What do statical stability curves illustrate regarding righting arms?

Statical stability curves are crucial in understanding a vessel's stability characteristics at different angles of inclination. The correct option states that these curves illustrate righting arms at various angles of inclination for specific center of gravity (KG) and displacement.

When a vessel is tilted or heeled over due to external forces like wind or waves, the righting arm—the horizontal distance between the center of buoyancy and the center of gravity—plays a crucial role in determining the vessel’s ability to return to an upright position. The statical stability curve plots the righting arm against the angle of inclination, showcasing how the stability varies from 0 degrees to the maximum heel angle.

This information is vital for mariners, as it allows them to assess how a vessel will respond to heeling and provides insights into safe operation limits. The data generated reflects the relationship between the vessel's weight distribution (displacement) and the vertical location of its center of gravity (KG). This dependency is essential as it emphasizes how changes in KGs or displacement can affect overall stability.

In contrast, the other options fail to encompass the complete functionality of statical stability curves. By asserting that the righting arms are only relevant under certain conditions or limits, such as specific angles or