Question 2142 Deck Safety

The correct answer is A) neutral stability. For small angles of inclination, if the KG (center of gravity) is equal to the KM (metacentric height), then the vessel would have neutral stability. This means the vessel would neither tend to return to the upright position nor tend to continue heeling over when a small external force is applied. The metacentric height (GM) is the distance between the center of gravity (G) and the metacenter (M), which determines the vessel's stability characteristics. When KG = KM, GM = 0, indicating neutral stability. The other options are incorrect because: B) Positive stability would require GM > 0, where KG < KM. C) Maximum stability would occur when GM is at its greatest, not when KG = KM. D) Negative stability would require GM < 0, where KG > KM.