Question 3372 Deck General

The correct answer is B) environmental forces. When a MODU (Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit) is afloat in equilibrium, the horizontal component of mooring line tensions should equal the environmental forces acting on the unit, such as wind, waves, and currents. This ensures that the MODU remains stable and in a fixed position despite the external environmental forces. The other options are incorrect because: A) Drilling forces are vertical forces generated by the drilling operations, not horizontal forces. C) Weight forces are also vertical forces, not the horizontal forces that need to be balanced by the mooring lines. D) Buoyancy forces are primarily vertical forces that support the MODU's weight, not the horizontal environmental forces.