Final answer:
In the event of a potential collision or grounding at sea, immediate actions include maneuvering to avoid the collision, sounding alarms, and alerting nearby vessels. If the situation is life-threatening, deploying lifeboats and preparing to abandon ship may be necessary, following the captain's orders.
Step-by-step explanation:
The indications and responses for a collision and grounding at sea involve a series of actions taken to ensure the safety of the vessel and its passengers. Upon the threat of collision or grounding, the immediate response would be to maneuver to avoid collision, which may include altering the ship's course and speed to prevent impact. The ship's alarm should be sounded to alert and prepare the crew and passengers for potential impact. Additionally, the ship's horn can be used to alert nearby vessels of the impending danger and to signal distress.
In the event that collision or grounding is imminent or has occurred, and the situation is deemed to be life-threatening, deploying lifeboats and preparing to abandon ship may be necessary. This should only be done as a last resort and under the captain's orders, ensuring that the safety of all on board is prioritized. Throughout all these events, the captain's directives must be followed to coordinate an effective response to the emergency situation.