Question 2002 Deck Safety

The correct answer is C) downward-acting weight force. Stability is determined principally by the location of the point of application of the upward-acting buoyant force and the downward-acting weight force. The weight force is the force exerted by the vessel's mass acting downward due to gravity. The location of this weight force in relation to the buoyant force is what determines the vessel's stability. The other options are incorrect because: A) environmental forces, such as wind and waves, are not the primary factors in determining stability; B) the downward-acting buoyant force is not the correct force to consider; and D) the upward-acting weight force does not exist, as weight always acts downward.