Your vessel is taking on cargo oil when a small leak develops in the hose. Before you resume pumping, you should?

In the scenario where a small leak develops in the hose while taking on cargo oil, the most appropriate action is to replace the hose. This action is crucial because a leaking hose poses a significant risk of environmental contamination, operational hazards, and potential safety concerns for personnel on board.

Using a new, undamaged hose ensures that the integrity of the cargo transfer process is maintained. A compromised hose can lead to larger leaks, spills, and serious accidents, which could have severe consequences, including environmental damage and legal liabilities.

While other options may seem practical, they do not address the fundamental issue of ensuring a proper and safe transfer of cargo oil. For instance, placing a drip pan or plugging scuppers, or even attempting to patch the hose, does not resolve the underlying problem of a faulty hose, which can still fail and leak further. Notifying the terminal superintendent is a critical action in many situations, but it should follow the immediate steps needed to mitigate risk, such as replacing the hose.

In summary, replacing the hose is the safest and most effective course of action to prevent leaks and ensure a successful and secure operation during cargo transfer.