Safety & Environmental Protection (Deck) USCG Question #2937 (Set 85)

GM cannot be used as an indicator of stability at all angles of inclination because __________.

Official USCG Answer & Rule Citation

Correct Answer: Option A — M is not fixed at large angles

The metacenter (M) is defined by the intersection of the vertical through the center of buoyancy at small angles of heel. As the angle of inclination increases, the shape of the underwater hull changes, causing the metacenter to shift. Therefore, GM is only a valid stability indicator for small angles of heel.

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