Question 5098 Deck General

The correct answer is C) The drilling crew has dumped the mud. If the DEEP DRILLER experiences a sudden unexpected starboard and aft inclination while drilling with a loaded condition as shown in Sample Load Form Number 4 (Drilling), the most likely cause would be the drilling crew dumping the mud from the mud pits. Dumping the mud would suddenly change the vessel's center of gravity and stability, leading to the observed inclination. The other options are incorrect - mooring line failure, a broken drill string, or ballast tank equalization would not typically cause this sudden and unexpected list. The key is that the drilling operations, specifically the handling of the drilling mud, is the most probable cause of the sudden inclination.