In the Puget Sound Harbor Safety Plan, what must be prepared if a vessel shuts down its engine?

In the context of the Puget Sound Harbor Safety Plan, if a vessel shuts down its engine, the appropriate action is to prepare to anchor or moor. This is based on maritime safety protocol, which prioritizes maintaining the vessel's stability and safety in the water. Even when an engine failure occurs, it is critical for the crew to take immediate action to prevent drifting or collision with other vessels or structures, which can be managed by anchoring or mooring the vessel in a secure location.

Preparing to sail would not be feasible without propulsion, while returning to port is not always immediately possible depending on the vessel's location and conditions. Sending distress signals may be necessary in certain situations, but it primarily informs other parties of a situation rather than serves as an immediate response to engine shutdown. Therefore, anchoring or mooring directly addresses the requirement to stabilize the vessel until further action can be assessed.