Question 2102 Deck Safety

The correct answer is C) the vessel's center of buoyancy shifts to the center of the vessel's underwater hull. When a vessel is inclined by an external force, the shape of the underwater hull remains the same (A is incorrect), but the vessel's center of buoyancy shifts to the center of the inclined underwater hull. This shift in the center of buoyancy causes the vessel to heel or list. The vessel's center of gravity does not shift to the center of the underwater hull (B is incorrect), and the mean draft of the vessel does not necessarily increase (D is incorrect). The concept of a vessel's center of buoyancy shifting when inclined is a fundamental principle of naval architecture and stability.