How do you execute 'Out oars' command?

• A. Lift the oars off the gunwales and place them in the rowlocks; the oars should be horizontal to the water with the blades feathered.
• B. Lower the oars into the rowlocks with blades vertical to the water.
• C. Place oars across the gunwale and secure with straps.
• D. Keep oars in the boat and wait for further instructions.

Answer: (D)

Out oars is a preparatory signal that means you should be ready to use the oars, but you wait for the next instruction before taking action. Keeping the oars in the boat and standing by ensures you’re coordinated with the crew and avoids deploying or handling the oars prematurely, which could create hazards or disrupt rescue operations. The other options describe actions that would be taken if you were instructed to deploy or row immediately, which isn’t implied by this command.