Question 177Safety & Environmental - 1st Asst/Chief

The correct answer is B) stay in the immediate area. After launching the motor lifeboat, it is crucial to stay in the immediate area around the ship rather than drifting off in a random direction. This allows the lifeboat to maintain visibility and proximity to the sinking vessel, making it easier for rescue operations to locate and retrieve the crew. Going with the direction of the sea (A) or plotting a course for the nearest land (D) could take the lifeboat too far from the ship, reducing the chances of being rescued. Continuing in one direction until the fuel runs out (C) is also risky, as the lifeboat may drift away from the incident site and rescue efforts.