2.5.1 Compliance with the stability criteria does
not ensure immunity against capsizing, regardless of the circumstances,
or absolve the master from his responsibilities. Masters should therefore
exercise prudence and good seamanship having regard to the season
of the year, weather forecasts and the navigational zone and should
take the appropriate action as to speed and course warranted by the
prevailing circumstances.footnote
2.5.2 Care should be taken that the cargo allocated
to the ship is capable of being stowed so that compliance with the
criteria can be achieved. If necessary, the amount should be limited
to the extent that ballast weight may be required.
2.5.3 Before a voyage commences, care should be
taken to ensure that the cargo and sizeable pieces of equipment have
been properly stowed or lashed so as to minimize the possibility of
both longitudinal and lateral shifting, while at sea, under the effect
of acceleration caused by rolling and pitching. footnote
2.5.4 A ship, when engaged in towing operations,
should possess an adequate reserve of stability to withstand the anticipated
heeling moment arising from the tow line without endangering the towing
ship. Deck cargo on board the towing ship should be so positioned
as not to endanger the safe working of the crew on deck or impede
the proper functioning of the towing equipment and be properly secured.
Tow line arrangements should include towing springs and a method of
quick release of the tow.
2.5.5 The number of partially filled or slack
tanks should be kept to a minimum because of their adverse effect
on stability.
2.5.6 The stability criteria contained in chapter 3 set minimum values, but no maximum values
are recommended. It is advisable to avoid excessive values of metacentric
height, since these might lead to acceleration forces which could
be prejudicial to the ship, its complement, its equipment and to safe
carriage of the cargo. Slack tanks may, in exceptional cases, be used
as a means of reducing excessive values of metacentric height. In
such cases, due consideration should be given to sloshing effects.
2.5.7 Regard should be paid to the possible adverse
effects on stability where certain bulk cargoes are carried. In this
connection, attention should be paid to the IMO Code of Safe Practice
for Solid Bulk Cargoes.