Question 2306 Deck Safety

The correct answer is B) 45 tons. To determine the amount of ballast needed, we need to use the information provided about the vessel's drafts and the location of the LCG of the forepeak. Based on the Stability Data Reference Book, Section 1 (the blue pages), we can calculate the amount of ballast required to change the draft by 18 inches. Given the vessel's forward draft of 23'-10" and aft draft of 26'-0", and the LCG of the forepeak being 200 feet forward of amidships, the calculation shows that 45 tons of ballast must be pumped into the forepeak to achieve the desired 18-inch draft change. The other answer choices are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the amount of ballast required based on the provided information.