Free Surface Effect (FSE) The free surface effect of any liquids on board has a marked impact on the

vessel’s stability by reducing the effective GM (or conversely by effectively increasing the KG). Some
of the claims the Club has dealt with have highlighted the fact that either no account of FSE had
been taken, or if it had, the data was incorrectly applied. Ideally, ballast tanks should either be
pressed up full or completely empty so there is no free surface effect to consider. However, when
this is not possible, it is best practice to initially allow the maximum FSE for each and every slack tank
in the stability calculations. If the stability condition is then noted to be critical for any stage of the
voyage, the actual free surface moments can be applied to the calculation in order to obtain an
accurate assessment of the vessel’s condition. It is essential that the FSE is always calculated and
applied correctly and Masters should be given clear guidance on the Member’s requirement in this
regard. It should also be borne in mind that free water on the decks has the same effect and when
the stability condition is critical it can have a major impact.