A segregated-ballast system consists of which components?

A segregated-ballast system is designed to carry seawater as ballast in dedicated tanks that are separate from the cargo tanks. This system typically includes several key components: tanks, pumps, piping, and a sea chest.

The tanks are essential for holding the seawater that acts as ballast. Pumps are necessary to circulate the water, allowing for the filling and emptying of the ballast tanks as needed to maintain stability and trim while the vessel is underway. The piping connects these tanks to the pumps and facilitates the movement of the ballast water. The sea chest is a critical component that serves as an intake point for seawater, allowing the ballast system to draw in and expel water as required.

Including just tanks and pumps would overlook the necessary piping that connects these components, as well as the sea chest that provides access to seawater. Other options exclude necessary elements or combine components insufficiently, failing to depict the comprehensive nature of a segregated-ballast system. Therefore, the inclusion of all four components in the correct answer reflects the complete operational structure of a segregated-ballast system.