Column-stabilized units
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - 1989 MODU Code – Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 1989 – Resolution A.649(16) - Chapter 3 – Subdivision, Stability and Freeboard - 3.4 Subdivision and damage stability - Column-stabilized units

Column-stabilized units

  3.4.3 The unit should have sufficient freeboard and be subdivided by means of watertight decks and bulkheads to provide sufficient buoyancy and stability to withstand a wind heeling moment induced by a wind velocity of 25.8 m/s (50 knots) superimposed from any direction in any operating or transit condition, taking the following considerations into account:

  • .1 the angle of inclination after the damage set out in 3.5.10.2 should not be greater than 17o:

  • .2 any opening below the final waterline should be made watertight, and openings within 4 m above the final waterline should be made weathertight;

  • .3 the righting moment curve, after the damage set out above, should have, from the first intercept to the lesser of the extent of weathertight integrity required by 3.4.3.2 and the second intercept, a range of at least 7o. Within this range, the righting moment curve should reach a value of at least twice the wind heeling moment curve, both being measured at the same angle. See figure 3-2 below.

Figure 3-3 Righting moment and wind healing moment curves

  3.4.4 The unit should provide sufficient buoyancy and stability in any operating or transit condition to withstand the flooding of any watertight compartment wholly or partially below the waterline in question, which is a pump-room, a room containing machinery with a salt water cooling system or a compartment adjacent to the sea, taking the following considerations into account:

  • .1 the angle of inclination after flooding should not be greater than 25°;

  • .2 any opening below the final waterline should be made watertight;

  • .3 a range of positive stability should be provided, beyond the calculated angle of inclination in these conditions, of at least 7o,


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