Which of the following actions is required to maintain instrument currency after 12 months?

To maintain instrument currency after 12 months, a pilot is required to complete an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) with a certified instructor. This requirement ensures that pilots remain competent in flying under instrument flight rules and can handle the complexities of IFR operations, which may include a variety of scenarios such as navigating through busy airspace or managing unexpected situations while flying solely by reference to instruments.

An IPC involves a practical evaluation that tests a pilot’s skills across a range of tasks and maneuvers necessary for safe instrument flying. The certified instructor evaluates the pilot's ability to perform instrument approaches, navigation, and holding patterns according to current standards. This check provides an opportunity for feedback and targeted training to address any deficiencies before resuming IFR flight.

The other options mentioned do not satisfy the specific regulatory requirements for maintaining instrument currency. Activities like flying with a safety pilot, completing refresher training, or logging hours of instrument flight may be beneficial, but they do not replace the formal IPC mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).