Question 376 Deck General

The correct answer is B) prevent excessive longitudinal stresses. When loading a cargo of taconite, proper sequencing of loading by hatch number is necessary to prevent excessive longitudinal stresses on the vessel's structure. Taconite is a dense cargo, and if loaded improperly, it can create uneven weight distribution that can lead to excessive longitudinal stresses, potentially causing structural damage to the ship. Carefully planning the loading sequence by hatch number helps ensure the weight is distributed evenly, minimizing these stresses. The other options are incorrect because: A) controlling list is not the primary purpose of proper loading sequence, C) providing the proper trim can be achieved through careful loading, but is not the main reason, and D) preventing negative stability is more about the overall loading plan, not specifically the loading sequence by hatch.