What should be done if a vessel becomes unstable during a voyage?

When a vessel becomes unstable during a voyage, the most effective response is to redistribute weight and use ballast. Stability is heavily influenced by the distribution of weight aboard the vessel; if weight is unevenly distributed or if external factors, such as waves and wind, cause a shift in the center of gravity, the vessel can become dangerously unstable.

By redistributing weight, such as moving cargo or equipment, the center of gravity can be moved closer to its original, more stable position. This helps maintain an optimal center of gravity relationship with the center of buoyancy, allowing the vessel to recover from heeling or pitching.

Additionally, the use of ballast—either by adding water to tanks or adjusting movable weights—can enhance stability by lowering the center of gravity further. This added weight can also increase the vessel's righting moment, which is essential for preventing capsizing.

Other options provided, such as increasing speed, contacting the Coast Guard, or doing nothing, do not directly address the cause of instability. Increasing speed may exacerbate the situation by increasing dynamic forces on an already unstable vessel. Contacting the Coast Guard may be necessary in extreme cases, but it does not resolve immediate stability concerns. Doing nothing is not a viable solution since it relies on hope