A vessel can be termed as either tender of stiff in relation to its rolling period. Which of the following would cause a vessel to be tender?

Correct Answer: Option D — the ship has been loaded with excessive weight in the upper decks

A tender vessel is characterized by a low GM, resulting in a long, slow rolling period. This condition is typically caused by loading excessive weight in the upper decks, which raises the vessel's center of gravity (G) closer to the metacenter (M), thereby reducing the righting arm and the overall stability.