The correct answer is B) should always be immediately corrected. A negative metacentric height (GM) indicates that the vessel is in an unstable equilibrium, meaning it is prone to capsizing. This condition should always be corrected as soon as possible through appropriate actions, such as adjusting the vessel's trim, adding or removing ballast, or redistributing weights on board. The other options are incorrect: A) A negative GM does not always cause a vessel to capsize, but it significantly increases the risk and needs to be addressed. C) A negative GM can result from various factors, not just off-center weights. D) While the other options are related to the concept of negative metacentric height, they do not accurately describe the appropriate response, which is to correct the condition immediately.