Exam Question

### (a) Weighted Cocks on Tank Sounding Pipes
The primary purpose of fitting weighted cocks on tank sounding pipes, particularly for fuel or lubricating oil tanks within machinery spaces, is **safety against fire and pollution**.
1. **Self-Closing Mechanism**: The cock is designed with a weighted handle that is not in balance. When an operator lets go of the handle, gravity pulls the weight down, rotating the plug and automatically closing the cock. This ensures the sounding pipe is sealed by default.
2. **Prevention of Overflow**: If a standard, non-weighted cock were inadvertently left open during a bunkering or transfer operation, a tank overflow would result in a direct, unimpeded spill of oil into the machinery space. This creates a severe fire hazard upon contact with hot surfaces and a major pollution risk if it enters the bilge system.