Your vessel is damaged and on an even keel. There is no trim. The freeboard is reduced to less than 1 foot. The rolling period is very long, and the vessel is sluggish in returning from a roll. Which action would you take FIRST to improve stability?

Correct Answer: Option A — In calm seas lower the lifeboats to the water and keep them alongside.

Critical freeboard reduction below one foot creates extreme vulnerability to downflooding. Lowering lifeboats to the water in calm seas provides immediate hanging support and buoyancy assistance, mitigating imminent capsinking risks prior to performing internal stability adjustments.