The SS AMERICAN MARINER is ready to bunker with drafts of FWD 17'-05", AFT 19'-07". After all bunkers are on board, soundings indicate the tonnages shown in table ST-0175 below. Use the white pages of The Stability Data Reference Book to determine the free surface correction.

Correct Answer: Option D — 0.99 foot

The free surface effect reduces a vessel's initial transverse stability. By extracting the FSM values from the provided table for the SS AMERICAN MARINER and dividing by the displacement corresponding to the given drafts, the resulting virtual rise in the center of gravity is calculated as 0.99 feet.