During your oral exam you are asked: your vessel receives a distress alert via DSC from another vessel approximately 15 nautical miles away, and you are the nearest vessel responding. What initial actions should you take as OOW?

A. Ignore the alert if your vessel's schedule would be significantly disrupted by diverting

B. Proceed toward the distress position at maximum speed without informing the Master, to save time

C. Wait for the Coastguard to issue specific instructions before taking any action, even if you are clearly the nearest vessel

D. Acknowledge the DSC alert appropriately, inform the Master immediately, plot the position of the distress and calculate a course and ETA to the scene, begin preparations consistent with rendering assistance (e.g. readying rescue equipment, briefing crew, reviewing relevant IAMSAR procedures for the type of assistance likely needed), and maintain a continuous listening watch on the distress frequency for further information or updates from other responding units/coordination

A. Nothing — a test lift can proceed immediately after repairs

B. Testing should wait until cargo operations begin

C. The area within the grab's swing radius should be cleared of personnel before the lift

D. Only the crane operator needs to be aware the lift is happening

A. Who must remain clear of the exclusion zone while the lift takes place

B. The lunch schedule for the deck team

C. Only the weather forecast for the next watch

D. The cargo manifest for the next port