Deck General · Metacentric Height (GM)
A vessel with a very large positive GM is described as:
- ATender, with a long slow rolling period
- BStiff, with a short snappy rolling period✓ Correct
- CNeutral, with no tendency to return upright
- DLoll-prone, with an angle of static equilibrium off centerline
Explanation
A large GM produces a large righting moment at small angles, causing the vessel to snap back quickly — a stiff ship with a short rolling period. While safer than a tender ship, very stiff ships can impose high dynamic loads on cargo and crew.
Authority: Stability & Trim (USCG deck topic)
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