Grounding

Question 1

What must the master find out following grounding?

Answer 1

1. Current and predicted tides
2. Currents
3. Current and expected weather
4. Nature of bottom
5. Depth of water around the ship
6. Buoyancy needed to refloat
7. Condition of the ship. Damage / hull stresses. Any hogging or sagging/undulations in hull sides

Question 2

What information should be passed to shore organisations to calculate vessel stability following grounding or damage?

Answer 2

1. Current loading condition
2. Damage - Location and extent
3. Condition of the ship
   - Soundings
   - Draughts
   - Any change in fuel/cargo (lightening carried out)
   - any action already taken
4. Environmental conditions

Question 3

What is the difference between stranding and grounding?

Answer 3

Grounding is when the ship strikes the seabed. Stranding is when the ship remains aground on the seabed and can not refloat without assistance.