USCG Exam PracticeVessel stability — metacentric height, free surface
Under 46 CFR §28.501, which of the following changes to a vessel's lightweight characteristics is considered to adversely affect stability?
- ✓ A shift of the longitudinal center of gravity of more than 1 percent of the vessel's lengthCorrect
- B. An increase in the vertical center of gravity at lightweight by more than 1 inch compared to the original lightweight value
- C. An increase or decrease of lightweight displacement by more than 5 percent of the original lightweight displacement
- D. An increase in projected wind area of more than 5 percent
Why A is correct
46 CFR §28.501(c)(3) identifies a shift of the longitudinal center of gravity of more than 1 percent of the vessel's length as adversely affecting stability. The threshold for vertical center of gravity change is more than 2 inches (not 1 inch), and the displacement threshold is more than 3 percent (not 5 percent).
Cited:46 CFR §28.501