During a passage, the vessel takes on an unexpected quantity of water in a void space due to a minor leak, increasing draft slightly aft. What should the Master's assessment process include?

A. Nothing, provided the bilge pumps can keep up with the ingress rate

B. Assessing the source and rate of ingress, the effect of the added weight and its location on trim, stability (including any free surface effect in the flooded space) and remaining freeboard, deciding whether pumping alone is sufficient or whether the passage should be modified (e.g. proceed to nearest safe port), and recording the event

C. Only the Chief Engineer needs to be aware; it does not affect the Master's decision-making

D. Increasing speed to reach the destination faster regardless of the flooding

A. 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)

B. None — stability is fixed regardless of loading

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

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

A. 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

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

C. Only relevant if the vessel carries passengers

D. This only matters when the vessel is at anchor