Question 4676 Deck General

The correct answer is D) the surface area of the fluid in the tank. The free surface effect of a partially-filled tank in a floating MODU (Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit) increases with the surface area of the fluid in the tank. This is because the free surface effect, which can cause a reduction in the vessel's stability, is directly proportional to the surface area of the fluid. As the surface area increases, the free surface effect becomes more pronounced, leading to a greater potential for stability issues. The other answer choices are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the free surface effect. The displacement volume, draft, and height of the tank above the keel do not have a direct impact on the free surface effect in the same way as the surface area of the fluid.