On a vessel of 15,000 tons displacement, compute the reduction in metacentric height due to free surface in a hold having free water in the tank tops. The hold is 50 feet long and 60 feet wide. What is the reduction in metacentric height?

Correct Answer: Option D — 1.71 feet

Free surface correction (FSC) is calculated using the formula FSC = (l × b³) / (12 × Displacement) × (ρ_liquid / ρ_vessel). Substituting dimensions 50 ft length, 60 ft breadth, and 15,000 tons displacement yields a reduction in metacentric height (GM) of 1.71 feet.