While the DEEP DRILLER is loaded as shown in Sample Form #4 (Drilling), casing is accidentally dropped over the port side. Because the tank sounding level and port forward inclination are rapidly increasing, you decide that tank 1P is damaged. Your best countermeasure is to __________.

Correct Answer: Option D — deballast from tank 2P

To counteract list and trim resulting from asymmetrical flooding in a damaged port tank (1P), the OIM or Master must immediately deballast from the opposing intact port or cross-connected tank (2P) to control heel and limit free surface effects.