What should you do if there is no life vest present under a passenger seat?

In a situation where a life vest is not present under a passenger seat, the appropriate action is to report it to the captain. This is crucial for several reasons. First, ensuring passenger safety is the highest priority in any emergency equipment scenario. The captain has the responsibility to maintain a safe environment on board and needs to be aware of any missing safety equipment to assess the overall readiness of the vessel.

Reporting the absence of a life vest allows the captain to take immediate corrective actions, which could include locating an alternative life vest, informing crew members about the issue, or addressing it during a safety briefing. Quick communication about safety equipment ensures that any potential issues can be resolved before they become problematic, especially in the event of an emergency where life vests are needed.

The other options would not be advisable for safety protocols. Ignoring the absence of vital safety equipment can lead to serious consequences. Assuming the vest is in a different compartment does not address the immediate concern or ensure accountability. Informing passengers could cause unnecessary panic without a solution, as the captain would need to be notified first to handle the situation effectively.