Question 1393 Deck Safety

The correct answer is A) check the bilge drain plug. If water is rising in the bilge of a lifeboat, the first step should be to check the bilge drain plug. This is because a loose or missing drain plug is the most likely cause of water accumulation in the bilge. Checking and securing the drain plug is a quick and easy way to stop the water from entering the lifeboat. The other options are not the correct first step. Checking for cracks in the hull (B) or shifting personnel to the stern (C) may be necessary if the drain plug issue cannot be resolved, but these should not be the initial actions taken. Abandoning the survival craft (D) should always be the last resort.