Safety & Environmental Protection (Deck) USCG Question #3248 (Set 92)

Unstable equilibrium exists at small angles of inclination when __________.

Official USCG Answer & Rule Citation

Correct Answer: Option B — G is above M

Unstable equilibrium occurs when the center of gravity (G) is located above the metacenter (M). In this condition, any small heel creates a heeling moment rather than a righting moment, causing the vessel to list until it reaches a new angle of equilibrium or capsizes, violating safety standards.

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