The USCG tank ship is self propelled and the tank barge is not self propelled.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Both are self-propelled
• D. Neither can move on its own

Answer: (A)

Self-propulsion is about having an integrated propulsion system to move the vessel under its own power. In USCG terms, a tank ship is a self-propelled vessel designed to carry liquid cargo in bulk and can move by itself. A tank barge is an unpowered hull used to carry liquid cargo and requires a tug or tow to move it. So the statement that the tank ship is self-propelled and the tank barge is not self-propelled is correct. In practice, a tank barge is typically pushed or pulled by a tug; if a barge had its own propulsion, it wouldn’t be considered a standard tank barge.