Question 217Safety & Environmental - 1st Asst/Chief

The correct answer is C) movement of the center of buoyancy toward the low side of the vessel. When a vessel is inclined, the center of buoyancy moves toward the low side of the vessel. This causes an upward force on the low side, which creates a righting moment that tends to return the vessel to its original upright position. This righting moment is what gives the vessel its stability and tendency to return to its original position. The other options are incorrect because: A) increased free surface in the buoyant wedge would actually decrease stability, B) upward movement of the center of flotation is not the primary cause of the righting moment, and D) movement of the center of gravity is not the factor that determines the vessel's stability when inclined.