What is the relationship between a vessel's draft and its stability?

In maritime stability, the relationship between a vessel's draft and its stability is rooted in the principles of buoyancy and the metacentric height. A deeper draft typically provides more stability because it increases the vessel's underwater volume, enhancing buoyancy.

When a vessel is buoyant, it experiences an upward force that counteracts its weight. This force keeps the vessel afloat. As the draft increases, the center of gravity tends to be lower, especially if the vessel is well-designed, which enhances stability. In addition, a deeper draft can also increase the distance from the center of buoyancy to the center of gravity, known as the metacentric height. A larger metacentric height means greater resistance to heeling, which is essential for maintaining stability in rough seas or when the vessel is subjected to external forces.

Thus, a deeper draft typically means that a vessel can better resist the forces that cause it to tip or roll, which directly correlates to improved stability and a safer navigational condition. The increase in buoyancy, coupled with a more favorable metacentric height, reinforces the stability of the vessel, making option B the right choice.