HNC Nautical Science g8f5 15 HNC Nautica

HNC NAUTICAL SCIENCE
Group Award Code G8F5 15
F0LD 34 - SHIP STABILITY : An Introduction
OUTCOME NUMBER: 1.
Apply the basic principles of hydrostatics to loadline calculations.
Book 1 OF 6
HNC Nautical Science – G8F5 15 1 18/06/2012

F0LD 34 – Ship’s Stability: An Introduction. Book 1 Distance Learning
Early life
Plimsoll was born in Bristol but soon moved to Whiteley Wood Hall, Sheffield, also spending part of his
childhood in Penrith, Cumbria. Leaving school at an early age, he became a clerk at Rawson's Brewery,
and rose to be manager.In 1853 he attempted to become a coal merchant in London. He failed and
was reduced to destitution. He himself told how for a time he lived in a common lodging for seven
shillings and two pence a week.
Through this experience, he learnt to sympathise with the struggles of the poor, and when his
good fortune returned, he resolved to devote his time to improving their condition.
His efforts were directed especially against what were known as "coffin ships": unseaworthy
and overloaded vessels, often heavily insured, in which unscrupulous owners risked the lives of their
crews.
Career
In 1868, Plimsoll was elected as the Liberal Member of Parliament for Derby, and endeavoured in vain
to pass a bill dealing with the subject of a safe load line on ships. The main problem was the number of
ship-owning MP's in Parliament.
In 1872 he published a work entitled Our Seamen, which became well known throughout the
country. Accordingly, on Plimsoll's motion in 1873, a Royal Commission was appointed, and in 1875 a
government bill was introduced, which Plimsoll, though regarding it as inadequate, resolved to accept.
On 22 July, the Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, announced that the bill would be dropped.
Plimsoll lost his self-control, applied the term "villains" to members of the House, and shook his fist in
the Speaker's face.
Disraeli moved that he be reprimanded, but on the suggestion of Lord Hartington agreed to
adjourn the matter for a week to allow Plimsoll time for thought.Eventually Plimsoll made an apology.
Many people, however, shared his view that the bill had been stifled by the pressure of the shipowners,
and popular feeling forced the government to pass a bill which in the following year, was amended into
the Merchant Shipping Act. This gave stringent powers of inspection to the Board of Trade, and the
mark that indicates the safe limit to which a ship may be loaded became generally known as Plimsoll's
mark or line.
Plimsoll was re-elected for Derby at the general election of 1880 by a great majority, but gave up his
seat to William Vernon Harcourt, believing that the latter, as Home Secretary, could advance sailors'
interests more effectively than any private member. Offered a seat by 30 constituencies, Plimsoll was
an unsuccessful candidate in Sheffield Central in 1885. He did not re-enter the house, and later
became estranged from the Liberal leaders by what he regarded as their breach of faith in neglecting
the question of shipping reform.
He was for some years the honorary president of the National Sailors' and Firemen's Union, and drew
attention to the horrors of the cattle-ships.
Later life
Later he visited the United States to try to secure the adoption of a less bitter tone towards England in
the historical textbooks used in American schools. He died in Folkestone, Kent in 1898.

CONTENT:
HYDROSTATICS
Knowledge and/or skills

(a) Vessel displacement
(b) Mass, volume, density and relative density
(c) Archimedes Principle, Hydrostatic data, displacement volume, displacement,
buoyancy
(d) Waterline length, breadth, draught, LBP, AW, CW, CB, and freeboard
(e) TPC, FWA and Dock Water Allowance
(f) Displacement, Deadweight and TPC Tables
(g) Load Line and draught marks
(h) Loadline calculation
(i) Hydrometer use

CONTENTS
Symbols, Abbreviations and Units 6
Formulae 6
SHIP STABILITY
Units 8
Mass, Density and Relative Density 6
Basic Stability Definitions 10
Archimedes Laws 13
Calculation of Displacement 14
Form Coefficients 18
Tonnes Per Centimetre Immersion 20
TPC Limitations and Mean TPC 23
Calculation of Displacement - large draught change 31
Archimedes Laws continued 33
Centres of Buoyancy & Gravity 35
Reserve Buoyancy 36
Loadlines 37
Fresh Water Allowance & Dock Water Allowance 45/47

TPC (Dock Water) 54

STABILITY ABBREVIATIONS, SYMBOLS AND UNITS
Physical Quantity Abbreviation Symbol Preferred Units
Length L metre m
Breadth B " "
Depth D " "
Draught (marks on hull in d " "
in decimetres)
Distance s " "
Density ρ (rho) tonnes per t/m3
cubic metre
Pressure P tonne per t/m2
square metre
Thrust T tonne t
Displacement (mass) ∆ tonne t
Volume of displacement ∇ cubic metre m3
Deadweight DWT tonne t
Area of waterplane Aw square metre m2
Centre of buoyancy CB B
Centre of gravity (ship) CG G
Centre of gravity (item) cg g
Metacentre M
Height of CB above keel KB metre m
Height of CG above keel KG " "
Height of cg above keel Kg " "
Height of Transverse Metacentre KM " "
above keel
Height of Transverse Metacentre BM " "
above CB
Transverse Metacentric Height GM " "
Righting Lever GZ " "
Coefficient-Block Cb
Coefficient-water plane area Cw
Tonnes per Centimetre Immersion TPC tonnes t
Fresh Water Allowance FWA millimetre mm
Dock Water Allowance DWA " "
FORMULAE
Density ρ=M t/m3
V
Relative Density (RD) RD = ρ Substance
ρ FW
Volume of displacement V = (L x B x d) x Cb m3

Displacement ∆=Vxρ t
Deadweight DWT = ∆ −∆ LIGHT t
Waterplane Area (Aw) Aw = (L x B) x Cw m2
Tonnes per Centimetre Immersion (SW) TPC =Aw x 1.025

100
Sinkage (or rise) Sinkage = w
TPC
Fresh Water Allowance FWA = ∆ mm
4 x TPC
Dock Water Allowance DWA = (1025 - ρ) x FWA mm

(ρdock in Kg/m3) 25
Moment of Statical Stability MSS = ∆ x GZ tm
Righting Lever (external force-small angles of heel) GZ = GM x sin θ m
Angle of heel (θ) (external force-small angles of heel) sin θ = GZ °

GM
Shift of G (shifting - s is distance w is moved) GG1 = w x s m

(by moments about G) ∆
(loading - s is distance G to g) GG1 = w x s m
∆+w
(discharging - s is distance G to g) GG1 = w x s m
∆-w
Angle of list (θ) (internal force) tan θ = GG1 °

GM
Final KG (by moments about Keel) KG = Σ Moments m

Σ Weights
Distance of G from CL (by moms abt centreline) GG1 = Σ Moments m
Σ Weights
NB The SQA formulae sheet (Book 5) should be used for
calculations since that is the formulae sheet that will be
issued in all examinations
SHIP STABILITY
The practical use of physics in a sea going environment.
UNITS
Metric units will be used throughout.
Prefixes
Length metres (m)

deci (d) 1/10 0.1 e.g. 1dm = 0.1m = 1x10-1m
centi (c) 1/100 0.01 e.g. 1cm = 0.01m = 1x10-2m
milli (m) 1/1000 0.001 e.g. 1mm = 0.001m = 1x10-3m
Mass kilogram (kg)

kilo (k) 1000 e.g. 1kg = 1,000 grams = 1x103g
and 1,000kg = 1 tonne
Note that Mass and weight are used interchangeably in stability as we are only
concerned with sea level conditions. i.e. a mass of 1(t) may be expressed as a weight
of 1(t)
Area units are m2

Volume units are m3
Density (ρ)
• Definition: Density is defined as mass per unit volume.
Mass (kg )
Density =
Volume (m 3 )
kg t
The Density of FW = 1,000 3 or 1.0 3
m m
kg t
The Density of SW = 1025 3 = 1.025 3
m m
Note that the symbol for density is ρ (rho) and a subscript may be used e.g. ρsw for
density of SW.

Relative Density (RD)
• Definition: Relative Density is the ratio of the density of a substance

compared to the density of Fresh Water
Density Substance (kg / m 3 )

Relative Density =
Density FW (kg / m 3 )
It can be seen that units cancel out top and bottom and Relative Density has no units.
1025 kg / m 3
RD SW = = 1.025
1000 kg / m 3
1000 kg / m 3
RD FW = = 1.000
1000 kg / m 3
Note that Relative Density (RD) and Density (ρ) are numerically the same when
Density is expressed in t/m3
Measurement of Density and Relative Density

3
The vessel can find herself in Salt Water (taken as 1.025 t/m ), Fresh Water (taken
3
as 1.000 t/m ), or Dock Water (brackish water) - a mixture of Salt Water and Fresh
Water (the density of which lies between 1.025 t/m3 and 1.000 t/m3).
3
In exceptional circumstances the water density can rise to in excess of 1.030 t/m in
areas where the sea water is subject to extreme evaporation for instance.
Density or Relative Density is measured using a hydrometer. A sample of water is

generally taken by throwing a bucket into the water (with a line attached!). Water
samples must not be taken near engine-room outlets.
Hydrometers are usually made of glass, though sea farers often use a hydrometer
made of brass. Extreme care must be taken with the instrument that it is not dented.
If it is then it can no longer be used, and must be replaced.
The hydrometer is placed gently in the water sample taking care that it is actually
floating. The instrument is gently spun to break the surface tension of then the
reading is taken where the water’s surface intersects the scale.
COURSE PAPER 1

BASIC STABILITY DEFINITIONS
Draught (d).
• Definition: Draught is the depth of the vessel measured from keel to

waterline.
Draught marks are cut in the hull at the bow, stern and sometimes amidships.
Typical draught marks are 1 decimetre high with a gap of 1 decimetre between
successive marks.
Note that the reading is to the bottom of the mark
Loaded draught :
• Definition: The draught when the vessel is loaded to the loadline mark.
Enhancement:
See: Carving & Marking Notes

http://www.mpa.gov.sg/circulars_and_notices/pdfs/mc03-21a.pdf
Requirements for ship registration

http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/msn1675.pdf

Loadline mark
• Definition: A Line cut into the hull amidships (the mid length). This
horizontal line indicates the deepest loading condition (summer Zone).
This is also commonly known as the “Plimsoll Line”
Enhancement:
See: Samuel Plimsoll

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/TUplimsoll.htm
http://www.plimsoll.com/history.html

Breadth (B)
• Definition: The extreme breadth of the vessel measured in metres i.e. the
breadth of the vessel at it’s widest point.
Waterline Length
• Definition: The length of the vessel measured from where the waterline
cuts the aftermost part of the vessel to where the waterline cuts the
foremost part of the vessel at that draught and trim.
Forward Perpendicular (FP)(Fpp)
• Definition: The perpendicular at the forward end of the vessel which

coincides with where the stem of the vessel is cut by the waterline when
the vessel is at even keel at a draught equivalent to 85% of the vessel’s
moulded depth.
After Perpendicular (AP)(App)
• Definition: The perpendicular at the after end of the vessel which

coincides with where the axis of the rudder stock is cut by the waterline
when the vessel is at even keel at a draught equivalent to 85% of the
vessel’s moulded depth.
Length Between Perpendiculars (LBP)
• Definition: The length of the vessel measured in metres between the

After perpendicular (AP) and the Forward Perpendicular (FP).

ARCHIMEDES LAW :
1. The volume of liquid displaced by a floating body is equal to the underwater

volume.
2. The weight of liquid displaced by a floating body is equal to the weight of the
body.
(A floating body displaces its own weight of water)
Enhancement:
See: Archimedes
http://www-groups.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Biographies/Archimedes.html
www.utube.com/watch?v=eQsmq3Hu9HA&feature=channel
www.utube.com/watch?gl=CA&hl=en&v=VDSYXmvjg6M
Volume of displacement (∇)
• Definition: Volume of displacement measured in m3 is equal to the

underwater volume.
For box shaped vessels:

Displacement (∆) :
• Definition: Displacement, measured in tonnes, is equal to the weight of

the vessel and also the weight of water displaced.
From Mass (Weight) =ρ

Volume
Displacement ∆) = ρ
(∆
∇)
Underwater Volume (∇
Therefore:
Displacement (∆) = Underwater Volume (∇) x Density (ρ)
Where ρ is the density of the liquid in which the vessel is floating.
∆ (t) = ∇ (m3) x ρ (t/m3)
∆ = ∇ x ρ

Example 1.
A box shaped vessel 36m x 5m x 4m floats at a draught of 2m in SW.
Calculate;
i) The vessels volume of displacement (∇)
ii) The vessels displacement (∆).
2m
36 m
5m
To Find the Underwater Volume
If:
Volume = Length x Breadth x Depth
Then:
Underwater Volume = Length x Breadth x Draught
Hence:
Volume of displacement (∇) = L x B x draught (d)
= 36m x 5m x 2m
Volume of displacement = 360 m3
To Find the Displacement
If:
Displacement = Volume x Density
Then:
Displacement (∆) = ∇ x ρ
= 360m3 x 1.025 t/m3
Displacement = 369 t

Example 2.
A box shaped vessel 36m x 5m x 4m has a displacement of 425t. Calculate the

draught at which it will float in FW.
draught
36 m
5m
To Find the Underwater Volume
Displacement (∆) = Volume (∇) x Density (ρ)
Displacement (∆) = Volume (∇)

Density (ρ)
Volume (∇) = Displacement (∆)

Density (ρ)
= 425
1.0
Underwater Volume (∇)

3
= 425m
To Find the Draught

∇ = L x B xd
∇ = d
L x B
d = ∇
L x B
d = 425
36 x 5
Draught = 2.36 m

Light displacement (∆LIGHT)
• Definition: Light displacement is the weight of hull, engines, spare parts,

and water in the boilers and condensers to working level.
Load displacement (∆LOAD)
• Definition: Load Displacement is the weight of the hull and everything on

board when floating at any particular draught.
Summer load displacement (∆Summer)
• Definition: Summer Load Displacement is the weight of the hull and

everything on board when at the Summer loadline mark.
Deadweight (DWT)
• Definition: is the difference between the load displacement and the light
displacement i.e. the weight of cargo, fuel, FW, ballast, stores, crew,
passengers and effects.
Deadweight (DWT) =Load displacement(∆LOAD)-Light displacement(∆LIGHT)
DWT=∆LOAD-∆LIGHT
Summer Deadweight (DWT)
• Definition: Summer Deadweight is the difference between the Summer

load displacement and the light displacement i.e. the weight of cargo,
fuel, FW, ballast, stores, crew, passengers and effects.
DWTSummer = ∆Summer - ∆Light
Enhancement:
See: Measuring the size of a ship

http://www.ocimf.com/view_document.cfm?id=344

FORM COEFFICIENTS
Waterplane Area (Aw)(WPA)
• Definition: The area of water displaced by the hull where cut by the
waterline at that draught and trim.
Coefficient of Waterplane Area (CW)
• Definition: Coefficient of the Waterplane Area is the ratio between the

actual waterplane area AW and that of a rectangle of the same extreme
dimensions.
Aw
Cw = OR Aw = L x B x C w
LxB
Cw has no units (ratio)

Block Coefficient (Cb)
• Definition: Block Coefficient is the ratio between the underwater volume

∇ and the volume of the block having the same extreme dimensions.
Actual underwater volume (V) m3

Cb =
Block Volume (L x B x d) m3
Or; ∇ = (L x B x d) x Cb
Cb has no units (ratio)
In general terms; for a shipshape the following expressions apply;
∇) = (L x B x d ) x Cb
Volume of displacement (∇
∆) = (L x B x d ) x Cb x ρ
Displacement (∆
Enhancement:
See: Tonnage
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonnage
COURSE PAPER 2
TONNES PER CENTIMETRE IMMERSION (TPC)
• Definition: The TPC for any draught is the weight a vessel must load or
discharge to change the mean draught by 1cm in SW.
In the figure the vessel floats initially at WL0. A weight of w tonnes is now loaded so
that the vessel sinks to WL1 and the mean draught is increased by 1cm. The weight
loaded (w) must be equal to the additional weight of water displaced.
1
Additional volume of water displaced = A w x m3
100
where Aw = L x B x CW
3 3
Weight of water displaced = Aw m x 1.025 t/m
100
3 3
Weight required to rise or sink 1cm = Aw m x 1.025 t/m
100
Aw
TPC = x 1.025
100
Assumes vessel wall sided over the 1cm change
x ρ WATER
Aw
NB If the vessel is not in SW the formula becomes ; TPC WATER =
100
NB TPC is always quoted for SW unless it is expressly stated for some other density.
If a weight is added or discharged ;
weight discharged( t) weight added( t)

rise(cm) = sinkage(cm) =
TPC TPC
Example 1 A vessel floats at a mean draught of 5.46m in SW. TPC = 20. Vessel
then loads 460t of cargo. Calculate the new mean draught.
To Calculate the Sinkage
Sinkage = Weight
TPC
= 460
20
Sinkage = 23cm = 0.23m
To Find the New Draught
Original draught = 5.46 m

Sinkage = + 0.23 m
New draught = 5.69 m
The Final Mean Draught is 5.69 m
Example 2
A vessel floats at a mean draught of 3.83m in SW. TPC = 20. Vessel then discharges
140t of cargo.
Calculate the new mean draught.
To Calculate the Rise
Rise = Weight
TPC
= 140
20
Rise = 7.0cm = 0.070m
Original draught = 3.830m

Rise = - 0.070m
New draught = 3.760m

Example 3 Using Hydrostatic Particulars Table 'A' (Book 5)
Find the TPCsw at draughts of:
a) 3.60m
b) 5.88m
a) By inspection TPCsw at 3.60m draught = 21.24
b) To find TPC at 5.88m draught by interpolation.
5.88
a
5.80 b 5.90
22.37 c 22.43
TPC = 22.37 + (a x c)
(b )
= 22.37 + (0.08 x 0.06 )

(0.10 )
TPC = 22.42
Enhancement:
See: TPC, TPI, WPA
http://www.answers.com/topic/waterplane-area

TPC LIMITATIONS
For a wall sided vessel the Aw is constant so the TPC does not change with draught.
For a ship shaped ship the Aw is not constant over the range of draughts so the TPC
changes with draught. Some questions will indicate that the TPC is constant (e.g.
TPCCONSTANT 24.33 or TPC (Constant) 56.22) in which case the vessel can be
assumed to be wall sided, and the same TPC used for a large change of
draught/displacement.
MEAN TPC
On inspection of the Hydrostatic particulars it can be seen that TPC increases with
draught due to the increase in Aw, so if a large change of draught is anticipated then
an error will be incurred in the calculation if the initial TPC is used. In this case the
mean TPC is used over the range of draughts anticipated.
This is not necessarily good practice since the change in TPC with draught is not
linear (the change of TPC is not constant with change of draught), but this method
does serve as a reasonable cross check or approximation, and is sometimes required
in SQA examinations where the expression “Using an appropriate TPC method” has
been used in the past to indicate that the MEAN TPC Method is to be used where
there is a large change of draught.
The preferred method to use for large changes of draught is the

“DISPLACEMENT METHOD” which is described later.

Example 4
A vessel is part way through loading in SW when the mean draught is read and
calculated to be 5.34m. The maximum permissible draught she can load to is 8.28m.
Using the Mean TPC method and the Hydrostatic Particulars, calculate how much
more cargo can be loaded to reach the maximum permitted load displacement.
METHOD
1. Using the initial and final draughts calculate the required sinkage or rise
2. Interpolate the TPC’s for each of the required draughts using the Hydrostatic
Particulars
3. Using the two TPC’s calculate the Mean TPC
4. Using the calculated sinkge/rise and Mean TPC calculate the cargo to
load/discharge
Reqd draught 8.280m

Initial draught - 5.340m
Reqd Sinkage 2.940m = 294.0cm

To Calculate the TPCSW for a draught of 5.34m from the Hydrostatic Particulars
5.34
a
5.30 b 5.40
22.10 c 22.15
TPC1 = 22.10 + (a x c)
(b )
= 22.10 + (0.04 x 0.05 )

(0.10 )
TPC1 = 22.12

To Calculate the TPCSW for a draught of 8.28m from the Hydrostaic Particulars
8.28
a
8.20 b 8.30
23.90 c 23.96
TPC2 = 23.90 + (a x c)
(b )
= 23.90 + (0.08 x 0.06 )

(0.10 )
TPC2 = 23.948
To Calculate the Mean TPC
Mean TPC = TPC1 + TPC2

2
= 22.12 + 23.948
2
Mean TPC = 23.034

To Calculate the Cargo to Load
Sinkage = Weight to Load

TPCMEAN
So: Weight = Sinkage x TPCMEAN
= 294 x 23.034
Weight = 6771.996t
The cargo to load is 6772.0 tonnes

Example 5
A vessel with a displacement of 18 459t in SW is to discharge 9800t of cargo.

Calculate the new mean draught in SW using the appropriate TPC values.
Since there will be a large change of draught, and the question specifies that TPC
must be used, then the MEAN TPC must be calculated and used.
METHOD
1. Interpolate the TPC1 and draught for the given initial displacement
2. Using the Initial Displacement and cargo loaded/discharged, calculate the New
Displacement
3. Interpolate the TPC2 for the New Displacement
4. Calculate the Mean TPC using TPC1 and TPC2
5. Calculate the sinkage/rise using the Cargo to Load/Discharge and the Mean
TPC.
6. Using the Initial draught and Sinkage/Rise, calculate the new draught
To Calculate the TPCSW & draught for ∆ 18 459t
18 459
a
18 359 b 18 601
TPC 24.13 c 24.18
draught 8.60 c 8.70
TPC1 = 24.13 + (a x c) draught = 8.60 + (a x c)

(b ) (b )
= 24.13 + (100 x 0.05 ) = 8.60 + (100 x 0.10 )

(242 ) (242 )
TPC1 = 24.151 draught1 = 8.641 m

To Calculate the new ∆
Original ∆ 18 459t
Cargo Discharged - 9 800t
New ∆ 8 659t
To Calculate the TPCSW for ∆ 8 659t
8 659
a
8 552 b 8 768
21.60 c 21.65
TPC2 = 21.60 + (a x c)
(b )
= 21.60 + (107 x 0.05 )

(216 )
TPC2 = 21.625
To Calculate the Mean TPC
Mean TPC = TPC1 + TPC2

2
= 24.151 + 21.625
2
Mean TPC = 22.888

To Calculate the Rise
Rise = Weight Dischasrged

TPCMEAN
= 9 800
22.888
Rise = 428.2cm = 4.282m
Original draught = 8.641m

Rise = - 4.282m
New draught = 4.359m

CALCULATIONS INVOLVING LARGE CHANGES OF
DRAUGHT – The “DISPLACEMENT METHOD”
This is the method to be used for large changes of draught whenever possible.
It is the simplest and most accurate method to use since it takes account of the
irregularities in the vessels underwater shape/volume
Example 6 A vessel is floating at a draught of 3.77m in SW. She loads 5,200t of

cargo. Find the new draught.
METHOD
1. Using the Hydrostatic Particulars, Interpolate the Initial displacement.

2. Using the Initial Displacement and the Cargo to Load/Discharge calculate the
Final Displacement.
3. Using the Final Displacement, interpolate the Final draught using the
Hydrostatic Particulars.
To Find the Displacement at 3.77 m in SW
3.77
a
3.70 b 3.80
7265 c 7478
Displacement = 7265 + (a x c)
(b )
Displacement = 7265 + (0.07 x 213)

(0.10 )
Displacement = 7414t

To Find the New Displacement
Original ∆ 7 414t
Cargo loaded 5 200t
Final ∆ 12 614t
To Find the New Draught at a Displacement of 12614 t
12614
a
12523 b 12748
6.10 c 6.20
Draught = 6.10 + ( 91 x 0.10)

(225 )
Draught = 6.14m
Final draught is 6.14m
COURSE PAPER 3
ARCHIMEDES PRINCIPLE
Archimedes Principle (revisited) A floating body experiences an upthrust equal to

the weight of water displaced, which is equal to the weight of the body.
Force of Buoyancy.
• Definition: Force of Buoyancy Is the upthrust experienced by a floating

body and is considered to act vertically upwards through the centre of
buoyancy.
Centre of Buoyancy.
• Definition: Centre of Buoyancy is the point in a floating body through

which the force of buoyancy is considered to act vertically upwards. It is
situated at the geometric centre of the underwater volume. It's position is
denoted by 'B' and it's height above the keel (K) is denoted KB.
For a box shaped vessel : KB = draught

2
W L
B
Draught
½ Draught

For a triangular shaped vessel : KB = 2 x draught.
3
W L
B
Draught
⅔ Draught

Centre of Gravity.
• Definition: Is the point in a body through which the weight of the body is
considered to act vertically downward.
The position of centre of gravity of a ship and it's contents is denoted by 'G' and it's
height above the keel (K) by 'KG'.
The centre of gravity of a weight within the ship is denoted by 'g' and it's height above
the keel by 'Kg'.
Note that the centre of gravity depends upon the weight distribution in the ship and
must be calculated for each condition.
Example: Consider a homogenous box shaped vessel of dimensions 120m x 10m x

8m floating at a draught of 5m.
Force of Buoyancy acting up through B
Weight of vessel acting down through G
KG = 4m (centre of homogenous box shape)

KB = 2.5m (centre of underwater volume)
For vessel to float at rest:-
• Force of buoyancy = Weight of vessel

• Centre of buoyancy and centre of gravity lie in the same vertical line

Reserve Buoyancy.
• Definition: Reserve Buoyancy is the volume of enclosed watertight space

above the waterline; i.e. it is the volume of water which remains to be
displaced before the vessel is totally immersed. It may be expressed in
m3 or as a % of total volume.
Referring to the previous example:
Reserve Buoyancy = L x B x Fb
=. 120m x 10m x 3m
Reserve Buoyancy = 3 600m3
3
The reserve Buoyancy is 3 600m
OR
% Reserve Buoyancy = Volume Reserve Buoyancy

Total Enclosed Volume
= L x B x Fb %
LxBxD
= 120m x 10m x 3m %
120m x 10m x 8m
% Reserve Buoyancy = 37.5%
The % Reserve Buoyancy is 37.5%
Enhancement:
See: Historical Background
http://www.imo.org/conventions/mainframe.asp?topic_id=1034

LOADLINES
FREEBOARD (f.b.) :
• Definition: Freeboard is the distance from the freeboard deck to the

waterline. The freeboard deck is the uppermost continuous deck.
Freeboard is important for the following reasons.
(a) Reserve Buoyancy: The f.b. determines the reserve buoyancy which is the
volume of enclosed watertight space above the waterline.
i)
Large f.b. = large reserve buoyancy

This vessel can withstand a significant
amount of flooding of compartments
in case of damage and still remain
afloat.
ii)
Small f.b. = small reserve buoyancy

This vessel can withstand a
comparatively small amount of
flooding of compartments in case of
damage before it sinks.

(b) Deck edge immersion: The freeboard determines the angle at which the deck
edge immerses if the vessel is heeled.
i)
The deck of a vessel with a large

freeboard will immerse at a relatively
large angle θ when heeled.
ii)
The deck of a vessel with a small

freeboard will immerse at a relatively
small angle θ when heeled.
(c) Shipping seas :
A vessel with a small f.b. will ship more seas on deck in heavy weather than a
vessel with a large f.b. This endangers personnel, deck cargo and deck
fittings such as hatchways.

THE MS (LOADLINE) REGULATIONS 1998:
Set out the minimum freeboards that a vessel have in different areas, at different
times if the year.
Assigning Authorities : such as Lloyds Register (L.R.) calculate and assign the
various minimum freeboards for a vessel. These are permanently marked on both
sides of the vessel as indicated in the diagram below.
Starboard side 300
FORWARD
Assign ed
Freeboa rd
LTF
Timber
FWA
LF
TF
LT
1/48 th Timber
Summer Draught FWA
F
LS
300 T
1/36 th Timber 1/48th
FWA
Summer Draught Summer
draught
LW S
1/48th
Summer
draught
450 W
L evel with L WN A W NA 50
W or W NA 540 5 40
230
All lines are 25mm thick. LS is calculated from R ules. W N A on vessels 100m or less.
Enhancement
See: History of Loadline Regulations

http://www.imo.org/conventions/mainframe.asp?topic_id=254#2
See: Loadlone Zone Chart

http://www.scribd.com/doc/7087292/Load-Line

Notes :
i) the loadline mark is amidships (mid length)
ii) the freeboard deck is the uppermost complete deck.
iii) measurements are in mm and all lines are 25mm thick.
iv) the position of a line is the TOP of the line. Freeboard at a particular
loadline is measured from the top of the f.b. deck line to the top of the
appropriate loadline and is given in mm
v) the summer draught is measured from bottom of the keel to the top of
the horizontal line in the loadline mark.
vi) statutory freeboard is the distance between the upper edge of the deck
line and the centre of the ring or upper edge of the summer load line.
This distance is calculated from the Load Line Rules.
vii) actual freeboard is the distance between the upper edge of the deck
line and the water level on that side.
LOADLINE ZONES :
The world is divided into zones according to the sea and weather likely to be
encountered i.e: Summer, Winter, Tropical. Some of these zones are seasonal
depending on the time of year.
A vessel is said to be “on her marks” when loaded to the respective loadline.
S Summer loadline - the position of this loadline is calculated first and the
position of others calculated from it.
th
W Winter loadline - Measured 1/48 of the Summer draught below the Summer
loadline.
th
T Tropical loadline - Measured 1/48 of the Summer draught above the Summer
loadline.
F Fresh Water loadline - FWA above the Summer loadline.
TF Tropical Fresh Water loadline - FWA above the Tropical loadline.
WNA Winter North Atlantic loadline - only for vessels 100m in length or less
measured 50mm below the Winter loadline
Note
If a vessel passes through more than one zone on a voyage, the

relevant loadline must never be submerged

Example 1
A vessel sails from Brownsville, Texas bound for UK in January. The voyage to Lat
36° (Summer zone) is 10 days and the vessels consumption of fuel etc. is 30
tonnes/day. The Winter f.b. gives a maximum DWT = 10,000t and the Summer f.b.
gives a maximum DWT = 10,400t and the vessel is to sail from Brownsville with 550t
of fuel oil, 110t of FW and 200t of stores.
Calculate the maximum cargo that can be loaded in Brownsville.
METHOD
There are several ways of doing a question like this. One method is to sail on the
appropriate mark and then check if the vessel is overloaded on arrival at each new
zone. If it is, subtract the amount from the provisional DWT in the sailing condition.
Provisional sailing summer DWT = 10 400 t

- Fuel etc. consumption = _ - 300 t (30t/d x 10d)
Arrive winter zone DWT = 10 100 t
- Permitted winter zone DWT = -10 000 t
Overload = 100 t
Provisional sailing summer DWT = 10 400 t

- Overload = - 100 t
Permitted Sailing DWT = 10 300 t
- FO = - 550 t
- FW = - 110 t
- Stores = _ - 200 t
Maximum permitted cargo to load = 9 440 t
The maximum cargo permitted to be loaded is 9440 tonnes

Example 2 A vessel has a Summer draught of 8.925m. Present draught 8.460m in
SW. TPC(Constant) 30.0.
Calculate how much more cargo to load to be on the Winter zone mark
METHOD
1. Sketch the Summer Loadline and the Required Loadline.

2. Insert the Summer draught on the sketch.
3. Calculate the distance between the loadlines by dividing the Summer draught
by 48
4. Calculate the draught corresponding to the required loadline, and insert the
distance and required loadline draught into the sketch
5. Calculate the Required Sinkage by finding the difference between the Present
draught and Loadline draught
6. Using the Required Sinkage and TPC calculate the Cargo to Load
7. Note – the TPC is considered constant in this type of question
S
8.925 m
W – S = 0.186 m
W
8.739 m
Sinkage = 0.279 m
8.460 m
To Calculate the W – S distance
W – S = 1/48 x SD = 8.925 = 0.186 m

48
To Calculate the Required Sinkage
Required Sinkage = Required Draught – Present Draught
= (8.925m – 0.186m ) – 8.460m
= 8.739m - 8.460m
Required Sinkage = 0.279 m = 27.9cm

Cargo to Load = Sinkage x TPC
= 27.9 x 30
Cargo to Load = 837.19 t
The Cargo to Load is 837.2 tonnes

T
13.914 m
S – T = 0.284 m Sinkage = 0.174 m
13.740 m
13.630 m
To Calulate the S – T distance
S – T = 1/48 x SD = 13.630 = 0.284 m

48
To Calculate the Required Sinkage
= 13.914 m – 13.740 m
Required Sinkage = 0.174 m = 17.4 cm
= 17.4 x 85
COURSE PAPER 3A

FRESH WATER ALLOWANCE (FWA)
• Definition: Is the number of mm by which the mean draught changes

when a vessel passes from FW to SW and vice versa at the loaded
draught i.e. at the loadline marks.
Due to FW being less dense than SW, a greater volume of water has to be displaced
to displace the same weight. The vessel’s draught will therefore increase when
passing from SW to FW and reduce when passing from FW to SW.
Since the vessel’s loadlines are marked for SW, a vessel loading in FW she may
submerge the loadline by an amount equal to the FWA so that she will be at the
appropriate loadline in SW when she proceeds to sea.
Summer Load
Displacement
FWA(mm) = ∆s
4 x TPC TPC for
SW
Example 1 A vessel has ∆LIGHT = 4,125t, summer DWT = 10,852t,

TPC at the load draught = 30.44. Calculate the FWA.
(Looking at the formula it can be seen that the information in the question doesn’t
give the ∆s, however it does give the information required to calculate it. This will
therefore have to be done first.)
To Find the Summer Displacement
∆s = ∆Light + DWT
= 4 125 + 10 852
∆s = 14 977 t
To Find the Fresh Water Allowance
FWA = ∆s
4 x TPC
= 14977
4 x 30.44
FWA = 123 mm The Fresh Water Allowance is 123 mm

Example 2 A vessel has L = 180.92m, B = 16.25m, D = 12.66m, Cb = 0.85,
Cw = 0.9 and an even keel summer load draught of 3.56m in SW.
Calculate the FWA.
FWA = ∆s
4 x TPC
To Calculate the Summer Displacement
∆S = L x B x d x Cb x ρ
= 180.92 x 16.25 x 3.56 x 0.85 x 1.025
∆s = 9118.7 t
To Calculate the TPC
TPCSW = Aw x ρSW = L x B x CW x ρSW

100 100
= 180.92 x 16.25 x 0.9 x 1.025

100
TPCSW = 27.12
To Calculate the Fresh Water Allowance
FWA = ∆s
4 x TPC
= 9118.7
4 x 27.12
FWA = 84 mm
The Fresh Water Allowance is 84 mm

DOCK WATER ALLOWANCE (DWA)
• Definition: DWA is the number of mm by which the mean draught

changes when a vessel passes from dock water (DW) to SW and vice
versa at the loaded draught.
When loading in DW a vessel may submerge the loadline by an amount equal to the
DWA so that she will be at the appropriate loadline in SW when she proceeds to sea.
Dock water density may lie somewhere between the density of FW and SW.
The DWA is a proportion of the FWA
N.B. The use of the DWA and FWA at any other draught than the loaded
displacement is inaccurate and may lead to large errors in cargo/draught
calculations.
DWA (mm) = FWA x (SW density ~ DW density)

(SW density ~ FW density)
OR:
DWA (mm) = FWA x (1025 ~ ρ DW)

25
Where densities can be expressed in kg/m3, or, relative densities may be used

Example 1 A vessel is floating in DW of ρ = 1.018 t/m3. FWA = 200mm. By
what distance is the Summer loadline to be submerged if the vessel is
to be on the Summer loadline in SW?
DWA = FWA x (1025 ~ ρ DW)

25
= 200 x (1025 - 1018)

25
DWA = 56 mm
The DWA is 56 mm
Example 2 A vessel is floating in DW of ρ = 1.005tm

-3
FWA= 200mm. By what distance is the Summer loadline to be submerged if the

vessel is to be on the Summer loadline in SW?

25
= 200 x (1025 - 1005)

25
DWA = 160 mm
The DWA is 160 mm

Example 3
A vessel is loading in water of relative density 1.012.

The present waterline is 25 mm above the top of the Summer mark.
FWA = 250 mm, Summer Draught = 9.600 m.
Calculate the further sinkage required in the dock so that it will be on her Tropical
mark in the open sea when it sails.
This question is probably best done using draught.
Note that the DWA is added to the required loadline
9.930 m
T DWA
9.800 m
S – T = 0.200 m
Sinkage
9.625 m
S 25mm
9.600 m
To Calculate the DWA

25
= 250 x (1025 - 1012)

25
DWA = 130 mm = 0.130 m
To Calculate S - T
S – T = 1/48 x SD = 9.600 = 0.200 m

48

To Calculate Sinkage
= 9.930 – 9.625
The Required Sinkage is 0.305 m

Example 4
A vessel is loading in port in Summer Zone:

Present freeboard 2800 mm; Dock water density 1.010 tm-3;
FWA = 200 mm;
Statutory Summer Freeboard = 2700 mm.
Calculate the sinkage required in port in order that the vessel will be on her Summer
marks in the open sea.
This question is probably best done using f.b. rather than draught.
2800 mm 2700 mm
DWA
Sinkage


25
= 200 x (1025 - 1010)

25
DWA = 120 mm
To Calculate the Required Freeboard
Required Freeboard = Statutory Freeboard – DWA
= 2700 mm – 120 mm
Required Freeboard = 2580 mm
Required Sinkage = Present Freeboard – Required Freeboard
= 2800 mm – 2580 mm
Required Sinkage = 220 mm = 22 cm
Total Sinkage Required is 220 mm
Enhancement
See: Dock Water Allowance
http://www.mcaorals.co.uk/Dock%20Water.htm

The Importance of Measuring the Dock Water Density
A vessel’s Salt Water loadlines (see later) are cut into the vessels side to indicate the
assigned freeboard’s in Salt Water of density 1.025 t/m3.
It is important that the density of the water that the vessel is floating in is
known, especially when loading a deadweight cargo (i.e. the vessel is loading
down to her marks).
The density of the water must be measured so that the Fresh Water Allowance
(FWA) or Dock Water Allowance (DWA) can be correctly calculated and added
to the vessels required True Mean Draught so that when she sails into Salt
Water she will change draught (usually rise) to the required loadline.

THE USE OF 'TPC' IN DOCK WATER OR FRESH WATER
The TPC given is normally for Salt Water. If the vessel is floating in water of a
different density the TPC must be adjusted to this density, before determining the
amount of cargo to load, etc.
The TPC would be reduced proportionally to the water density.
i.e.
TPCDW = TPCSW x ρDW
ρSW
Note – This formula is not given in the SQA formulae sheets, so will need to be
learned
Example 1 TPCSW is 20, Calculate TPCDW if ρ DW = 1.010tm-3
TPCDW = TPCSW x (ρDW)

(ρSW)
TPCDW = 20 x (1.010)
(1.025)
TPCDW = 19.7
The TPCDW is 19.7

Example 2 A vessel of ∆LD = 10,000t, FWA = 110mm and TPCSW = 20, is floating
in Fresh Water at the Summer Loadline.
Calculate the quantity of cargo to load to submerge the Summer

Loadline by the FWA.
To Calculate the TPCFW
TPCFW = TPCSW x (ρDW)

(ρSW)
= 20 x (1.000)
(1.025)
TPCFW = 19.5
= 11 x 19.5

Example 3 The same vessel as in Ex. 2 is floating in Dock Water of RD 1.010
the Summer Loadline.
Calculate the quantity of cargo to load to submerge the summer

loadline by the DWA.

25
= 110 x (1025 - 1010)

25
DWA = 66 mm = 6.6 cm
To Calculate the TPCDW

(ρSW)
TPCDW = 20 x (1.010)
(1.025)
TPCDW = 19.7
Cargo to Load = Sinkage x TPCDW
= 6.6 x 19.7

Note
TPCDW can be obtained by interpolation from Hydrostatic Data Tables if TPCSW and
TPCFW are given.
COURSE PAPER 4

Example 4
A vessel is loading in DW of RD 1.020 in a Tropical Zone and has the following stability
data:
Summer Load Draught 10.300 m Present Draught 10.250 m
TPC 27.9 FWA 200mm
Calculate the Cargo to load so that she will sail at her Tropical Marks in SW.
10.555 m
T DWA = 0.040m
10.515 m
S – T = 0.215 m
Sinkage
S
10.300 m
10.250 m

25
= 440 x (1025 - 1010)

25
DWA = 264.225 mm
The Dock Water Allowance is 264 mm
To Calculate the TPCDW

(ρSW)
= 27.9 x (1.020)
(1.025)
TPCDW = 27.76
The TPCDW is 27.76
To Calculate S - T
S – T = 1/48 x SD = 10.300 = 0.215 m

48
To Calculate Sinkage
= 10.555 - 10.250
The Required Sinkage is 30.5 cm
= 30.5 x 27.76
The Cargo to Load is 847 tonnes
COURSE PAPER 4A


HNC Nautical Science g8f5 15 HNC Nautica

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

HNC Nautical Science g8f5 15 HNC Nautica

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

HNC NAUTICAL SCIENCE

Group Award Code G8F5 15

F0LD 34 - SHIP STABILITY : An Introduction

Apply the basic principles of hydrostatics to loadline calculations.

HNC Nautical Science – G8F5 15 1 18/06/2012

HNC Nautical Science – G8F5 15 2 18/06/2012

Knowledge and/or skills

HNC Nautical Science – G8F5 15 3 18/06/2012

Symbols, Abbreviations and Units 6

Mass, Density and Relative Density 6

Basic Stability Definitions 10

Tonnes Per Centimetre Immersion 20

TPC Limitations and Mean TPC 23

Calculation of Displacement - large draught change 31

Archimedes Laws continued 33

Centres of Buoyancy & Gravity 35

Fresh Water Allowance & Dock Water Allowance 45/47

HNC Nautical Science – G8F5 15 4 18/06/2012

HNC Nautical Science – G8F5 15 5 18/06/2012

Physical Quantity Abbreviation Symbol Preferred Units

HNC Nautical Science – G8F5 15 6 18/06/2012

Deadweight DWT = ∆ −∆ LIGHT t

Waterplane Area (Aw) Aw = (L x B) x Cw m2

Tonnes per Centimetre Immersion (SW) TPC =Aw x 1.025

Dock Water Allowance DWA = (1025 - ρ) x FWA mm

Moment of Statical Stability MSS = ∆ x GZ tm

Righting Lever (external force-small angles of heel) GZ = GM x sin θ m

Angle of heel (θ) (external force-small angles of heel) sin θ = GZ °

Shift of G (shifting - s is distance w is moved) GG1 = w x s m

Angle of list (θ) (internal force) tan θ = GG1 °

Final KG (by moments about Keel) KG = Σ Moments m

Metric units will be used throughout.

Length metres (m)

Mass kilogram (kg)

Area units are m2

• Definition: Density is defined as mass per unit volume.

HNC Nautical Science – G8F5 15 8 18/06/2012

• Definition: Relative Density is the ratio of the density of a substance

Density Substance (kg / m 3 )

Measurement of Density and Relative Density

Density or Relative Density is measured using a hydrometer. A sample of water is

HNC Nautical Science – G8F5 15 9 18/06/2012

• Definition: Draught is the depth of the vessel measured from keel to

Note that the reading is to the bottom of the mark

See: Carving & Marking Notes

Requirements for ship registration

HNC Nautical Science – G8F5 15 10 18/06/2012

This is also commonly known as the “Plimsoll Line”

See: Samuel Plimsoll

HNC Nautical Science – G8F5 15 11 18/06/2012

Forward Perpendicular (FP)(Fpp)

• Definition: The perpendicular at the forward end of the vessel which

After Perpendicular (AP)(App)

• Definition: The perpendicular at the after end of the vessel which

Length Between Perpendiculars (LBP)

• Definition: The length of the vessel measured in metres between the

HNC Nautical Science – G8F5 15 12 18/06/2012

1. The volume of liquid displaced by a floating body is equal to the underwater

(A floating body displaces its own weight of water)

Volume of displacement (∇)

• Definition: Volume of displacement measured in m3 is equal to the

For box shaped vessels:

HNC Nautical Science – G8F5 15 13 18/06/2012