While underway onboard a DC diesel electric drive ship, you notice excessive sparking of the brushes on the main propulsion motor. What should be your FIRST action?

Correct Answer: Option C — notify the bridge that you will need to slow down to reduce the electrical load

Excessive brush sparking on DC propulsion motors indicates severe commutation issues driven by high armature reaction or overload conditions. The immediate operational priority is notifying the bridge to reduce vessel speed and electrical load, protecting commutator bars and brushes.