As Chief Engineer of a vessel of more than 1600 gross tons on an international voyage, you have just activated the CO2 release handle for the engine room to extinguish a fire. How would you direct the emergency team to reenter the engine room?

Correct Answer: Option B — Wait until there are no signs of smoke or heat, then, with the team dressed in fire fighting gear and SCBA, approach the engine room door. Crack the door open with a charged fire hose at the ready and advance, if no fire is detected.

Following a total flooding CO2 discharge, boundary cooling must continue while the space soaks. Reentry requires full firefighting gear and SCBA, approaching cautiously with a charged fire hose ready while slightly cracking the door to check for remaining heat or glowing embers.