What should be maintained during a vessel's emergency situation according to the safety plan?

Maintaining frequent communication with the CVTS Traffic Center during a vessel's emergency situation is crucial for several reasons. The CVTS (Coast Vessel Traffic Services) Traffic Center plays a vital role in ensuring maritime safety and navigation efficiency. By keeping open lines of communication, the vessel can receive immediate assistance, share its emergency status, and gain access to real-time information regarding navigational aids, weather, potential hazards, and other vessels in the vicinity.

In emergencies, timely information is critical, as it allows for coordinated responses from various maritime authorities and can help divert other vessels away from potential dangers. This communication also ensures that rescue operations can be initiated quickly if needed. The importance of communication cannot be overstated, as it helps to not only manage the current emergency but also aids in preventing further incidents.

In contrast, options such as navigating through hazardous waters or maintaining silence on all radio channels do not align with best practices in emergency management. Navigating through hazardous waters without support increases risk, while silence on radio channels would inhibit effective coordination and assistance. Sending an automated distress signal, while important, is often part of an overall communication strategy that includes dialogue with traffic centers for optimal safety.