While maneuvering up the East River your vessel runs aground. As the Chief Engineer of the vessel how would you proceed?

Correct Answer: Option A — Sound all fuel oil tanks and inspect the engine room bilges and void spaces.

Following a grounding, the Chief Engineer must immediately assess the integrity of the hull and machinery spaces. Sounding all fuel and ballast tanks is critical to detect potential hull breaches, while inspecting bilges and void spaces identifies water ingress, ensuring the vessel's stability and pollution risks are managed.