Question 4745 Deck General

The correct answer is A) smaller GM. The term "tender" in the context of semisubmersibles refers to the vessel's stability characteristics. A semisubmersible that is more tender, like vessel "A", has a smaller metacentric height (GM) compared to the less tender vessel "B". The GM is a measure of a vessel's initial stability, and a smaller GM indicates the vessel is more prone to rolling motions, which is the definition of being more tender. The other options are incorrect because: B) a larger GZ (righting arm) would indicate greater stability, not tenderness; C) a smaller roll angle is a characteristic of a less tender vessel; and D) a lower KG (vertical center of gravity) would also indicate greater stability, not tenderness.