What action should be taken if a small leak develops while taking on cargo oil?

When a small leak develops while taking on cargo oil, the best action is to replace the hose. This is crucial because a leaking hose can lead to significant environmental hazards and safety risks. Continuing to use a compromised hose, even if the leak seems small, can worsen over time and result in a more severe spill, which can be disasterous both for the vessel and the marine environment.

Replacing the hose ensures that the system is secure and eliminates the risk of further leaks. It is essential to maintain the integrity of cargo systems to adhere to safety protocols and prevent potential incidents.

While other options may seem viable, they do not address the root issue effectively. For example, repairing a hose with a patch could be a temporary fix but does not ensure a long-term solution and may not hold under pressure or with the stress of moving cargo oil. Placing a drip pan and plugging scuppers can manage the immediate effects but does not rectify the problem of the leaking hose itself. Notifying the terminal superintendent is important for operational communication but must come after taking immediate action to mitigate the leak effectively. Therefore, replacing the hose is the best and safest course of action in this situation.