The correct answer is B) The stopping distance is longer. In shallow water, the reduced depth under the keel increases the resistance to the vessel's movement, both going forward and astern. This increased resistance means the vessel requires a longer distance to come to a complete stop compared to the same vessel in deeper water. The propeller is less effective in shallow water, reducing the vessel's ability to generate astern thrust and stop quickly. Therefore, the stopping distance is longer in shallow water conditions. The other options are incorrect. A) is wrong because the stopping distance is affected by the shallow water conditions. C) is incorrect because the propeller is less effective in shallow water, not more. D) is wrong because the stopping distance is longer, not shorter, in shallow water.