What should you do when a hole is suspected during grounding?

When a hole is suspected during grounding, the most appropriate initial action is to sound the bottom of the hole. This involves using appropriate sounding equipment to assess how deep the hole is and whether there is any water or other materials present that could indicate damage or potential flooding.

Understanding the depth and nature of the hole is critical because it provides essential information about the severity of the grounding incident. If there is flooding involved, this can have serious implications for vessel stability and structural integrity. Sounding the hole allows the crew to make informed decisions regarding immediate safety measures, required repairs, or possible evacuation of water.

The other options, while relevant to overall response strategies in grounding incidents, do not directly address the immediate concern of assessing the hole itself. Evaluating structural integrity and conducting a stability assessment are important steps but would typically follow the initial assessment through sounding. Checking the nearest shore may be necessary for planning a swift response or rescue but does not directly relate to the immediate action needed regarding a suspected hole.