Question 2245 Deck General

The correct answer is C) Call the Coast Guard. The reasoning behind this is that under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, vessel operators are required to immediately notify the National Response Center (which is part of the U.S. Coast Guard) of any oil spill or discharge into U.S. waters. This is the first step the officer in charge must take, even before attempting to stop or contain the spill, as it allows the Coast Guard to coordinate the appropriate response and cleanup efforts. The other options, while potentially useful later, are not the immediate first step required by law.