What is the required degree of precision for KG, KM, and GM in the SQA exam?

The required degree of precision for KG, KM, and GM is two decimal places because this level of precision provides a balance between accuracy and practicality in stability calculations. In the context of marine stability, KG (the center of gravity above the keel), KM (the metacentric height), and GM (the metacentric radius) are crucial parameters that directly influence the stability of a vessel.

Using two decimal places ensures that the values are sufficiently precise to support accurate calculations without introducing unnecessary complexity that could arise from overly precise data. Stability calculations often involve several factors and conversions, so maintaining a precision of two decimal places is both standard practice and sufficient for the accurate analysis required in the SQA exam. This level also aligns with common industry practices, ensuring that the results can be consistently interpreted and applied in real-world scenarios.