1344. A vessel is taking on water but is not in immediate danger of sinking. What would be the best action to take to increase the vessel's stability?

Reducing free surface minimizes the free-surface effect, which increases metacentric height and improves stability. Free surface effect occurs when liquids move within partially filled spaces, effectively raising the center of gravity and reducing stability. Therefore, eliminating or reducing free liquid surfaces improves stability by lowering the virtual rise of the center of gravity and increasing metacentric height.