The DEEP DRILLER is loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #2 (Ballasting to Survival). What is the metacentric height corrected for longitudinal free surface effects if 100.76 long tons of ballast are added to Ballast Tank #8S to replace the discharge of all bulk materials?

Correct Answer: Option C — 7.72 feet

Longitudinal free surface effects alter trim and longitudinal metacentric height (GML). Adding ballast to Tank #8S while discharging bulk materials changes the moments of inertia of the free surfaces, resulting in a recalculated longitudinal stability value of 7.72 feet.