2.1 Stability booklet
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - Intact Stability (IS) Code - Intact Stability for All Types of Ships Covered by IMO Instruments – Resolution A.749(18) - Annex - Code on Intact Stability for all Types of Ships Covered by IMO Instruments - Chapter 2 - General Provisions Against Capsizing and Information for The Master - 2.1 Stability booklet

2.1 Stability booklet

  2.1.1 Stability data and associated plans should be drawn up in the working language of the ship and any other language the Administration may require. Reference is also made to the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, adopted by the Organization by resolution A.741(18). All translations of the stability booklet should be approved.

  2.1.2 Each ship should be provided with a stability booklet, approved by the Administration, which contains sufficient information to enable the master to operate the ship in compliance with the applicable requirements contained in the Code. The Administration may have additional requirements. On a mobile offshore drilling unit, the stability booklet may be referred to as an operating manual. The stability booklet may include information on longitudinal strength. This Code addresses only the stability-related contents of the booklet.footnote

  2.1.3 The format of the stability booklet and the information included will vary dependent on the ship type and operation. In developing the stability booklet, consideration should be given to including the following information:

  • .1 a general description of the ship;

  • .2 instructions on the use of the booklet;

  • .3 general arrangement plans showing watertight compartments, closures, vents, downflooding angles, permanent ballast, allowable deck loadings and freeboard diagrams;

  • .4 hydrostatic curves or tables and cross curves of stability calculated on a free-trimming basis, for the ranges of displacement and trim anticipated in normal operating conditions;

  • .5 capacity plan or tables showing capacities and centres of gravity for each cargo stowage space;

  • .6 tank sounding tables showing capacities, centres of gravity, and free surface data for each tank;

  • .7 information on loading restrictions, such as maximum KG or minimum GM curve or table that can be used to determine compliance with the applicable stability criteria;

  • .8 standard operating conditions and examples for developing other acceptable loading conditions using the information contained in the stability booklet;

  • .9 a brief description of the stability calculations done including assumptions;

  • .10 general precautions for preventing unintentional flooding;

  • .11 information concerning the use of any special cross-flooding fittings with descriptions of damage conditions which may require cross-flooding;

  • .12 any other necessary guidance for the safe operation of the ship under normal and emergency conditions;

  • .13 a table of contents and index for each booklet;

  • .14 inclining test report for the ship, or:

    • .1 where the stability data is based on a sister ship, the inclining test report of that sister ship along with the lightship measurement report for the ship in question; or

    • .2 where lightship particulars are determined by other methods than from inclining of the ship or its sister, a summary of the method used to determine those particulars;

  • .15 recommendation for determination of ship's stability by means of an in-service inclining test.

  2.1.4 As an alternative to the stability booklet mentioned in 2.1.2, a simplified booklet in an approved form containing sufficient information to enable the master to operate the ship in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Code as may be provided at the discretion of the Administration concerned.

  2.1.5 As a supplement to the approved stability booklet, a loading computer may be used to facilitate the stability calculations mentioned in paragraph 2.1.3.9.

  2.1.6 It is desirable that the input/output form in the computer and screen presentation be similar to the one in the stability booklet so that the operators will easily gain familiarity with the use of the stability booklet.

  2.1.7 A simple and straightforward instruction manual written as per sound marine practice and in a language common to all officers should be provided with the loading computer.

  2.1.8 In order to validate the proper functioning of the computer program, four loading conditions taken from the stability booklet (final) should be run in the computer periodically and the print-outs should be maintained on board as check conditions for future reference.

Parent topic: Chapter 2 - General Provisions Against Capsizing and Information for The Master
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