The COASTAL DRILLER is in transit at a draft of 10.0 feet. It loads 216.43 kips of weight aboard. What is the new draft?

Correct Answer: Option B — 10 feet 2 inches

Loading weight onto a floating structure increases draft proportionally based on its immersion factor (KPI). Adding 216.43 kips at a baseline draft of 10.0 feet increases the draft by calculated inches, resulting in a new draft of 10 feet 2 inches.