Which of the following actions is specifically listed as a consideration after a collision?

• A. Ensure passengers and crew are accounted for
• B. Increase speed to break away
• C. Ignore potential flooding
• D. Continue normal operations

Answer: (A)

After a collision, the most important action is to ensure everyone on board is accounted for. This quick headcount lets you know if anyone is missing or injured and needs immediate assistance, guiding medical help, rescue, or evacuation as needed. Increasing speed to break away could worsen damage, destabilize the vessel, or put more people at risk. Ignoring potential flooding can allow water to enter more rapidly, threatening buoyancy and stability. Continuing normal operations ignores the emergency and can escalate danger. In practice, you would perform a clear roll call, assess injuries, summon help, and address any flooding while keeping the vessel secure.