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

Correct Answer: Option D — deballast from tank 2S

Flooding in a side tank induces rapid list and trim changes. Deballasting from the symmetric opposite or adjacent intact tank, such as tank 2S, rapidly compensates for asymmetrical flooding moments and restores transverse stability without worsening the heel.