Question 1580 Deck General

The correct answer is C) shift bunkers forward. Excessive trim by the stern can be reduced by shifting the vessel's center of gravity forward. Shifting bunkers (fuel) from the after tanks to the forward tanks will accomplish this, as the fuel's weight is moved forward, reducing the trim by the stern. This is the most direct way to address the excessive stern trim without significantly changing the vessel's overall load. The other options are not as effective: A) adding ballast forward would increase the vessel's overall displacement, B) loading more cargo forward may not be feasible if the vessel is already fully loaded, and D) discharging cargo from the after tanks would reduce the vessel's overall stability.