When are william fittings secured?

William fittings are secured during all material conditions of readiness to ensure the integrity and safety of the ship. Material conditions of readiness refer to the operational status of a vessel, indicating how prepared the crew is to respond to potential threats or emergencies such as flooding, fire, or combat. Securing the fittings during these times is crucial for preventing water ingress, which could compromise the ship's buoyancy and stability.

Choosing this answer highlights the importance of proactive damage control measures as part of normal operations, regardless of whether the ship is in a combat scenario or not. This practice helps maintain the readiness of the vessel and ensures that all systems are secure, thereby aiding in effective management of any emergency that may arise.

The other options do not align with the operational protocols of securing fittings as consistently as the correct choice does. For instance, indicating that securing fittings occurs only in wartime would overlook their necessity during peacetime operations when threats can still arise. Similarly, securing fittings at sunset or for managing vegetation growth is not relevant to the crucial task of maintaining a ship's readiness and security against water damage.