Initial stability is controlled by the metacentric height, the distance between the center of gravity (G) and the metacenter (M). For small tilts, the righting moment is approximately GM times the sine of the heel angle, so the larger GM is, the stronger the vessel resists tipping. When the center of gravity is raised, GM decreases, weakening the righting arm and reducing initial stability. Improper weight distribution that places heavy items high on the vessel raises the center of gravity, which lowers GM and makes the ship less stable initially. Other scenarios either place weight lower (which lowers G, increasing GM and stability) or do not directly alter GM in the same way.

When a lifeboat is launched, you need equipment that keeps you mobile, visible, and connected to the ship. Two paddles give you a reliable means of propulsion if the engine isn’t available and provide redundancy in case one paddle is damaged. A light is essential for nighttime use, helping you see your surroundings and be seen by rescuers. A painter is the line used to secure the lifeboat to the ship, keeping it from drifting away and giving you a controlled connection during lowering and retrieval. Pendants are the short support lines used with the launching gear to secure and control the lifeboat as it is lowered and lowered back, ensuring safe operation of the launch system. Other items like a compass, a whistle, or a flare aren’t part of this basic minimum kit in this context. While signaling devices and navigational tools can be useful, the combination of two paddles, a light, a painter, and pendants directly covers propulsion, visibility, and securement—the essential functions needed for a lifeboat to be ready for use.

In a crossing between two power-driven vessels, the obligation to maneuver rests with the vessel that has the other vessel on its starboard side. That vessel must give way, taking early and substantial action to avoid collision—such as altering course, reducing speed, or both. The other vessel should otherwise maintain its course and speed, only changing if the situation demands. So the vessel that has the other vessel on its starboard side is the one responsible for taking action to avoid a collision.

The main idea here is that the person in command must ensure the crew is ready for emergencies. The master of the vessel has the primary responsibility for safety aboard, so they must organize, supervise, and carry out enough drills and instruction so every crew member knows exactly what to do in various situations and can perform their duties under pressure. This includes practicing emergency procedures, assigned tasks, and communication during events like fires, flooding, abandon ship, or a man overboard, tailored to the vessel’s equipment and operations. The master’s role is to establish and maintain a training program, verify that it meets regulatory requirements, and ensure familiarity across all crew, not just a subset of personnel. While other roles may assist with safety training, they do not carry the same overarching duty to guarantee every crew member understands their specific duties and can carry them out when needed. Passengers are not responsible for conducting drills or ensuring crew readiness.