Question 215Safety & Environmental - 1st Asst/Chief

The correct answer is B) As much reserve buoyancy as possible. When a vessel experiences partial flooding, maintaining as much reserve buoyancy as possible is crucial. Reserve buoyancy refers to the vessel's ability to remain afloat even with compartments flooded. By preserving reserve buoyancy, the vessel is less likely to capsize or sink, which is the primary concern in a damaged and flooded condition. The other options, while potentially relevant in some situations, are not the most important factor in this scenario. A no list condition (A) and a neutral GM (C) are secondary considerations compared to maintaining reserve buoyancy. Transferring water to the opposite side of the damage (D) may help with stability, but it does not directly address the need to preserve the vessel's overall buoyancy.