Question 2104 Deck Safety

The correct answer is C) weight that is off-center to starboard. A strong wind on the port beam creates a heeling moment that is similar to having weight off-center to the starboard side of the vessel. This off-center weight creates a righting arm that counteracts the heeling moment from the wind, affecting the vessel's stability in the same way. The other options are incorrect because: A) Increasing the draft would affect the vessel's displacement, not its stability. B) Reducing the freeboard would make the vessel more susceptible to capsizing, not increase stability. D) Increasing the trim would change the vessel's longitudinal stability, not the transverse stability affected by the wind.