Before departure in forecast rough weather, what should be checked regarding items stowed on deck and in lockers (tenders, deck furniture, provisions, spare parts)?

A. All items should be checked and re-secured for the forecast conditions specifically — lashings, securing points and stowage that were adequate in calm weather may not be sufficient in heavy weather, and loose items can become dangerous projectiles or cause damage/injury

B. Nothing extra is needed if items were secure for the previous, calmer passage

C. Only cargo in the holds needs securing checks; deck items are the bosun's informal responsibility

D. Securing checks are only required for vessels carrying containerised cargo

A. Only the Chief Engineer needs to consider this, never the deck watchkeeper

B. None — stability is fixed regardless of loading

C. Increased displacement generally raises the centre of gravity if weight is added high up, and free surface effects in partially-filled tanks can reduce the effective metacentric height (GM)

D. Additional weight always improves stability regardless of where it is placed

A. This only matters when the vessel is at anchor

B. Negligible — watertight doors below the waterline are rarely closed anyway

C. Only relevant if the vessel carries passengers

D. Significant — a failed watertight closure compromises the subdivision the vessel's damage stability calculations rely on, potentially allowing progressive flooding between compartments in the event of damage