179. Your vessel is damaged, and there is no list or trim. The rolling period is short. The freeboard before the damage was 12'02″ (3.7 meters). It is now reduced to 3'00″ (1 meter). Which action would you take FIRST?

To regain freeboard in a damaged vessel with a short rolling period, immediately pump out an amidships centerline ballast tank to reduce weight symmetrically and avoid creating list or trim, as the ship's stiffness allows for a slight reduction in stability.