Why is hot work on or near fuel tanks, cargo tanks, or pipelines treated as one of the highest-risk permit categories on board?

A. It is treated the same as any other routine maintenance task

B. The risk is mainly reputational rather than safety-related

C. It combines a guaranteed ignition source with proximity to flammable product, residue, or vapour, and shipboard fires/explosions from exactly this combination have caused multiple total losses and fatalities historically

D. This category of work is generally less regulated than deck maintenance

A. Any task lasting longer than 30 minutes

B. Only welding using electric arc equipment

C. Any work involving an open flame, welding, burning, grinding, or any process that produces sufficient heat or sparks to act as a source of ignition for flammable materials, gases, or vapours

D. Only work carried out inside a cargo tank

A. A clear radius of at least 10 metres (or as defined by the risk assessment for the specific task and materials), with all combustibles removed or adequately shielded

B. No clearance is needed if a fire extinguisher is present

C. Clearance is only relevant for work carried out in an engine room

D. 1 metre is always sufficient regardless of the work type