When the weather began to deteriorate, the captain took the following actions to defend the ship:
He made the decision to reduce the boat’s speed.
He then lowered the storm jib.
He practised life-raft drill, and equipped oilskins and life jackets.
Final answer:
Hence, the steps taken by the captain:To protect the ship when rough weather began are reducing the boat’s speed lowering the storm jib, practising life-raft drill, and equipping oilskins and life jackets.