While steering by autopilot you notice that the vessel has deviated 15 degrees from course and there is no corrective rudder being applied. As a standard operating procedure you should first __________.
Official USCG Answer & Rule Citation
Correct Answer: Option A — switch to hand steering
A significant uncorrected heading deviation while on autopilot indicates a potential control system failure. Standard marine practice mandates immediately switching to hand steering to regain positive manual control before troubleshooting.
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