Your vessel is damaged, and there is no list or trim. The rolling period is short. The freeboard before the damage was 12'02" (3.7 meters). It is now reduced to 3'00"(1 meter). Which action would you take FIRST?

Correct Answer: Option A — Pump out an amidships centerline ballast tank

A drastic reduction in freeboard from 12 feet to 3 feet dangerously compromises reserve buoyancy. Pumping out an amidships centerline ballast tank increases total displacement and restores vital freeboard without introducing list or altering trim.