What action should be taken after discovering a small leak in the discharge hose?

When a small leak is discovered in the discharge hose, the most appropriate action is to replace the hose. This is crucial for maintaining safety and environmental standards. Continuing to pump cargo could lead to further damage or a larger spill, posing risks to both personnel and the surrounding environment. A damaged hose can compromise the integrity of the cargo transfer process, and the best practice is to ensure that all equipment used in transferring cargo is in excellent condition, particularly in the context of tankers where spills can have significant consequences.

While calling for assistance might be necessary in some scenarios, especially if the leak is larger or out of control, the immediate step remains to stop the operation and ensure that the hose is replaced. Resuming pumping right away is not safe, as it could exacerbate the leak. Starting to siphon the cargo would also not be a suitable option, as it does not address the immediate concern of a compromised discharge hose effectively. Thus, replacing the hose is crucial for safe operations and preventing potential environmental hazards.