The SS AMERICAN MARINER is ready to bunker with drafts of FWD 15'-05", AFT 21'-03". After all bunkers are on board, soundings indicate the tonnages shown in table ST-0174 below. Use the white pages of The Stability Data Reference Book to determine the free surface correction.

Correct Answer: Option B — 1.15 feet

Stability calculations require accounting for the virtual rise in the center of gravity caused by slack tanks. Using the Stability Data Reference Book, the sum of the free surface moments for the specified tank soundings divided by the vessel's displacement at the given draft yields a correction of 1.15 feet.