The COASTAL DRILLER is elevated in 192 feet of water. Leg penetration is 83 feet. The maximum leg reaction is 5,940 kips. The waves are 30 feet and the current is 2 knots. What is the maximum wind for drilling?

Correct Answer: Option B — 50 knots

Operating manuals and stability booklets for mobile offshore drilling units like the COASTAL DRILLER require evaluating environmental criteria via specific operational charts. Entering leg penetration, water depth, and leg reaction against combined 30-foot waves and 2-knot currents yields a maximum permissible drilling wind speed of 50 knots.