Question 287Safety & Environmental - 1st Asst/Chief

The correct answer is B) change of trim. The difference between the initial trim of a vessel and the trim after a change in load has occurred is known as the change of trim. Trim refers to the longitudinal inclination of a vessel, measured by the difference in draft between the bow and stern. When the distribution of weight on a vessel changes, such as by loading or unloading cargo, the trim of the vessel will change accordingly. This change in trim is what is being referenced in the question. The other answer choices are incorrect because A) change of draft refers to the change in the overall depth of the vessel in the water, C) trim is the actual longitudinal inclination itself, and D) final trim is the resulting trim after the change, not the difference between the initial and final trims.