Small Workboat Stability Course

Designed to simplify a complex subject, this course will help you understand the key stability principles of vessel stability and highlight risk factors that may compromise a vessel’s safety at sea.

It provides essential training in vessel stability for crew working on workboats, pilot boats, and small commercial vessels, in line with Workboat Code Editions 2 and 3, and would be also be beneficial for anyone pursuing their Master 200 certification.

Although there are no prerequisites for this course, it is aimed at Masters and senior crew and you should familiarise yourself with your own vessel’s stability books prior to starting.

During the course, you will cover the following areas that provide an understanding of the key elements of vessel stability.

• General Principles of Transverse Stability:
  • Rolling and shift of Centre of Balance 
  • Theory of Moments, Righting levers, List & heel; and Equilibriums
• Adding, removing and shifting weights:
  • Simple calculation of transverse stability and effects on draft
  • General understanding of change of trim
  • Trimming moments
  • Longitudinal Metacentre & LCF
  • Importance of monitoring of any changes and regular checks
• Understanding the Stability Booklet
• Stiff and tender vessels
• Use of cranes and shift of Centre of Gravity
• Understanding the Free Surface Effect
  • Tanks
  • Consumption of fuel and water
  • Water on deck
• Critical KG calculations (Transverse Stability)
• Inclining test
• Deck edge immersion
• Catamaran stability
• Risks associated with Tug and Tow
• Risks associated with deck cargoes
• Wind & Ice accretion Effects

Assessment includes a 45-minute written exam which tests the knowledge and understanding of the students.