The yacht is preparing for a scheduled dry-docking. What stability/loading considerations are specific to the docking process itself, beyond normal seagoing conditions?

A. None — dry-docking is purely a shipyard responsibility once the vessel is alongside

B. Dry-docking stability only matters for vessels over 1000GT

C. The vessel should always enter dock as light as possible regardless of the dock master's instructions

D. The vessel's condition on entering dock (trim, list, draft) must match the docking plan's assumptions closely, as excessive trim or list during the critical "land-on" phase (when the vessel first takes weight on the blocks) can cause instability or uneven loading on the keel blocks — tanks should generally be arranged to achieve the trim/list the dock master specifies

A. Increased displacement generally raises the centre of gravity if weight is added high up, and free surface effects in partially-filled tanks can reduce the effective metacentric height (GM)

B. None — stability is fixed regardless of loading

C. Only the Chief Engineer needs to consider this, never the deck watchkeeper

D. Additional weight always improves stability regardless of where it is placed

A. Significant — a failed watertight closure compromises the subdivision the vessel's damage stability calculations rely on, potentially allowing progressive flooding between compartments in the event of damage

B. Negligible — watertight doors below the waterline are rarely closed anyway

C. Only relevant if the vessel carries passengers

D. This only matters when the vessel is at anchor