Your vessel's drafts are: FWD 14'-04", AFT 12'-08". How much more cargo can be loaded to have the vessel down to the freeboard draft? (Use the information in Section 1, the blue pages, of the Stability Data Reference Book)

Correct Answer: Option D — 8699 tons

Entering stability tables with initial draft averages establishes baseline displacement. The difference between maximum permitted displacement at statutory freeboard and current displacement yields the exact cargo tonnage required to submerge to marks.