Question 2073 Deck Safety

The correct answer is C) volume of displacement of the vessel. The effects of free surface on initial stability depend on the dimensions of the surface of the free liquids and the volume of displacement of the vessel. As the volume of displacement increases, the effect of free surface on stability becomes more pronounced, as the free surface can cause a shift in the vessel's center of gravity, reducing its initial stability. The other options, such as the volume of liquid in the tank (A) or the height of the center of gravity (B), are not directly related to the effects of free surface on initial stability. The location of the tank (D) may be a factor, but the primary consideration is the overall volume of displacement of the vessel.