The COASTAL DRILLER's ability to meet the damage stability criteria depends on maintaining watertight integrity, displacement less than 14,158 kips, level attitude, and KGT and KGL less than __________.

Correct Answer: Option C — the maximum allowed

Compliance with damage stability standards under 46 CFR requires keeping vertical centers of gravity (KGT and KGL) at or below the maximum allowed curves in the stability booklet to ensure positive righting arms after hypothetical compartment flooding.