Question 143Safety & Environmental - Assistant Engineer

The correct answer is D) remain constant. When a weight is transferred forward on a vessel, the draft at the center of flotation will remain constant. This is because the center of flotation, which is the point around which the vessel rotates when the weight distribution changes, does not change its position. The change in weight distribution will affect the vessel's trim (difference in draft between the forward and aft ends), but the draft at the center of flotation will stay the same. The other options are incorrect because A) the change in draft depends on the location of the longitudinal center of gravity (LCG), not just the weight transfer; B) the draft would not decrease, as the overall weight of the vessel has not changed; and C) the draft would not increase, as the weight has simply been redistributed.