The terminal indicates to you that they are going to use a booster pump to assist the discharging operation. You start the discharge, and in a few minutes the pressure drops sharply. This could be a result of the __________.

Correct Answer: Option D — booster pump coming on the line and discharging properly

When a shore-side booster pump starts and operates correctly, it actively draws cargo from the ship's discharge line. This suction action reduces the backpressure at the vessel's manifold, resulting in a sharp, expected drop in the ship's discharge pressure gauge.