Which of the following defines the difference between the free floating displacement and the KB of a grounded vessel?

Correct Answer: Option D — grounding force

Grounding exerts an upward reaction force on the hull, effectively reducing the net upward buoyant force supported by the water. The difference between the vessel's initial free-floating displacement and its apparent floating displacement at the grounded drafts equals the total grounding force (or ground reaction) exerted by the seabed.