The correct answer is D) secured to a permanent object on deck via a weak link. The sea painter, which is the line used to secure the liferaft to the vessel, should be secured to a permanent object on the deck via a weak link. This ensures that the liferaft can easily be released from the vessel in an emergency situation, allowing it to float away freely. The weak link prevents the liferaft from being pulled under by the sinking vessel. The other options are incorrect because: A) faking out the sea painter next to the liferaft case would not allow for easy release, B) having the sea painter free running on the deck could lead to entanglement, and C) stowing the sea painter near the raft, without a secure connection, would not ensure the liferaft can be readily deployed.