The DEEP DRILLER at a draft of 58.0 feet discharges 1,792.44 long tons of ballast. What is the new draft?

Correct Answer: Option B — 45 feet

Using the vessel's hydrostatic draft curves and waterplane area coefficients, discharging 1,792.44 long tons of ballast water reduces displacement correspondingly, shifting the operating waterline and changing the mean draft from 58.0 feet to the new draft of 45 feet.