Shiphandling and Stability
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in Marine Navigation and Nautical Science course at LearnUNI. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Abeam refers to the direction or position of an object when it is at a right ang… #
Abeam refers to the direction or position of an object when it is at a right angle to the centerline of a ship, this term is used to describe the location of other ships or objects in relation to one's own vessel, abnormal wave patterns can affect the stability of a ship, while abnormal weather conditions can impact shiphandling.
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity of an object with respect to time… #
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity of an object with respect to time, in the context of shiphandling and stability, acceleration is an important factor in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the balance of the vessel.
Active fin stabilizer is a type of stabilizer that uses fins or rotors to counte… #
Active fin stabilizer is a type of stabilizer that uses fins or rotors to counteract the rolling motion of a ship, these stabilizers are designed to improve the stability of a ship in rough seas.
Admiralty coefficient is a factor used to calculate the stability of a ship, it… #
Admiralty coefficient is a factor used to calculate the stability of a ship, it takes into account the shape and size of the vessel, as well as the distribution of its weight.
Aft refers to the rear section of a ship, the aft section is critical in… #
Aft refers to the rear section of a ship, the aft section is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the trim of the vessel.
Air draft is the maximum height of a ship above the waterline, this is an import… #
Air draft is the maximum height of a ship above the waterline, this is an important consideration in shiphandling, as it can affect the clearance of the vessel under bridges or in shallow waters.
Amidships refers to the middle section of a ship, the amidships section is cr… #
Amidships refers to the middle section of a ship, the amidships section is crucial in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the balance of the vessel.
Angle of heel is the angle between the vertical and the centerline of a ship, th… #
Angle of heel is the angle between the vertical and the centerline of a ship, this angle is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the list of the vessel.
Angle of loll is the angle between the vertical and the centerline of a ship whe… #
Angle of loll is the angle between the vertical and the centerline of a ship when it is in a state of neutral stability, this angle is important in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the righting moment of the vessel.
Anti #
pitching tank is a type of tank that is designed to reduce the pitching motion of a ship, these tanks are filled with fluid that moves in the opposite direction to the pitching motion, thereby counteracting it.
Anti #
rolling tank is a type of tank that is designed to reduce the rolling motion of a ship, these tanks are filled with fluid that moves in the opposite direction to the rolling motion, thereby counteracting it.
Archimedes' principle is a fundamental principle of physics that states t… #
Archimedes' principle is a fundamental principle of physics that states that the buoyancy force on an object is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object, this principle is crucial in understanding the stability of a ship.
Area of deck is the total area of the deck of a ship, this is an important consi… #
Area of deck is the total area of the deck of a ship, this is an important consideration in shiphandling, as it can affect the stability of the vessel in rough seas.
Aspect ratio is the ratio of the length to the width of a ship's fin or rotor, t… #
Aspect ratio is the ratio of the length to the width of a ship's fin or rotor, this ratio is critical in determining the effectiveness of the fin or rotor in stabilizing the ship.
Astern refers to the direction behind a ship, this term is used to describe the… #
Astern refers to the direction behind a ship, this term is used to describe the movement of a ship in reverse, which can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability.
Athwartships refers to the direction or position of an object when it is at a ri… #
Athwartships refers to the direction or position of an object when it is at a right angle to the centerline of a ship, this term is used to describe the location of other ships or objects in relation to one's own vessel, abnormal wave patterns can affect the stability of a ship, while abnormal weather conditions can impact shiphandling.
Automatic steering is a type of steering system that uses electronic cont… #
Automatic steering is a type of steering system that uses electronic controls to steer a ship, these systems are designed to improve the efficiency and safety of shiphandling.
Ballast is the weight or material used to stabilize a ship, ballast can b… #
Ballast is the weight or material used to stabilize a ship, ballast can be in the form of water, steel, or other materials, and is critical in determining the stability of a ship.
Ballast tank is a type of tank that is designed to hold ballast , these ta… #
Ballast tank is a type of tank that is designed to hold ballast, these tanks are used to control the stability of a ship by adding or removing ballast.
Bank effect is the interaction between a ship and a bank or sho… #
Bank effect is the interaction between a ship and a bank or shore, this effect can affect the stability of a ship, as it can cause the vessel to tilt or list.
Beam is the width of a ship, this is an important consideration in shiphandling,… #
Beam is the width of a ship, this is an important consideration in shiphandling, as it can affect the stability of the vessel in rough seas.
Beam sea is a type of sea where the waves are coming from the side of a ship, th… #
Beam sea is a type of sea where the waves are coming from the side of a ship, this type of sea can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability, as it can cause the vessel to roll or pitch.
Bilge is the lowest part of a ship's hull, this area is critical in deter… #
Bilge is the lowest part of a ship's hull, this area is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Block coefficient is a factor used to calculate the stability of a ship, it take… #
Block coefficient is a factor used to calculate the stability of a ship, it takes into account the shape and size of the vessel, as well as the distribution of its weight.
Bow is the front section of a ship, the bow section is critical in determ… #
Bow is the front section of a ship, the bow section is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the trim of the vessel.
Bow thruster is a type of propulsion system that uses a thruster or pr… #
Bow thruster is a type of propulsion system that uses a thruster or propeller located at the bow of a ship to improve its maneuverability, these systems are designed to improve the efficiency and safety of shiphandling.
Buoyancy is the upward force exerted on an object by a fluid, such as water</… #
Buoyancy is the upward force exerted on an object by a fluid, such as water, this force is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Buoyancy force is the upward force exerted on an object by a fluid, such as w… #
Buoyancy force is the upward force exerted on an object by a fluid, such as water, this force is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Canal is a type of waterway that is narrow and confined , this type… #
Canal is a type of waterway that is narrow and confined, this type of waterway can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability, as it can cause the vessel to tilt or list.
Center of buoyancy is the point at which the buoyancy force acts on a ship, this… #
Center of buoyancy is the point at which the buoyancy force acts on a ship, this point is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Center of gravity is the point at which the weight of a ship acts, this point is… #
Center of gravity is the point at which the weight of a ship acts, this point is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the list of the vessel.
Centerline is the longitudinal centerline of a ship, this line is critical</b… #
Centerline is the longitudinal centerline of a ship, this line is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the balance of the vessel.
Channel is a type of waterway that is narrow and confined , this ty… #
Channel is a type of waterway that is narrow and confined, this type of waterway can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability, as it can cause the vessel to tilt or list.
Cleat is a type of fastener used to secure lines or cables to a sh… #
Cleat is a type of fastener used to secure lines or cables to a ship, these fasteners are designed to improve the safety of shiphandling.
Coaming is the raised edge of a hatch or opening on a ship, this edge is… #
Coaming is the raised edge of a hatch or opening on a ship, this edge is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Course is the direction in which a ship is heading, this is an important conside… #
Course is the direction in which a ship is heading, this is an important consideration in shiphandling, as it can affect the stability of the vessel in rough seas.
Current is the movement of water in a particular direction, this movement… #
Current is the movement of water in a particular direction, this movement can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability, as it can cause the vessel to drift or list.
Deadweight is the weight of cargo, fuel, and other items on a ship, this… #
Deadweight is the weight of cargo, fuel, and other items on a ship, this weight is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the list of the vessel.
Deadweight tonnage is the weight of cargo, fuel, and other items on a shi… #
Deadweight tonnage is the weight of cargo, fuel, and other items on a ship, this weight is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the list of the vessel.
Deck is the structure that forms the top surface of a ship, this structur… #
Deck is the structure that forms the top surface of a ship, this structure is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Depth is the distance from the waterline to the keel of a ship, th… #
Depth is the distance from the waterline to the keel of a ship, this distance is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Displacement is the weight of water displaced by a ship, this weight is <… #
Displacement is the weight of water displaced by a ship, this weight is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Draft is the distance from the waterline to the keel of a ship, th… #
Draft is the distance from the waterline to the keel of a ship, this distance is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the list of the vessel.
Drag is the resistance to the movement of a ship through the water … #
Drag is the resistance to the movement of a ship through the water, this resistance can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability, as it can cause the vessel to slow or list.
Draught is the distance from the waterline to the keel of a ship,… #
Draught is the distance from the waterline to the keel of a ship, this distance is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the list of the vessel.
Eddy is a type of current that forms when a ship moves through the wat… #
Eddy is a type of current that forms when a ship moves through the water, this current can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability, as it can cause the vessel to tilt or list.
Emergency position #
indicating radio beacon is a type of device that is used to locate a ship in emergency situations, these devices are designed to improve the safety of shiphandling.
Even keel is a state of balance where a ship is not listing or … #
Even keel is a state of balance where a ship is not listing or trimming, this state is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Fathom is a unit of measurement that is used to measure the depth … #
Fathom is a unit of measurement that is used to measure the depth of water, this unit is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Fin is a type of stabilizer that is used to counteract the rolling… #
Fin is a type of stabilizer that is used to counteract the rolling motion of a ship, these stabilizers are designed to improve the stability of a ship in rough seas.
Floodable length is the length of a ship that can be flooded without s… #
Floodable length is the length of a ship that can be flooded without sinking the vessel, this length is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the list of the vessel.
Flow is the movement of fluid through a channel or pipe , th… #
Flow is the movement of fluid through a channel or pipe, this movement can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability, as it can cause the vessel to list or tilt.
Fluid is a type of substance that can flow and change shape… #
Fluid is a type of substance that can flow and change shape, this substance is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Freeboard is the distance from the waterline to the main deck of a… #
Freeboard is the distance from the waterline to the main deck of a ship, this distance is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the list of the vessel.
Free surface effect is the effect of a liquid surface on the stabi… #
Free surface effect is the effect of a liquid surface on the stability of a ship, this effect can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability, as it can cause the vessel to list or tilt.
Gyrocompass is a type of device that is used to determine the dire… #
Gyrocompass is a type of device that is used to determine the direction of a ship, these devices are designed to improve the accuracy of shiphandling.
Harbor is a type of waterway that is protected from the open</b… #
Harbor is a type of waterway that is protected from the open sea, this type of waterway can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability, as it can cause the vessel to list or tilt.
Head is the front section of a ship, the head section is critical in dete… #
Head is the front section of a ship, the head section is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the trim of the vessel.
Heel is the angle between the vertical and the centerline of a ship, this angle… #
Heel is the angle between the vertical and the centerline of a ship, this angle is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the list of the vessel.
Height of eye is the distance from the waterline to the eye of a s… #
Height of eye is the distance from the waterline to the eye of a ship, this distance is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Helm is the steering system of a ship, this system is critical in… #
Helm is the steering system of a ship, this system is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the direction of the vessel.
Hydrofoil is a type of vessel that uses wings or foils to <… #
Hydrofoil is a type of vessel that uses wings or foils to lift the hull out of the water, these vessels are designed to improve the speed and stability of a ship.
Hydrostatics is the study of the behavior of fluids at rest … #
Hydrostatics is the study of the behavior of fluids at rest, this study is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Inflow is the movement of fluid into a channel or pipe , thi… #
Inflow is the movement of fluid into a channel or pipe, this movement can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability, as it can cause the vessel to list or tilt.
Keel is the bottom #
most part of a ship's hull, this part is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Knot is a unit of measurement that is used to measure the speed of… #
Knot is a unit of measurement that is used to measure the speed of a ship, this unit is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the direction of the vessel.
Land breeze is a type of wind that blows from the land to the s… #
Land breeze is a type of wind that blows from the land to the sea, this wind can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability, as it can cause the vessel to list or tilt.
Latitude is the distance north or south of the equator , this distance is… #
Latitude is the distance north or south of the equator, this distance is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the direction of the vessel.
Lee is the side of a ship that is away from the wind , this side is… #
Lee is the side of a ship that is away from the wind, this side is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the list of the vessel.
Length is the distance from the bow to the stern of a ship, this d… #
Length is the distance from the bow to the stern of a ship, this distance is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
List is the angle between the vertical and the centerline of a ship, this angle… #
List is the angle between the vertical and the centerline of a ship, this angle is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Load line is a mark on the side of a ship that indicates the maximum</… #
Load line is a mark on the side of a ship that indicates the maximum draft of the vessel, this mark is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the list of the vessel.
Longitudinal is the direction or position of an object when it is parallel to th… #
Longitudinal is the direction or position of an object when it is parallel to the centerline of a ship, this direction is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Longitude is the distance east or west of the prime meridian, this distan… #
Longitude is the distance east or west of the prime meridian, this distance is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the direction of the vessel.
Metacenter is the point at which the buoyancy force acts on a ship, this… #
Metacenter is the point at which the buoyancy force acts on a ship, this point is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Moment is a measure of the force that causes an object to rotate o… #
Moment is a measure of the force that causes an object to rotate or tilt, this measure is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the list of the vessel.
Moor is to secure a ship to a fixed object, such as a dock … #
Moor is to secure a ship to a fixed object, such as a dock or buoy, this is an important consideration in shiphandling, as it can affect the stability of the vessel.
Motion is the movement of a ship through the water , this movement… #
Motion is the movement of a ship through the water, this movement can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability, as it can cause the vessel to list or tilt.
Neutral stability is a state of balance where a ship is neither stable… #
Neutral stability is a state of balance where a ship is neither stable nor unstable, this state is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Nautical mile is a unit of measurement that is used to measure the dis… #
Nautical mile is a unit of measurement that is used to measure the distance traveled by a ship, this unit is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the direction of the vessel.
Outflow is the movement of fluid out of a channel or pipe ,… #
Outflow is the movement of fluid out of a channel or pipe, this movement can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability, as it can cause the vessel to list or tilt.
Pitch is the movement of a ship up and down, this movement can be chal… #
Pitch is the movement of a ship up and down, this movement can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability, as it can cause the vessel to list or tilt.
Planing is the movement of a ship through the water at high spe… #
Planing is the movement of a ship through the water at high speed, this movement can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability, as it can cause the vessel to list or tilt.
Polar diagram is a type of chart that is used to plot the perfo… #
Polar diagram is a type of chart that is used to plot the performance of a ship, these charts are designed to improve the accuracy of shiphandling.
Port is the left side of a ship when facing the bow , this side is crit… #
Port is the left side of a ship when facing the bow, this side is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the list of the vessel.
Propeller is a type of propulsion system that uses a rotating b… #
Propeller is a type of propulsion system that uses a rotating blade to push a ship through the water, these systems are designed to improve the efficiency and safety of shiphandling.
Rake is the angle between the vertical and the stem of a ship, thi… #
Rake is the angle between the vertical and the stem of a ship, this angle is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Range is the distance that a ship can travel without refueling , this dist… #
Range is the distance that a ship can travel without refueling, this distance is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the direction of the vessel.
Righting arm is the distance from the center of gravity to the … #
Righting arm is the distance from the center of gravity to the metacenter of a ship, this distance is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the list of the vessel.
Righting moment is the force that causes a ship to return to its <… #
Righting moment is the force that causes a ship to return to its upright position, this force is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Rudder is a type of steering system that uses a flat surface</b… #
Rudder is a type of steering system that uses a flat surface to control the direction of a ship, these systems are designed to improve the efficiency and safety of shiphandling.
Sea breeze is a type of wind that blows from the sea to the lan… #
Sea breeze is a type of wind that blows from the sea to the land, this wind can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability, as it can cause the vessel to list or tilt.
Seabed is the bottom of a body of water , this area is critical<… #
Seabed is the bottom of a body of water, this area is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Sea state is the condition of the sea in terms of waves and… #
Sea state is the condition of the sea in terms of waves and wind, this condition can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability, as it can cause the vessel to list or tilt.
Skeg is a type of structure that is used to protect the propell… #
Skeg is a type of structure that is used to protect the propeller and rudder of a ship, these structures are designed to improve the efficiency and safety of shiphandling.
Stern is the rear section of a ship, the stern section is critical in det… #
Stern is the rear section of a ship, the stern section is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the trim of the vessel.
Stability is the ability of a ship to resist capsizing or listi… #
Stability is the ability of a ship to resist capsizing or listing, this ability is critical in determining the safety of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Starboard is the right side of a ship when facing the bow , this side is <… #
Starboard is the right side of a ship when facing the bow, this side is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the list of the vessel.
Static stability is the ability of a ship to resist capsizing or <… #
Static stability is the ability of a ship to resist capsizing or listing when it is at rest, this ability is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Station is a location on a ship where a person is assigned to w… #
Station is a location on a ship where a person is assigned to work, these locations are critical in determining the stability of a ship, as they can affect the list of the vessel.
Steering is the ability to control the direction of a ship, this a… #
Steering is the ability to control the direction of a ship, this ability is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Sternway is the movement of a ship in the reverse direction, this… #
Sternway is the movement of a ship in the reverse direction, this movement can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability, as it can cause the vessel to list or tilt.
Streamline is a type of shape that is used to reduce the drag</… #
Streamline is a type of shape that is used to reduce the drag of a ship, these shapes are designed to improve the efficiency and safety of shiphandling.
Strut is a type of structure that is used to support the propel… #
Strut is a type of structure that is used to support the propeller and rudder of a ship, these structures are designed to improve the efficiency and safety of shiphandling.
Surge is the movement of a ship forward and backward, this movement can b… #
Surge is the movement of a ship forward and backward, this movement can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability, as it can cause the vessel to list or tilt.
Swath is the width of a ship's hull , this width is critical … #
Swath is the width of a ship's hull, this width is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Tacking is the movement of a ship through the water at an angle to… #
Tacking is the movement of a ship through the water at an angle to the wind, this movement can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability, as it can cause the vessel to list or tilt.
Tonnage is the weight or volume of a ship's cargo or bal… #
Tonnage is the weight or volume of a ship's cargo or ballast, this weight or volume is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Tractrix is a type of curve that is used to describe the path</… #
Tractrix is a type of curve that is used to describe the path of a ship through the water, these curves are designed to improve the accuracy of shiphandling.
Transom is the rear section of a ship's hull , this section is c… #
Transom is the rear section of a ship's hull, this section is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the trim of the vessel.
Trim is the angle between the horizontal and the centerline … #
Trim is the angle between the horizontal and the centerline of a ship, this angle is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Wake is the trail of water behind a ship, this trail can be cha… #
Wake is the trail of water behind a ship, this trail can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability, as it can cause the vessel to list or tilt.
Waterline is the line where the water meets the hull of a s… #
Waterline is the line where the water meets the hull of a ship, this line is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Wave is a type of disturbance that travels through the water , this… #
Wave is a type of disturbance that travels through the water, this disturbance can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability, as it can cause the vessel to list or tilt.
Weather is the condition of the atmosphere in terms of wind … #
Weather is the condition of the atmosphere in terms of wind, temperature, and precipitation, this condition can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability, as it can cause the vessel to list or tilt.
Weight is the force that is exerted on an object by gravity , this… #
Weight is the force that is exerted on an object by gravity, this force is critical in determining the stability of a ship, as it can affect the draft of the vessel.
Wind is the movement of air in the atmosphere , this movemen… #
Wind is the movement of air in the atmosphere, this movement can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability, as it can cause the vessel to list or tilt.
Yaw is the rotation of a ship around its vertical axis, this rotat… #
Yaw is the rotation of a ship around its vertical axis, this rotation can be challenging in terms of shiphandling and stability, as it can cause the vessel to list or tilt.