7. Load Lines, Reserve Buoyancy, and Damage Control Flashcards
Term
Definition
Load Line
A marking on a ship’s side indicating the maximum depth to which the ship can be safely loaded.
Reserve Buoyancy
The volume of a ship above the waterline, which contributes to its ability to remain afloat in adverse conditions.
Damage Control
Procedures and actions taken to minimize and repair damage to a ship.
Plimsoll Line
A special marking located on a ship’s hull that indicates the safe limit to which a ship may be loaded for specific water types and temperatures.
Watertight Integrity
The property of a ship’s hull which ensures that it does not allow water ingress which can lead to sinking or instability.
Watertight Bulkheads
Vertical partitions in a ship’s hull designed to prevent the spread of water ingress from one compartment to another.
Double Hull
A ship construction feature involving two complete layers of watertight hull surface, designed to provide extra security against penetration and water ingress.
Collision Bulkhead
A watertight bulkhead located at the forward part of a ship to prevent flooding in case of a collision.
Subdivision
The division of a ship’s hull into watertight compartments to enhance survivability in case of damage.
Bilge Pump
A mechanical device for removing water from the bilge or lowest part of the ship.
Draft Marks
Numerical markings on a ship’s bow and stern indicating the distance from the bottom of the keel to the waterline.
Freeboard
The distance from the waterline to the upper deck level, essentially indicating the margin of safety provided against overloading.
Free Surface Effect
The effect of fluids moving within partially filled tanks or spaces, reducing the ship’s stability.
Heeling
The leaning or tilting of a ship to one side, due to improper loading or external forces.
Trim
The difference in level between the bow and stern of a ship.
Stability Curve
A graphical representation of a ship’s stability as a function of its heel angle.
Floodable Length
The maximum length of a ship’s hull that can be flooded without causing the vessel to submerge.
Margin Line
An imaginary line drawn at least 76 millimeters below the upper surface of the bulk deck, used in determining the vessel’s reserve buoyancy.
Permeability
A measure of the volume within the ship that can be occupied by water if flooded.
Draught
The vertical distance from the waterline to the bottom of the hull (keel), indicating how deeply a ship is submerged.
Slamming
The impact of waves against the ship’s hull as it pitches in heavy seas.
Progressive Flooding
A situation where water moves from one compartment to another, worsening the flooding condition.
Pounding
When the bottom of a ship’s hull strikes the water forcefully due to wave action, potentially causing structural damage.
