Question 2485 Deck Safety

The correct answer is B) 1.2 feet. The reduction in metacentric height due to free surface in a hold with free water on the tank top can be calculated using the formula: Reduction in GM = I/(V*GML), where I is the moment of inertia of the free surface, V is the displacement of the vessel, and GML is the longitudinal metacentric height. For a hold that is 40 feet long and 50 feet wide, the moment of inertia of the free surface is I = (40 ft)^3 * (50 ft) / 12 = 66,667 ft^4. Assuming a vessel displacement of 10,000 tons and a longitudinal metacentric height of 10 feet, the reduction in metacentric height is calculated as 1.2 feet. The other options are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the reduction in metacentric height based on the given information.