Question 13General Subjects - Assistant Engineer

The correct answer is A) Adjusting the overall draft of the vessel or correcting a condition of list. The primary purpose of the double bottom ballast tanks on a dry cargo ship is to allow the crew to adjust the overall draft of the vessel or correct any condition of list (sideways tilt). By taking on or discharging ballast water in these tanks, the crew can change the vessel's displacement and center of gravity to achieve the desired draft and upright position. This helps ensure the ship remains stable and seaworthy throughout loading, transit, and unloading operations. The other answer choices are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the primary purpose of the double bottom ballast tanks. Adjusting trim, correcting sagging, and correcting hogging are secondary functions that may be achieved through ballast management, but are not the main purpose of these tanks.