While serving as Chief Engineer on a partially loaded container ship the vessel is involved in a collision. An empty starboard side wing tank becomes open to the sea and the ship takes a starboard list. After investigating the damage it is found that no other adjoining tanks are open to the sea. What action should be recommended to ensure the ship maintains an even keel position?

Correct Answer: Option B — Ballast a port wing and check the free surface effect for both damaged and intact tanks.

Ballasting the opposite side wing tank counteracts the list caused by the flooded starboard tank. It is critical to monitor free surface effects in both the damaged tank and the new ballast tank, as excessive free surface can dangerously reduce the vessel's remaining transverse stability.