🔍 Key Concepts

• Initial stability (GM) and what factors change a vessel’s center of gravity • Free surface effect in tanks and its impact on stability • How weight high up (like ice and high loads) affects stability • Difference between forces from the tow and the vessel’s own weight distribution

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself which options directly change the vessel’s weight distribution or center of gravity, either vertically or transversely • Think about which factors are related to liquids moving inside the hull versus external forces acting through the towline • Consider whether changing the tow arrangement changes the vessel’s built‑in stability characteristics or just the forces acting on it

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which items clearly add topweight or raise the center of gravity • Check which item is specifically about liquid movement in partially filled tanks • Identify the option that is mainly about external towing geometry rather than the vessel’s internal loading and weight distribution