For a ship, when are the center of buoyancy and the metacenter in the line of action of the buoyant force?
Short answer
| Option | Condition | Correct? |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | Only when there is positive stability | No |
| (b) | Only when there is negative stability | No |
| (c) | Only when there is neutral stability | No |
| (d) | At all times | Yes |
- Answer: At all times
- Principle: Center of buoyancy B and metacenter M are always on the line of action of the buoyant force
- Definition: Metacenter is the intersection of the lines of action of the buoyant force at different small angles of heel
- Independence: True for positive, neutral, and negative stability
- Stability determinant: Position of G relative to M, not the B–M relationship
Full answer
The full answer explains each point step by step, with the regulations and figures behind it and the discussion from other candidates. It is in the MEO Class IV section of the Marine One forum, open to members enrolled for the MEO Class IV exam.