The COASTAL DRILLER, in transit during a severe storm while at a draft of 9 feet 6 inches, has a KGT of 39.1 feet and a KGL of 39.9 feet. The margin on the maximum allowable KG is __________.

Correct Answer: Option A — 2.6 feet

Calculating stability margins for mobile offshore drilling units requires comparing actual vertical center of gravity (KG) against maximum allowable limits derived from stability booklets. The mathematical difference between allowable KG and actual KGT yields the remaining 2.6-foot safety margin.