An acceptable method of temporarily sealing a crack formed in the hull of a vessel is to __________.

Correct Answer: Option D — apply a patch of sheet packing backed by a strong back or shoring

A patch consisting of sheet packing backed by a strong back or shoring is a standard temporary repair for hull cracks. This method effectively seals the breach and distributes the external hydrostatic pressure across a wider area of the hull, preventing the crack from propagating further under stress.