Question 1678Navigation General

The correct answer is C) estimated time of arrival promised to the customer. The reasoning is that when a piece of required safety equipment fails on a towing vessel, the safety of the vessel and crew must take priority over any schedule or delivery commitments to the customer. Factors like good seamanship, weather conditions, and the safety of the vessel and surrounding traffic must all be carefully considered before deciding whether to continue the voyage. However, the estimated time of arrival promised to the customer should not be a factor in this decision, as safety must come first. The other answer choices represent the proper considerations the owner or Master should make in this situation.