Which of the following steps should be taken, if possible, when the vessel must be abandoned because of a Distress situation?

Correct Answer: Option C — Place the SART and EPIRB in the "on" position and secure them to the survival craft.

When abandoning ship, survivors must manually switch on portable GMDSS equipment like EPIRBs and SARTs and secure them inside the survival craft. This guarantees immediate operational readiness and precise radar or satellite tracking by rescue forces.