The COASTAL DRILLER is in transit at a draft of 10.5 feet. It discharges 216.43 kips of weight. What is the new draft?

Correct Answer: Option C — 10 feet 4 inches

Discharging weight from a floating unit decreases displacement, causing a corresponding rise in draft determined by the unit's Ton-Per-Inch or Kip-Per-Inch immersion factor. Discharging 216.43 kips at an initial 10.5-foot transit draft reduces the draft to 10 feet 4 inches.