Part A of this book covers ship stability for the officer of the watch, providing an overview of the basic principles of ship stability, before introducing the hydrostatic data used to conduct loading calculations. To allow readers to compare certain hull shapes and ensure the preservation of adequate reserve buoyancy at all times, both the principal design coefficients and load line requirements are described. The vertical position of the ship’s centre of gravity (G) and the factors influencing the position of the centre of buoyancy (B) are also discussed. This part also introduces the curve of statical stability, or GZ curve, and discusses the distinction between list and loll. To ensure that list is restricted to an acceptable limit, precautions for suspended weights are examined. Finally, this part examines the importance of trim when loading/discharging and ballasting the ship.
Part B considers ship strength and stresses, covering the classification of shipbuilding materials, ship stresses and structural strength compensation, shear force and bending moment calculations, and corrosion control.
Part C is aimed at mates and masters and provides comprehensive calculation procedures for trim, draught and load lines. It sets out the forces and stresses on a ship during dry-docking and explains the principles and procedures of the inclining experiment. It also looks at calculation of the angle of loll, factors affecting the shape of the curve of statical stability, wind heeling, heel when turning, calculation and assignment of freeboard, icing, bilging, and rolling and dangerous sea wave phenomena. Consideration is given to different types of cargo, such as bulk cargoes, grain and timber deck cargoes. Also included is the draught survey calculation procedure and assessment of compliance of the ship’s loaded condition with MCA and IMO stability criteria.
The publication also includes worked examples for voyage planning and ship load calculations.
Reference is made throughout to procedures for verifying compliance with intact stability criteria and relevant regulations, conventions and codes of practice.