Question 4626 Deck General

The correct answer is B) 270 long tons. The reason is that the loss of 900 barrels of 16 pounds per gallon mud would result in a reduction in the weight of the drilling fluid, which needs to be compensated by taking on additional ballast to maintain the 60-foot draft. Assuming a density of 16 pounds per gallon, the loss of 900 barrels of mud would be equivalent to a weight reduction of approximately 270 long tons. Therefore, the DEEP DRILLER would need to take on 270 long tons of ballast to maintain the 60-foot draft. The other options are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the weight of the lost mud and the required ballast to compensate for it.