While steering by autopilot you notice that the vessel is deviating from the given course and there is no follow up with corrective rudder action to return to the proper heading. The emergency operating procedure should require you to immediately change operation from __________.

Correct Answer: Option D — "gyro" to "hand"

Immediate shift from gyro (autopilot) to hand steering is vital when autopilot failure occurs without rudder feedback, restoring direct manual control to the vessel's steering gear to prevent dangerous heading deviations in restricted waters or heavy traffic.