While cranking out a quadrantal davit, slippage of the quadrant due to excessive wear or failure of the teeth in the quadrant will cause the __________.

Correct Answer: Option D — davit arm to pivot on the traveling nut and the head to fall outboard

On quadrantal davits, excessive wear or stripped teeth allow the davit arm to pivot uncontrollably on the traveling nut, causing the davit head to fall outboard prematurely. Regular inspection of mechanical components is mandatory under USCG vessel inspection regulations.