While a vessel is underway, one of the FIRST indications of the failure of the gland leakoff exhaust fan motor is __________.

Correct Answer: Option A — excessive steam leakage at the turbine glands

The gland leakoff exhaust fan maintains a slight negative pressure on the labyrinth seal leakoff lines. Failure of this fan immediately allows escaping steam to vent directly into the engine room around the turbine shafts, creating visible vapor plumes.