On a vessel of 10,000 tons displacement, compute the reduction in metacentric height due to free surface in a hold having free water on tank tops. The hold is 50 feet long and 50 feet wide. What is the reduction in metacentric height?

Correct Answer: Option D — 1.5 feet

The free surface correction formula FSC = (l × b³) / (12 × Displacement) applied to a 50 ft by 50 ft tank area on a 10,000-ton vessel produces a virtual loss in transverse stability equal to 1.5 feet of metacentric height.