Question 2032 Deck Safety

The correct answer is C) initial stability. The vertical distance between the center of gravity (G) and the metacenter (M) is a measure of the ship's initial stability. This distance represents the righting arm or lever that acts to restore the ship to an upright position when it is inclined at small angles. A larger GM distance indicates greater initial stability, while a smaller GM distance indicates less initial stability. The other options are incorrect because: A) Stability at all angles of inclination is not solely determined by the GM distance, but also by the ship's overall stability characteristics. B) The GM distance is not specifically a measure of stability at angles less than the downflooding angle. D) The GM distance is a measure of initial stability, not stability at angles less than the limit of positive stability.