Question 2172 Deck Safety

The correct answer is D) GM. Subtracting KG (the distance from the center of gravity to the metacenter) from KM (the distance from the keel to the metacenter) yields GM, which is the metacentric height. GM is a critical value that determines a vessel's initial stability. A positive GM indicates the vessel is initially stable, while a negative GM indicates the vessel is initially unstable. The other options are incorrect because: A) BM is the distance from the center of buoyancy to the metacenter, B) KG is the distance from the keel to the center of gravity, and C) GZ is the righting arm, which is a different stability characteristic.