What effect does a strong current have on a vessel's stability?

When a strong current flows past a vessel, it can create forces that may lead to an adverse impact on the vessel's stability. As the current acts on the hull, it can generate heel or listing, which shifts the center of gravity and can affect the vessel's righting arms. If the vessel is heeling significantly due to the current, this can lead to a decrease in effective stability, making it more susceptible to capsizing.

Furthermore, strong currents can make it challenging to maintain an upright position, particularly if the current interacts with the vessel in a way that generates lateral forces. This interaction can also affect the distribution of weight aboard the vessel, leading to potential issues with trim and loading.

The choice that suggests no impact from the current overlooks these significant interactions between the vessel's structure and external environmental forces. The idea that a strong current primarily affects loading procedures is also not the main concern regarding stability, as stability is more directly influenced by how the vessel responds to those currents while in motion.

Therefore, the correct answer accurately identifies the potential risks posed by a strong current and its negative influence on both buoyancy and overall stability.