Question 2170 Deck Safety

The correct answer is B) the metacentric height is calculated by subtracting KG from KM. The metacentric height (GM) is a measure of a vessel's initial stability and is calculated as the distance between the center of gravity (KG) and the metacenter (KM). The metacenter is the point where the buoyant force acts when the vessel is heeled. By subtracting KG from KM, you get the GM, which indicates how quickly the vessel will right itself when heeled. Option A is incorrect because the metacentric height can be positive, negative, or even zero depending on the vessel's loading condition. Option C is incorrect because the hydrostatic tables provide the KM value, not the GM. Option D is incorrect because the righting moment is calculated by multiplying the displacement by the GM, not the other way around.