Ship Stability and Flooding Terminology

A collection of vocabulary flashcards related to ship stability and flooding scenarios.

Righting Arm

Distance between gravity center and buoyancy center.

GZ Area

Area under curve showing energy to return upright.

Watertight Bulkhead

Ship partition that stops floodwater spread.

Heel Angle

Instability occurs if this angle exceeds limits.

Freeboard

Deck-to-waterline measure post-flood safety check.

Draught

Maximum submerged depth after flooding.

Progressive Flooding

Spread of floodwater through unsealed compartments.

Watertight Subdivision

Subdivision that prevents vessel capsizing.

Damage Stability

Ship's ability to remain safe after hull breach.

Simulation

Digital process to analyze ship behavior post-flood.

Listing

Tilt to one side caused by uneven weight or flooding.

Righting Moment

Moment that resists heeling and restores balance.

Loss of Stability

Major risk if flooding is not contained.

Upright Position

Orientation a ship must retain post-damage.

Tons/cm

Unit expressing moment to change trim by 1 cm.

LCF

Longitudinal pivot point about which a ship trims.

Counter-Flooding

Method of offsetting heel or trim caused by flooding.

Bilge Pump

Device used to remove floodwater.

Dewatering

Mechanical removal of floodwater.

Damage Control

Process of sealing hatches and leaks.

Trim

Downward inclination of bow or stern from uneven loading.

Aft Trim

Trim condition when stern sinks and bow rises.

SOLAS

The convention that sets global rules for ship safety.

Safety of Life at Sea

The full meaning of the abbreviation SOLAS.

Chapter II-1

The SOLAS chapter covering construction, subdivision, and stability.

Uprightness

The condition a ship must maintain to stay upright after damage.

Assume a Damage Scenario

The first step in assessing a ship's behavior during damage.

Computer Software

Tool used to simulate flooding effects.

GZ Curve

Curve used to evaluate post-damage righting ability.

Watertight Door

Door designed to restrict floodwater movement.

Excessive Heel

Sign of compromised post-damage stability.

Watertight Integrity

Integrity preventing water entry to undamaged parts.

Residual Stability

Remaining stability a ship retains after flooding.

Watertight Closure

Watertight closure designed to block water spread.

Water on Deck

Hazard from insufficient freeboard.