When the period of beam seas equals the natural rolling period of a vessel, what will most likely occur?
Official USCG Answer & Rule Citation
Correct Answer: Option C — Excessive rolling
Synchronous rolling occurs when the wave encounter period matches the vessel's natural rolling period. This resonance causes each successive wave to add energy to the roll, leading to excessive and dangerous angles of heel. This is a critical stability hazard that must be mitigated by changing course or speed.
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