2.2 Freeboard and stability
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - IBC Code - International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in BulkAmended by Resolution MEPC.225(64) - Chapter 2 Ship survival capability and location of cargo tanks - 2.2 Freeboard and stability

2.2 Freeboard and stability

 These amendments have been consolidated into IBC Code, Chapter 2

2.2.1 Ships subject to the Code may be assigned the minimum freeboard permitted by the International Convention on Load Lines in force. However, the draught associated with the assignment shall not be greater than the maximum draught otherwise permitted by this Code.

  2.2.2 The stability of the ship in all seagoing conditions shall be to a standard which is acceptable to the Administration.

  2.2.3 When calculating the effect of free surfaces of consumable liquids for loading conditions it shall be assumed that, for each type of liquid, at least one transverse pair or a single centre tank has a free surface and the tank or combination of tanks to be taken into account shall be those where the effect of free surfaces is the greatest. The free surface effect in undamaged compartments shall be calculated by a method acceptable to the Administration.

  2.2.4 Solid ballast shall not normally be used in double-bottom spaces in the cargo area. Where, however, because of stability considerations, the fitting of solid ballast in such spaces becomes unavoidable, then its disposition shall be governed by the need to ensure that the impact loads resulting from bottom damage are not directly transmitted to the cargo tank structure.

  2.2.5 The master of the ship shall be supplied with a loading and stability information booklet. This booklet shall contain details of typical service and ballast conditions, provisions for evaluating other conditions of loading and a summary of the ship’s survival capabilities. In addition, the booklet shall contain sufficient information to enable the master to load and operate the ship in a safe and seaworthy manner.

  2.2.6 All ships, subject to the Code, shall be fitted with a stability instrument, capable of verifying compliance with intact and damage stability requirements, approved by the Administration having regard to the performance standards recommended by the Organizationfootnote:

  • .1 ships constructed before 1 January 2016 shall comply with this requirement at the first scheduled renewal survey of the ship on or after 1 January 2016 but not later than 1 January 2021;

  • .2 notwithstanding the requirements of 2.2.6.1, a stability instrument fitted on a ship constructed before 1 January 2016 need not be replaced provided it is capable of verifying compliance with intact and damage stability, to the satisfaction of the Administration; and

  • .3 for the purposes of control under regulation 16 of MARPOL Annex II, the Administration shall issue a document of approval for the stability instrument.

  2.2.7 The Administration may waive the requirements of paragraph 2.2.6 for the following ships provided the procedures employed for intact and damage stability verification maintain the same degree of safety, as being loaded in accordance with the approved conditionsfootnote. Any such waiver shall be duly noted on the International Certificate of Fitness referred to in paragraph 1.5.4:

  • .1 ships which are on a dedicated service, with a limited number of permutations of loading such that all anticipated conditions have been approved in the stability information provided to the master in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 2.2.5;

  • .2 ships where stability verification is made remotely by a means approved by the Administration;

  • .3 ships which are loaded within an approved range of loading conditions; or

  • .4 ships constructed before 1 January 2016 provided with approved limiting KG/GM curves covering all applicable intact and damage stability requirements.

Parent topic: Chapter 2 Ship survival capability and location of cargo tanks
Copyright 2022 Clasifications Register Group Limited, International Maritime Organization, International Labour Organization or Maritime and Coastguard Agency. All rights reserved. Clasifications Register Group Limited, its affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective officers, employees or agents are, individually and collectively, referred to in this clause as 'Clasifications Register'. Clasifications Register assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable to any person for any loss, damage or expense caused by reliance on the information or advice in this document or howsoever provided, unless that person has signed a contract with the relevant Clasifications Register entity for the provision of this information or advice and in that case any responsibility or liability is exclusively on the terms and conditions set out in that contract.