Which sign might indicate a safety hazard during a vessel inspection?

Missing deck plates or lifelines indicates a safety hazard during a vessel inspection due to the essential roles these components play in maintaining the structural integrity and safety of the vessel. Deck plates are crucial for keeping decks secure and providing a safe walking surface. If they are missing, there is an increased risk of slips, trips, and falls, which can lead to serious injuries among crew members and inspectors alike.

Similarly, lifelines are important for preventing falls overboard and protecting personnel on deck, particularly in rough seas or during operational maneuvers. The absence of either of these safety features directly reflects a compromise in the vessel's overall safety systems. This makes it evident that the condition of the vessel is not up to the required safety standards, warranting further investigation and potentially serious corrective action.

In contrast, empty cargo holds, visible crew members, and minor rust on the hull, while they may warrant attention, do not typically indicate immediate safety hazards to the same extent as missing structural components like deck plates or lifelines.