Question 2480 Deck Safety

The correct answer is D) 7.25 feet. The reduction in GM (metacentric height) due to free surface before the water drains overboard can be calculated using the formula: Reduction in GM = (L x B^3 x W) / (12 x Δ^2), where L is the length of the flooded space, B is the breadth of the flooded space, W is the weight of the water, and Δ is the vessel's displacement. Plugging in the given values, we get: Reduction in GM = (54 x 31^3 x 51.5) / (12 x 477^2) = 7.25 feet. The other options are incorrect because they do not correctly apply the formula or use the provided values to calculate the reduction in GM.