With regard to ballast system operations associated with a dry cargo ship, what is meant by the term "deballasting"?

Correct Answer: Option B — Ballasting is the operation associated with draining ballast tanks to compensate for loading cargo.

Deballasting is the removal of water from ballast tanks to adjust the vessel's draft and trim. As cargo is loaded, the vessel's weight increases; removing ballast water prevents the ship from exceeding its maximum load line and ensures the hull remains within safe stress limits for the intended voyage.