Reserve buoyancy is the __________.

Official USCG Answer & Rule Citation

Correct Answer: Option B — volume of intact space above the waterline

Reserve buoyancy is defined as the volume of the watertight portion of the ship above the waterline. It represents the potential buoyancy available to keep the vessel afloat if the hull is damaged or if the vessel experiences increased loading, serving as a critical safety margin for intact stability.

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