Question 2246 Deck Safety

The correct answer is D) 4.8 inches. To explain, the key is understanding the relationship between a vessel's draft and the density of the water it is floating in. When a vessel is loaded to its marks in saltwater (density 1.025), it will sit lower in the water compared to freshwater (density 1.000) due to the higher density of saltwater. The fresh water allowance of 8 inches indicates the maximum amount the vessel can be loaded below its marks in freshwater. In this case, the vessel is floating in water with a density of 1.010. To determine how far below the marks it can be loaded in saltwater (1.025 density), we need to calculate the difference in draft between the two water densities, which is 4.8 inches. The other answer choices are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect this relationship.