Question 12General Subjects - Assistant Engineer

The correct answer is B) Adjusting the trim of the vessel. The primary purpose of the fore peak and after peak tanks on a dry cargo ship is to adjust the trim of the vessel. Trim refers to the longitudinal orientation of the ship, with the fore peak and after peak tanks being used to change the vessel's pitch. By adjusting the amount of ballast water in these tanks, the captain can fine-tune the ship's trim to optimize its performance, stability, and handling characteristics. The other answer choices are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the primary purpose of the fore peak and after peak tanks. Adjusting the overall draft (A), correcting a list (C), and correcting hogging or sagging (D) are secondary functions that may also be achieved through the use of these tanks, but they are not the main reason for their inclusion in the ballast system.