Question 4604 Deck General

The correct answer is B) 1.25 feet. The key to solving this problem is understanding how the transverse free surface correction (FSCT) changes when the MODU's displacement changes due to deballasting. The FSCT is directly proportional to the free surface moment (FSMT) and inversely proportional to the MODU's displacement. When the MODU is deballasted by 8,000 long tons, its displacement decreases by that amount. Since the FSMT decreases by 4,000 ft-long tons, the new FSCT can be calculated as 1.0 foot x (24,000 - 8,000) / 24,000 = 1.25 feet. The other options are incorrect because they do not correctly account for the change in displacement and FSMT.