Admit ballast water only to those tanks that are
designated for ballasting. Be sure the tanks are empty of
fuel oil before you add ballast. After you have used
water ballast in any tank, remove as much water as
possible before you fill it with fuel oil. Use the lower
level suction lines for that purpose.
If your ship suffers collision or battle damage, the
damage control aspects of the your job may suddenly
become vital. To make stability calculations, damage
control central must have accurate information on the
distribution of all liquids carried on board. To maintain
or improve stability, they may order the immediate
transfer of fuel oil, feedwater, or other liquids. If you are
the oil king during such an emergency, you will not have
time to learn your job or to catch up on details you may
have forgotten or overlooked. You must ALWAYS
know how much liquid is in all tanks and exactly how
the fuel oil or feedwater transfer systems must be lined
up to shift liquids from tank to tank.
6-11
