Question 4133 Deck General

The correct answer is D) the speed of the vessel through the water. The speed of the vessel through the water is the primary factor that influences the squat of a vessel in shallow water. Squat is the phenomenon where a vessel's draft increases as its speed through the water increases, due to the flow of water under the vessel. Higher speeds through the water create more pronounced squat effects, which can cause the vessel to ride lower in the water and increase the risk of grounding in shallow areas. The other factors, such as course over ground or through the water, have a less significant impact on squat compared to the vessel's speed through the water.