Which circumstance concerning an inspected passenger vessel would require knowledge and approval of the officer in charge, marine inspection?

• A. The installation of a new antenna
• B. The removal of a watertight bulkhead
• C. Changing the vessel's name
• D. Paint color change

Answer: (B)

Modifications that affect safety-critical systems or the structure of an inspected passenger vessel must be reviewed and approved by the officer in charge, marine inspection. Removing a watertight bulkhead directly changes subdivision and the vessel’s ability to limit flooding, which influences buoyancy, stability, and safety in a breach scenario. The subdivision arrangement is a fundamental safety feature, and any change to it requires formal approval to ensure the vessel still meets regulatory requirements.

Installing a new antenna is an equipment change and generally does not affect hull integrity or subdivision in a way that would require the marine inspector’s approval, though it must comply with applicable regulations for electrical safety and radio equipment. Changing the vessel’s name is an administrative task, and a paint color change is cosmetic; neither impacts safety or regulatory compliance in the same way as altering watertight subdivision.