Initial Condition of Loading
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Assembly - IMO Resolution A.320(IX) – Regulation Equivalent to Regulation 27 of the International Convention on Load Lines,1966 – (Adopted on 12 November 1975)Amended by Resolution A.514(13) - Annex - Regulation Equivalent to Regulation 27 of the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966 - Initial Condition of Loading

Initial Condition of Loading

  (11) The initial condition of loading before flooding shall be determined as follows:

  • (a) The ship is loaded to its summer load water-line on an imaginery even keel.

  • (b) When calculating the vertical centre of gravity, the following principles apply:

    • (i) Homogeneous cargo is carried.

    • (ii) All cargo compartments, except those referred to under (iii) of this sub-paragraph, but including compartments intended to be partially filled, shall be considered fully loaded except that in the case of fluid cargoes each compartment shall be treated as 98 per cent full.

    • (iii) If the ship is intended to operate at its summer load water-line with empty compartments, such compartments shall be considered empty provided the height of the centre of gravity so calculated is not less than as calculated under (ii) of this sub-paragraph.

    • (iv) Fifty per cent of the individual total capacity of all tanks and spaces fitted to contain consumable liquids and stores is allowed for. It shall be assumed that for each type of liquid, at least one transverse pair or a single centre line tank has maximum 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; in each tank the centre of gravity of the contents shall be taken at the centre of volume of the tank. The remaining tanks shall be assumed either completely empty or completely filled, and the distribution of consumable liquids between these tanks shall be effected so as to obtain the greatest possible height above the keel for the centre of gravity.

    • (v) At an angle of heel of not more than 5 degrees in each compartment containing liquids, as prescribed in (ii) of this sub-paragraph except that in the case of compartments containing consumable fluids, as prescribed in (iv) of this sub-paragraph of this paragraph, the maximum free surface effect shall be taken into account.

    • Alternatively, the actual free surface effects may be used, provided the methods of calculation are acceptable to the Administration.

    • (vi) Weights shall be calculated on the basis of the following values for specific gravities:

salt water 1.025
fresh water 1.000
oil fuel 0.950
diesel oil 0.900
lubricating oil 0.900

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