When the height of the metacenter is less than the height of the center of gravity, a vessel has which type of stability?

Correct Answer: Option D — Negative

Negative stability occurs when the center of gravity (G) lies above the metacenter (M), creating a heel moment that capsizes the vessel. Under USCG stability principles, this condition generates an overturning moment rather than a righting moment, requiring immediate corrective action to prevent the vessel from turning over.