During desmoking operations, exhaust fans should be placed on which deck?

During desmoking operations, exhaust fans should be placed on which deck?

• A. Weather decks
• B. Main deck
• C. Upper deck
• D. Lower deck

Answer: (A)

During desmoking, the aim is to move smoke from affected spaces to the outside. Exhaust fans should be placed on weather decks because they provide a direct path to the open air, allowing smoke to vent overboard rather than recirculating through interior spaces. The weather deck’s exposure to atmosphere helps carry smoke away, reducing re-entry through intakes and preventing buildup in compartments. Placing exhaust on a lower or interior deck risks trapping smoke or pulling it back into the ship, while main or upper decks don’t guarantee a clean overboard exhaust path like the weather deck does.

During desmoking, the aim is to move smoke from affected spaces to the outside. Exhaust fans should be placed on weather decks because they provide a direct path to the open air, allowing smoke to vent overboard rather than recirculating through interior spaces. The weather deck’s exposure to atmosphere helps carry smoke away, reducing re-entry through intakes and preventing buildup in compartments. Placing exhaust on a lower or interior deck risks trapping smoke or pulling it back into the ship, while main or upper decks don’t guarantee a clean overboard exhaust path like the weather deck does.