Question 3098 Deck General

The correct answer is B) notify the nearest Coast Guard Marine Safety or Marine Inspection Office as soon as possible. The reasoning is that under the regulations for passenger vessels, the master is required to notify the Coast Guard as soon as possible after any grounding incident, regardless of the extent of damage or injury. This is a standard reporting requirement to ensure the Coast Guard is informed of any incidents involving passenger vessels for safety and regulatory purposes. The other options are incorrect because they impose additional conditions, such as a minimum damage threshold or specific injury/fatality, before the Coast Guard must be notified. However, the regulations do not make these distinctions - the master must report the grounding incident to the Coast Guard promptly in all cases.