Question 4430 Deck General

The correct answer is A) cap sounding tubes except when in use. Capping sounding tubes when not in use helps maintain a high state of readiness against the possibility of damage and subsequent flooding. This is because open sounding tubes can allow water to enter the vessel if a breach occurs, increasing the risk of flooding. Keeping the sounding tubes capped except when actively in use helps prevent this potential pathway for water ingress, which is an important safety measure for a vessel like the DEEP DRILLER. The other options are incorrect because they do not directly address the issue of maintaining watertight integrity. Posting a watch in the pump room (B) or keeping bilge pumps running continuously (C) may help respond to flooding, but do not prevent it. Keeping tanks no more than half filled (D) is not a proven method for maintaining readiness against flooding.