The correct answer is C) When the hoist cable is payed out to a nearly empty drum condition or when the hoist block is raised to a maximum permissible height relative to the boom, the hoist pump shall be stroked to zero and the hoist winch brake set. This is correct because when the hoist cable is payed out to a nearly empty drum condition or the hoist block is raised to a maximum permissible height, the system is at its most vulnerable state. In this scenario, the hoist pump should be stroked to zero to stop the hoisting motion, and the hoist winch brake should be set to prevent uncontrolled lowering of the load. This safety measure is in place to prevent damage to the crane system and ensure the safe operation of the equipment. The other options are incorrect because they either call for the wrong control actions (leaving the hoist pump on stroke and the brake released) or apply the correct actions to the wrong crane conditions (when the boom is at its limits, rather than the hoist cable/block).