On offshore drilling units, the lifeboats' fuel tanks must be emptied and the fuel changed at least once every __________.

Correct Answer: Option A — 12 months

46 CFR 109.213 mandates that fuel tanks for lifeboats on MODUs be emptied and the fuel replaced at least annually. This requirement prevents fuel degradation, gumming, or water contamination, ensuring the lifeboat engine starts reliably during emergency drills or actual abandonment scenarios in harsh offshore environments.