SUNBEAM's crew notice a small motorboat nearby, drifting with no engine noise, and someone aboard waving. What should the skipper do first?

A. Approach at full speed directly alongside the drifting boat

B. Assume they are just waving in a friendly way and carry on past without checking

C. Call the Coastguard immediately without first checking what the actual problem is

D. Sail or motor closer carefully to assess the situation — check if anyone is hurt, whether the boat is taking on water, and what kind of help they actually need, before deciding what to do next

A. Automatically agree to tow them without considering whether it is realistic or safe to do so

B. Refuse to help at all and leave immediately since no one is in immediate danger

C. Tow them at full sailing speed without checking whether the tow line and fittings can cope

D. Whether SUNBEAM is actually able to help safely — check the size and weight of the other boat compared to SUNBEAM, the sea conditions, and whether towing is realistic, or whether it would be better to simply stand by and call for proper assistance instead

A. Start towing immediately without explaining the plan to the other boat's crew at all

B. Use the thinnest, lightest line available to reduce drag on the towing boat

C. Use a strong line attached to a solid, well-secured point on each boat (such as a proper mooring cleat, not a flimsy fitting); keep the tow line reasonably short for close manoeuvring in a harbour, or longer in open water to absorb sudden snatch loads; brief both crews on the plan before starting

D. Tie the line to the nearest available rope clip or handle, regardless of how strong it looks