You are scheduled to load 3700 tons of cargo, 45 tons of crew effects and stores and 427 tons of fuel. Use the blue pages of the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the vessel's mean draft in salt water.

Correct Answer: Option B — 17'-05"

Entering the total deadweight calculated from cargo, stores, and fuel into the salt water deadweight scale rather than fresh water accounts for higher fluid density, establishing the vessel's correct mean draft at 17'-05".