Answer
If the ship grounds, my priorities are life → ship → environment → machinery/property.
Immediately, I will acknowledge the emergency, inform and coordinate with the Master, stop or operate propulsion only as specifically ordered, and avoid blindly reversing the engine because this can enlarge bottom damage, damage the propeller/rudder or worsen pollution.
I would immediately establish engine-room damage-control status: check bilges, double bottoms, fuel tanks, LO tanks, ballast tanks, cofferdams, sea-water system and machinery-space flooding. Take all tank soundings and compare them with pre-grounding figures. Any unexpected rise or fall suggests breach or inter-tank communication.
Then I would:
- check main engine, shafting, stern tube and thrust bearing for abnormal vibration, noise or displacement;
- check sea-chest suction pressure and strainers for mud/sand blockage;
- monitor cooling-water temperatures closely;
- inspect steering gear and report condition to bridge;
- isolate any damaged tank or piping;
- transfer fuel only after stability/stress implications are assessed with the Master;
- prepare bilge/ballast pumps and portable emergency pumps;
- establish boundary monitoring for flooding;
- check for oil leakage externally and internally;
- close unnecessary overboard discharges;
- prepare SOPEP/SMPEP pollution equipment;
- record tank levels, machinery parameters and events;
- preserve evidence and do not alter damaged equipment unnecessarily.
Do not attempt refloating simply by using main-engine power without assessing hull damage, stability, tide, ground reaction, underwater condition and approval/plan from the Master/company/salvage/class as appropriate.
After refloating, I would conduct another complete tank sounding, shaft/propulsion assessment and leakage check, and request underwater/class inspection where necessary before continuing voyage.