On a vessel equipped with propulsion gas turbines, the operators initial response to a high vibration alarm should be which of the following?

Correct Answer: Option B — Reduce the engine speed.

High vibration in a gas turbine indicates potential mechanical failure, such as bearing damage or rotor imbalance. Reducing engine speed immediately lowers the centrifugal forces acting on the rotating assembly, minimizing the risk of catastrophic internal damage while allowing the operator to investigate the root cause of the alarm safely.