The correct answer is A) the vertical rise or fall of the tide has stopped. The "stand" of the tide refers to the brief period when the tide is at its highest or lowest point, and the vertical rise or fall of the tide has stopped before it begins to change direction. This is the moment when the tide is neither rising nor falling, but remains at a constant level for a short time. The other options are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the "stand" of the tide. B) the actual depth of the water equals the charted depth, C) slack water occurs, and D) tidal current is at a maximum, are not the defining characteristics of the "stand" of the tide.