The SS AMERICAN MARINER is ready to bunker with drafts of FWD 21'-04", AFT 26'-04". After all bunkers are on board, soundings indicate the tonnages shown in table ST-0170 below. Use the white pages of The Stability Data Reference Book to determine the free surface correction.

Correct Answer: Option A — 0.54 ft

Free surface correction is determined by the sum of the moments of inertia of the free surfaces divided by the vessel's displacement. Using the stability data tables for the SS AMERICAN MARINER at the specified bunker levels, the calculated correction for the free surface effect is 0.54 feet.