The correct answer is A) both falls at the same time even if the boat has not reached the water. On a lifeboat equipped with Rottmer-type releasing gear, turning the releasing lever releases both falls (the forward and aft lines that lower the lifeboat) simultaneously, even if the boat has not yet reached the water. This is a key safety feature of the Rottmer-type release mechanism, as it ensures the lifeboat is released from the davits in a controlled manner, regardless of whether the boat has touched the water or not. The other options are incorrect because: B) is not correct as the falls are released simultaneously, not only when the boat is waterborne; C) is not correct as both falls are released, not just the after fall; and D) is incorrect as the releasing lever does not just release the painter (the line that holds the lifeboat to the ship).