Question 3228 Deck General

The correct answer is C) ballasted to survival draft. During heavy weather, the crew of a semisubmersible should be alert to repeated pounding of waves on the lower bracing. If this occurs, the unit should be ballasted down to a survival draft, which is the deepest draft at which the unit can safely operate in heavy seas. This helps reduce the stress on the structure and improves the unit's stability and seakeeping characteristics. The other options are incorrect - deballasting to a shallower draft (A) would increase the risk of the unit being damaged by wave action, and ballasting to a draft where the KG exceeds the maximum allowed (B) could compromise the unit's stability. Towing the unit in the trough of the waves (D) is not recommended, as this could also increase structural stresses.