The pilot boards and proposes a berthing approach that differs significantly from the Master/pilot exchange (MPX) plan discussed beforehand, without clearly explaining why. What should the Master do?

A. Accept the new plan without question since the pilot has local knowledge and authority over all manoeuvring decisions

B. Insist on the original MPX plan being followed exactly regardless of the pilot's reasoning

C. Query the change directly and ask the pilot to explain the reasoning before accepting it — the pilot brings essential local knowledge, but the Master retains overall responsibility for the vessel and must understand and be satisfied with the plan being followed, not simply defer without comprehension

D. Say nothing and monitor passively, since pilots are never required to explain their plan to the Master

A. Speak up immediately and clearly, stating the specific observed hazard — the presence of a pilot does not remove the bridge team's obligation to maintain independent monitoring and to challenge anything that appears unsafe, regardless of the pilot's experience or authority on the bridge

B. Wait for the Master to notice independently before raising any concern

C. Say nothing, since the pilot is in charge of conning the vessel and has ultimate authority over the navigation

D. Only raise the concern after the vessel has already entered the shallow water, to avoid questioning the pilot prematurely

A. Immediately stop all engine and rudder movement and wait for the tug to be reconnected before any further action

B. Continue the planned manoeuvre exactly as briefed, assuming the remaining tug and engines will automatically compensate

C. Reassess the vessel's controllability with the remaining tug(s)/own propulsion immediately, communicate clearly with the remaining tug(s) and the bridge team about the changed plan, and be prepared to abort or modify the manoeuvre (including using the anchor if appropriate) rather than continuing to rely on a plan that assumed a tug that is no longer connected

D. Only the tug master needs to be informed; no change to the ship's own conning is required