2.4 Operation of the ship
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC/Circular.920 – Model Loading and Stability Manual – (15 June 1999) - Annex – Model Loading and Stability Manual - Section 2 – Guidance to the master - 2.4 Operation of the ship

2.4 Operation of the ship

  2.4.1 This sub-section should characterize the lightship with regard to stability, trim, heeling-moment due to asymmetrical equipment and longitudinal stress parameters.

  2.4.2 If applicable, the preferred compensation of asymmetrical light ship mass by ballast, consumables or cargo should be explained. A warning against compensation by solid bulk cargo should be given.

  2.4.3 The concept of the distribution of consumables in different stages of consumption, such as full, partly filled and minimal arrival conditions, should be explained including the effect on KG in loaded condition.

  2.4.4 The concept of the compensation of increase of KG due to fuel consumption during the voyage by taking ballast should be explained. A suitable table or diagram should be used, where appropriate.

  2.4.5 The general stress situation in terms of bending moments and shear forces should be commented for typical and, if necessary, for unusual loading conditions. Warnings should be given against extreme stress situations which may arrive with specific distributions of cargo and/or ballast, e.g. filling the forepeak or afterpeak. Similar warnings should be given against undue torsional moments, if appropriate.

  2.4.6 The principal ballast patterns should be explained for the carriage of heavy deck cargo, like containers, or light cargo in the hold, like ro/ro-vehicles.

  2.4.7 Specific information should be given regarding the effect of hoisted crane booms, filled swimming pool or other heavy top masses on the ship's stability, and the correct use of anti-rolling devices and/or heeling tanks, if applicable.

  2.4.8 All relevant operating limits with regard to loading and distribution of cargo and ballasting should be listed and explained, as for example:

  • .1 maximum draught according to Load Line Certificate;

  • .2 maximum KGc-values according to intact stability criteria or damage stability criteria;

  • .3 maximum allowable shear forces and bending moments;

  • .4 restrictions to deck stowage and trim due to SOLAS-sight lines;

  • .5 minimum draught foreward and aft with regard to seakeeping;

  • .6 maximum draught foreward due to minimum bow height requirement;

  • .7 maximum stack loads for container stacks;

  • .8 maximum load per area for break bulk cargoes; and

  • .9 maximum load per hold for bulk cargoes.

 Reference should be made to the Damage Control Manual and the Cargo Securing Manual, if applicable.

  2.4.9 A general warning should be given that tanks which are not in use should, where practical, be either completely empty or completely filled up, in particular where the stability is marginal.

  2.4.10 A general warning should be given of the reduction of stability by a steady angle of heel of the ship. It is essential to keep the ship upright at all times by a symmetrical distribution of masses.


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