A vessel runs aground on a falling tide in a remote area, with no immediate flooding. What should govern the decision on whether to attempt self-refloating versus requesting assistance?

A. Wait passively for the tide to refloat the vessel naturally, with no other action or communication

B. Always attempt to power off immediately at full astern, regardless of tidal state or hull condition

C. An assessment of the grounding's severity, the tidal state (rising vs falling), hull integrity, and the risk that attempting to power off could worsen damage or cause flooding — self-help should not be attempted if there is a real risk of making the situation worse, and assistance/advice should be sought in good time, not as a last resort

D. Request assistance only once it becomes clear the vessel cannot refloat on the next tide

A. Sound the alarm/muster the crew, attempt to locate and control the source of ingress while simultaneously broadcasting a Mayday with position, and prepare survival craft/PFDs in case the situation worsens — these run in parallel, not strictly sequentially, given the time pressure

B. Continue fishing operations while monitoring the water ingress, since stopping work risks the catch

C. Locate and fully stop the leak before considering any distress communication, however long that takes

D. Broadcast distress only once the vessel is confirmed to be sinking, not before

A. Position is optional if the vessel is fishing in a well-known, regularly used ground

B. Only the vessel's name is strictly necessary; other details can follow once help is on the way

C. MAYDAY (x3), vessel name/callsign, position, nature of distress/assistance required, number of persons on board, and any other relevant information (e.g. vessel description, immediate intentions)

D. The catch value and intended landing port, as this helps prioritise the response