Question 2109 Deck Safety

The correct answer is B) off-center weight. Before counterflooding to correct a list, you must be sure the list is due to off-center weight distribution, not flooding, lack of reserve buoyancy, or negative metacentric height (GM). Counterflooding is a method to correct a list by intentionally flooding specific compartments to balance the off-center weight and restore the vessel's upright position. If the list is caused by factors other than off-center weight, counterflooding may not be the appropriate remedy and could potentially make the situation worse. The other options are incorrect because flooding, lack of reserve buoyancy, and negative GM are not the specific conditions that require counterflooding as the corrective action.