Following cargo loading operations, your vessel is experiencing an excessive at-sea hogging bending stress as shown in the illustration. What should you do to reduce the bending moment? See Illustration SF-0047

Correct Answer: Option B — Add ballast to an amidships tank.

Hogging stress is characterized by excessive buoyancy amidships and insufficient weight, causing the hull to bend upward. Adding ballast to amidships tanks increases the downward weight at the center of the vessel, which directly offsets the hogging moment and restores the hull to a more neutral bending state.