What does air rushing out of a void or tank typically indicate?

Air rushing out of a void or tank typically indicates flooding. When a space that is designed to be watertight begins to take on water, it creates a vacuum, and the trapped air inside is forced out as the water level rises. This can be a clear and immediate sign that there is a breach in the hull or a failure of some compartmentalization feature designed to keep the water out. Recognizing this sound and the accompanying air pressure changes is crucial for damage control teams, as it signals an urgent need to address the flooding situation to prevent further damage or loss of stability in the vessel.

In contrast, normal operation does not involve any significant rushing of air, and unexplainable pressure levels may require further investigation but do not directly indicate flooding. System repairs may also be necessary if a failure is detected, but the immediate sign of air rushing out is more directly associated with flooding scenarios.