Question 1417 Deck Safety

The correct answer is A) sail parallel to the coast on the leeward side of land studying the terrain for possible sites. This is the correct procedure because it allows you to safely survey the coastline and identify the best location to beach your lifeboat. Sailing parallel to the coast on the leeward side provides protection from the wind and waves, making it easier to observe the terrain and identify potential landing sites. This method minimizes the risk of getting too close to the shore and encountering dangerous surf conditions. The other options are not recommended. Option B involves drifting landward and then rowing out, which could be risky in the surf zone. Option C of sailing on the windward side exposes the lifeboat to more hazardous conditions. Option D of making a series of maneuvers to advance and turn out is also less safe than the leeward side approach.