The SS AMERICAN MARINER is ready to bunker with drafts of FWD 14'-04", AFT 18'-08". After all bunkers are on board, soundings indicate the tonnages shown in table ST-0176 below. Use the white pages of The Stability Data Reference Book to determine the free surface correction.

Correct Answer: Option C — 1.25 feet

Calculating the FSC involves summing the moments of inertia for all slack tanks. Using the provided ST-0176 table data, the total free surface moment divided by the vessel's displacement at the specified draft results in a total reduction of initial metacentric height (GM) of 1.25 feet.