🔍 Key Concepts

• KG (height of center of gravity above keel) and how it relates to KGT (corrected KG) • Meaning of VM (moment to change trim or displacement) in ft-tons and FSMT (free surface moment of transversely) • The formula that adjusts KG when there is free surface effect: how FSMT affects the vertical center of gravity

💭 Think About

• What is the relationship between the vessel’s total moment (VM) and its displacement when computing KG? Think about units: ft-tons vs tons. • How does free surface moment (FSMT) change KG to become KGT? Does it make KG go up or down? By how much? • Once you compute the basic KG from VM and displacement, what additional step must you take using FSMT to reach KGT?

✅ Before You Answer

• Be sure you know the vessel’s displacement in tons; if it isn’t given directly, consider how it might be implied or if a standard exam relationship is being used. • Confirm that you are using consistent units (feet, tons, ft-tons) throughout the calculation. • Double-check the sign and direction of the free surface correction: does free surface increase or decrease KG? This will help you eliminate at least one or two options.