7. Load Lines, Reserve Buoyancy, and Damage Control

Question 1

Term

Answer 1

Definition

Question 2

Load Line

Answer 2

A marking on a ship’s side indicating the maximum depth to which the ship can be safely loaded.

Question 3

Reserve Buoyancy

Answer 3

The volume of a ship above the waterline, which contributes to its ability to remain afloat in adverse conditions.

Question 4

Damage Control

Answer 4

Procedures and actions taken to minimize and repair damage to a ship.

Question 5

Plimsoll Line

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

Watertight Integrity

Answer 6

The property of a ship’s hull which ensures that it does not allow water ingress which can lead to sinking or instability.

Question 7

Watertight Bulkheads

Answer 7

Vertical partitions in a ship’s hull designed to prevent the spread of water ingress from one compartment to another.

Question 8

Double Hull

Answer 8

A ship construction feature involving two complete layers of watertight hull surface, designed to provide extra security against penetration and water ingress.

Question 9

Collision Bulkhead

Answer 9

A watertight bulkhead located at the forward part of a ship to prevent flooding in case of a collision.

Question 10

Subdivision

Answer 10

The division of a ship’s hull into watertight compartments to enhance survivability in case of damage.

Question 11

Bilge Pump

Answer 11

A mechanical device for removing water from the bilge or lowest part of the ship.

Question 12

Draft Marks

Answer 12

Numerical markings on a ship’s bow and stern indicating the distance from the bottom of the keel to the waterline.

Question 13

Freeboard

Answer 13

The distance from the waterline to the upper deck level, essentially indicating the margin of safety provided against overloading.

Question 14

Free Surface Effect

Answer 14

The effect of fluids moving within partially filled tanks or spaces, reducing the ship’s stability.

Question 15

Heeling

Answer 15

The leaning or tilting of a ship to one side, due to improper loading or external forces.

Question 16

Trim

Answer 16

The difference in level between the bow and stern of a ship.

Question 17

Stability Curve

Answer 17

A graphical representation of a ship’s stability as a function of its heel angle.

Question 18

Floodable Length

Answer 18

The maximum length of a ship’s hull that can be flooded without causing the vessel to submerge.

Question 19

Margin Line

Answer 19

An imaginary line drawn at least 76 millimeters below the upper surface of the bulk deck, used in determining the vessel’s reserve buoyancy.

Question 20

Permeability

Answer 20

A measure of the volume within the ship that can be occupied by water if flooded.

Question 21

Draught

Answer 21

The vertical distance from the waterline to the bottom of the hull (keel), indicating how deeply a ship is submerged.

Question 22

Slamming

Answer 22

The impact of waves against the ship’s hull as it pitches in heavy seas.

Question 23

Progressive Flooding

Answer 23

A situation where water moves from one compartment to another, worsening the flooding condition.

Question 24

Pounding

Answer 24

When the bottom of a ship’s hull strikes the water forcefully due to wave action, potentially causing structural damage.

Question 25

Shelter Deck

Answer 25

An additional deck on some ships located above the strength deck, typically not watertight.

Question 26

Superstructure

Answer 26

A structure built above the main deck of a ship which houses the wheelhouse and accommodation areas.

Question 27

Gross Tonnage (GT)

Answer 27

A measure of the overall interior volume of a ship.

Question 28

Net Tonnage (NT)

Answer 28

A calculation of the useful capacity of a ship, often used to determine harbor dues and other fees.

Question 29

Ballast Tanks

Answer 29

Compartments within a ship designed to hold water to improve stability and trim.

Question 30

Sounding Pipe

Answer 30

A tube leading to the bottom of a ship’s tank or bilge, used to measure the depth of liquid in these spaces.

Question 31

Hydrostatic Pressure

Answer 31

The pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium due to the force of gravity.