Question 2064 Deck Safety

The correct answer is C) Loading cargo can decrease or increase the vertical center of gravity of the vessel. The reason this is correct is that the effect of loading cargo on the vessel's vertical center of gravity depends on the relative position of the cargo compared to the vessel's original center of gravity. If the cargo is loaded below the original center of gravity, it will lower the overall center of gravity. Conversely, if the cargo is loaded above the original center of gravity, it will raise the overall center of gravity. The other options are incorrect because A) is not always true, as loading cargo can affect the center of gravity, and B) and D) are too absolute, as the effect can be either an increase or decrease depending on the cargo placement.