Question 2037 Deck Safety

The correct answer is A) metacenter. In small-angle stability, when external forces exist, the buoyant force is assumed to act vertically upwards through the center of buoyancy and through the metacenter. The metacenter is the point where the buoyant force intersects the vertical line passing through the center of gravity of the vessel. This relationship is a fundamental principle in the assessment of a vessel's stability. The other options are incorrect because: B) the center of gravity is not the point through which the buoyant force acts, C) the metacentric height is a measure of stability, not the point through which the buoyant force acts, and D) the center of flotation is the point on the waterline that divides the underwater portion of the vessel into two equal parts, and is not the point through which the buoyant force acts.