Question 2127 Deck Safety

The correct answer is C) cause the unit to flop to a greater angle. When a vessel experiences a sudden severe list or trim due to negative initial stability, counter-flooding into empty tanks can actually exacerbate the problem by causing the vessel to flop over to an even greater angle. This is because counter-flooding increases the free surface effect, which reduces the vessel's overall stability and righting ability. Rather than bringing the vessel back to an upright equilibrium, counter-flooding in this scenario would lead to a further loss of stability and a greater list or trim. The other answer choices are incorrect because: A) counter-flooding would not bring the vessel to an upright position in this case, B) it would decrease the righting moment, and D) it would decrease the righting arm, not increase it.