- Water Cut; 2- Water Cut; 3- Water Innage; 4- Water Ullage
  • C. 1- Water Cut; 2- Water Innage; 3- Water Cut; 4- Water Ullage
  • D. 1- Water Cut; 2- Water Innage; 3- Water Ullage; 4- Water Cut
Answer: C — 1- Water Cut; 2- Water Innage; 3- Water Cut; 4- Water Ullage
Gauging terminology distinguishes between 'innage' (the depth of liquid) and 'cut' (the depth of a specific component like water at the bottom). Correct labeling of water cut and innage is essential for accurate cargo volume determination.

21. An inert gas generator burns what oil to generate inert gas?

  • A. Heavy oil
  • B. Diesel oil
  • C. Gas oil
  • D. Crude oil
Answer: C — Gas oil
Inert gas generators are designed to burn high-quality fuel, typically marine gas oil, to produce a clean, soot-free, and high-quality inert gas suitable for pumping into cargo tanks.

22. Back flow of inert gas is prevented by:

  • A. valve provided in the scrubber
  • B. The deck water seal
  • C. An isolating valve
  • D. The deck mechanical non-return valve
Answer: B — The deck water seal
The deck water seal is a mandatory safety device in the inert gas system that acts as a non-return barrier, preventing hazardous cargo gases from flowing back into the inert gas plant and engine room.

23. Tank coating requirements developed by IMO are applicable to

  • A. new crude oil tankers of 5000 GRT and above
  • B. new crude oil tankers of 5000 DWT and above
  • C. new crude oil tankers of 500 GRT and above
  • D. new crude oil tankers of 500 DWT and above
Answer: B — new crude oil tankers of 5000 DWT and above
IMO performance standards for protective coatings (PSPC) require that new crude oil tankers of 5,000 DWT and above are fitted with robust coating systems to prevent corrosion and structural degradation.

24. A deepwell pump is a type of ___________ .

  • A. centrifugal pump
  • B. gear pump
  • C. eductor
  • D. screw pump
Answer: A — centrifugal pump
A deepwell pump is a type of centrifugal pump mounted directly into the tank. This design eliminates long pipelines and allows for efficient stripping of cargo, commonly found on chemical and product tankers.

25. Bottom washing:

  • A. is not effective when carrying a small quantity of refined products
  • B. will remove heavy wax sediments at the tank bottom
  • C. is done to remove traces of the previous cargo
  • D. cannot be done with chemical solvents
Answer: C — is done to remove traces of the previous cargo
Bottom washing is a specific tank cleaning procedure focused on the lowest part of the tank to remove sediment and traces of the previous cargo, particularly important when switching to a different cargo grade.

26. An inert gas system is required to be fitted:

  • A. On crude oil tankers of above 20,000 tonnes deadweight
  • B. On chemical tankers of above 20,000 tonnes deadweight
  • C. On all tankers of above 20,000 tonnes deadweight
  • D. On product tankers of above 20,000 tonnes deadweight
Answer: A — On crude oil tankers of above 20,000 tonnes deadweight
Inert Gas Systems (IGS) are mandatory for crude oil tankers of 20,000 tonnes deadweight and above to ensure that cargo tank atmospheres remain non-flammable throughout the voyage and cargo operations.

27. Centrifugal pumps are otherwise known as

  • A. Hydro-dynamic pumps
  • B. Reciprocating pumps
  • C. Positive displacement pumps
  • D. Gravity pumps
Answer: A — Hydro-dynamic pumps
Centrifugal pumps are classified as hydro-dynamic pumps because they impart velocity energy to the fluid using a rotating impeller, which is then converted into pressure energy.

28. The ring main pipeline system is extensively used on:

  • A. VLCCs
  • B. Crude oil tankers
  • C. Product carriers
  • D. Medium range tankers
Answer: C — Product carriers
The ring main pipeline system is common on product carriers because it allows for multiple, simultaneous cargo segregations, enabling the vessel to load or discharge different products without risk of cross-contamination.

29. Class B fires are caused by

  • A. electricity
  • B. flammable gases
  • C. flammable liquids
  • D. combustible solids
Answer: C — flammable liquids
Class B fires involve flammable liquids (such as fuel oil, diesel, or lubricants). Effective firefighting for these fires typically requires foam, CO2, or dry chemical powder to smother the flames.

30. Use of Pressure-Vacuum (PV) Relief Valve; label the diagram correctly:

  • A. 1-Deck Isolating Valve; 2- IG Main; 3- Vent Main; 4- By-Pass Valve; 5- Tank Isolating Valve; 6- PV valve
  • B. 1-Deck Isolating Valve; 2- Vent Main; 3- IG Main; 4- By-Pass Valve; 5- PV valve; 6- Tank Isolating Valve
  • C. 1-IG Main; 2-Deck Isolating Valve; 3- Vent Main; 4- By-Pass Valve; 5- PV valve; 6- Tank Isolating Valve
  • D. 1-Deck Isolating Valve; 2- IG Main; 3- Vent Main; 4- By-Pass Valve; 5- PV valve; 6- Tank Isolating Valve
Answer: D — 1-Deck Isolating Valve; 2- IG Main; 3- Vent Main; 4- By-Pass Valve; 5- PV valve; 6- Tank Isolating Valve
The Pressure/Vacuum (PV) valve setup includes isolating valves and a bypass to allow for testing or maintenance.

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