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Why might a ship's master choose to jettison the ship's cargo?
To reduce fuel consumption
To expedite the journey
For crew or vessel integrity and safety
To reduce product spoilage
The correct answer is: For crew or vessel integrity and safety
Jettisoning cargo is a significant decision that a ship's master may consider primarily to ensure the safety and integrity of the crew and the vessel. When faced with emergencies—such as severe weather conditions, flooding, or a fire—releasing some of the ship's cargo can enhance stability and buoyancy, making the vessel more manageable and safer to navigate. This action can prevent capsizing or sinking, which ultimately protects the lives of the crew members onboard. While the other options provide possible scenarios where jettisoning cargo might seem beneficial, they do not capture the primary and most pressing reason for such a drastic action. Reducing fuel consumption, expediting the journey, or minimizing product spoilage may be secondary considerations, but the immediate need for safety is the foremost concern in emergencies. Therefore, the decision to jettison cargo is grounded in the need to protect human life and maintain the operational integrity of the ship.