Question 4748 Deck General

The correct answer is D) KML less than KGL. The key to understanding this is the concept of "trim" - the difference in draft between the forward and aft ends of a vessel. A semisubmersible that "flops" between forward and aft trim angles indicates that its KML (transverse metacentric height) is less than its KGL (longitudinal metacentric height). This means the vessel is unstable in the longitudinal direction, which can cause the undesirable "flopping" behavior between trim angles. The other answer choices are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the stability issue causing the semisubmersible's trim instability. An off-center TCG, LCG greater than LCB, or KMT greater than KML would not necessarily lead to the described "flopping" behavior.