Who should authorise a hot work permit aboard ship, and what must they personally verify before signing?

A. Any crew member who happens to be available at the time

B. A senior officer (commonly the Chief Officer or Chief Engineer, ultimately accountable to the Master), who must personally verify the location, isolations, atmosphere test results, and fire precautions — not simply countersign a form completed by someone else

C. No specific authorisation level is required for hot work, only a verbal mention to the duty officer

D. The contractor performing the work may self-authorise if time-pressed

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