Which of the following guidelines is considered to reflect good design practices for shipboard steam heating systems?

Correct Answer: Option A — Provide a dirt pocket and strainer ahead of the steam trap on a unit heater return.

Steam traps are susceptible to fouling from pipe scale and sediment. Installing a dirt pocket and strainer upstream of the trap is a standard marine engineering practice to prevent debris from clogging the trap mechanism, ensuring reliable condensate removal and preventing water hammer or reduced heating capacity in unit heaters.