Before deballasting to survival draft in the event of predicted heavy weather, the DEEP DRILLER Operations Manual recommends that the mooring lines be slacked __________.

Correct Answer: Option B — 20 feet

Standard operating procedures for floating drilling units require slacking anchor mooring lines by 20 feet prior to deballasting into survival draft. This operational slack compensates for the upward vertical excursion and horizontal shift of the vessel as buoyancy decreases, preventing excessive line shock.