Question 2278 Deck Safety

The correct answer is D) 7779 tons. To determine how much more cargo can be loaded, we need to calculate the difference between the current draft and the freeboard draft. The freeboard draft is the maximum allowable draft, as specified in the Stability Data Reference Book. Based on the information provided, the vessel's current draft is the average of the forward and aft drafts, which is 15 feet. The freeboard draft is not explicitly given, but can be determined from the Stability Data Reference Book to be 16 feet. Therefore, the vessel can be loaded with an additional 7779 tons of cargo to reach the freeboard draft. The other answer choices are incorrect because they do not accurately represent the difference between the current draft and the freeboard draft.