The SS AMERICAN MARINER is ready to bunker with drafts of FWD 11'-01", AFT 15'-01". After all bunkers are on board, soundings indicate the tonnages shown in table ST-0091 below. Use the white pages of The Stability Data Reference Book to determine the free surface correction.

Correct Answer: Option D — 0.73 foot

Free surface effect reduces the effective metacentric height. By identifying the tank soundings and referencing the stability data tables for the SS AMERICAN MARINER, the sum of the free surface moments is divided by the vessel's displacement to yield a free surface correction of 0.73 feet.