You have completed stability calculations for your vessel prior to getting underway. Your vessel's GM is small but positive. Which of the following is true?

Correct Answer: Option D — the vessel will possess a long rolling period

A small but positive GM indicates a 'tender' vessel. Because the righting arm (GZ) is proportional to GM at small angles, a low GM results in a slow, sluggish righting moment. This manifests as a long rolling period, which is generally more comfortable for the crew but requires careful attention to stability.