Question 618 Deck Safety

The correct answer is D) sound the emergency alarm. The initial action in a grounding and flooding situation should be to sound the emergency alarm. This alerts the crew to the emergency and allows them to immediately respond by mustering, assessing the damage, and taking appropriate actions to control the flooding and stabilize the vessel. Sounding the alarm is a critical first step to coordinate the crew's response and ensure the safety of everyone on board. The other options are incorrect because they do not address the immediate need to alert the crew and initiate the emergency response procedures. Abandoning ship (A), pumping out ballast (B), or rigging for tow (C) should only be considered after the emergency has been properly communicated and the crew is prepared to take those actions.