SUBDIVISION AND DAMAGE STABILITY OF DRY CARGO SHIPS; AN APPROVAL AUTHORITY VIEW

IMO has developed requirements for the subdivision and damage stability of dry cargo ships based on probabilistic concepts. These requirements are scheduled for entry into force on 1st February 1992 and will be applicable to ships of 100m length and over the keels of which are laid on or after that date. Ships presently in the design stage and existing designs in series building could therefore be immediately affected by this new legislation. Comment on the development of the regulations and their trial application by some IMO Member States to a sample range of ship types is made together with Lloyd's Register's findings on ship design s examined for compliance. Guidance is given concerning ship arrangements leading to compliance and interpretations are given for practical aspects such as closing appliances for use in watertight divisions.