Higher National Unit Specification

General information

Unit title: Ship Stability: An Introduction (SCQF level 7)

Unit code: HR06 34

Superclass: XQ

Publication date: September 2017

Source: Scottish Qualifications Authority

Version: 2

Unit purpose
This unit is about applying the principles of ship stability for box and ship shape vessels to
routine situations. It will develop knowledge of the principles of hydrostatics, loadline
calculations, statical stability and transverse stability. It also introduces longitudinal stability. It
is primarily aimed at learners who intend to seek sea-going employment as a Merchant Navy
Deck Officer. However, it could also be studied by someone with an interest in the subject
area.

Outcomes
On completion of the unit the learner should be able to:

1 Apply the basic principles of hydrostatics to loadline calculations.

2 Apply the principles of statical stability to interpret GZ curves.
3 Apply the principles of transverse stability to list calculations.
4 Apply the principles of longitudinal stability to draught calculations.

Credit points and level

1.5 HN Unit credits at SCQF level 7: (12 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 7)

Recommended entry to the unit

Access to this unit is at the discretion of the centre. However, learners would benefit most
from this unit if they have successfully completed the Level 3 Diploma in Shipping and/or
hold at least National 5 in both Mathematics and Physics or a General Science.

HR06 34, Ship Stability: An Introduction (SCQF level 7) 1

Higher National Unit Specification: General information (cont)

Unit title: Ship Stability: An Introduction (SCQF level 7)

Core Skills
Achievement of this Unit gives automatic certification of the following Core Skills component:

Complete Core Skill None

Core Skill component Critical Thinking at SCQF level 6

Using Number at SCQF level 6
Using Graphical Information at SCQF level 5

Context for delivery

If this unit is delivered as part of a group award, it is recommended that it should be taught
and assessed within the subject area of the group award to which it contributes.

Equality and inclusion

This unit specification has been designed to ensure that there are no unnecessary barriers to
learning or assessment. The individual needs of learners should be taken into account when
planning learning experiences, selecting assessment methods or considering alternative
evidence.

Further advice can be found on our website www.sqa.org.uk/assessmentarrangements.

HR06 34, Ship Stability: An Introduction (SCQF level 7) 2

Higher National Unit Specification: Statement of standards (cont)

Unit title: Ship Stability: An Introduction (SCQF level 7)

Acceptable performance in this unit will be the satisfactory achievement of the standards set
out in this part of the unit specification. All sections of the statement of standards are
mandatory and cannot be altered without reference to SQA.

Where evidence for outcomes is assessed on a sample basis, the whole of the content listed
in the knowledge and/or skills section must be taught and available for assessment. Learners
should not know in advance the items on which they will be assessed and different items
should be sampled on each assessment occasion.

Outcome 1
Apply the basic principles of hydrostatics to loadline calculations.

Knowledge and/or skills

 Vessel displacement
 Mass, volume, density and relative density
 Archimedes principle, hydrostatic data, displacement volume, displacement, buoyancy
 Waterline length, breadth, draught, LBP, AW, CW, CB, and freeboard
 TPC, FWA and dock water allowance
 Displacement, deadweight and TPC tables
 Load line and draught marks
 Loadline calculation
 Hydrometer use

Outcome 2
Apply the principles of statical stability to interpret GZ curves.

Knowledge and/or skills

 Centre of buoyancy, centre of gravity, initial transverse metacentre, righting lever,

righting
 Moment, metacentric height
 Stable, neutral and unstable conditions of stability at small angles of heel
 GZ curves
 Stiff and tender vessels
 Angle of loll

HR06 34, Ship Stability: An Introduction (SCQF level 7) 3

Higher National Unit Specification: Statement of standards (cont)

Unit title: Ship Stability: An Introduction (SCQF level 7)

Outcome 3
Apply the principles of transverse stability to list calculations

Knowledge and/or skills

 Effect on G of loading, discharging and moving weights

 List
 Difference between list and loll and the methods of correction
 Changes in stability during the voyage
 Free surface and the dangers and effect at small angles of heel
 Effect of tank subdivision and density on free surface
 Allowance for the effect of free surface

Outcome 4
Apply the principles of longitudinal stability to draught calculations

Knowledge and/or skills

 True Mean Draught (TMD), Longitudinal Centre of Flotation (LCF), Longitudinal Centre
of Gravity (LCG), Longitudinal Centre of Buoyancy (LCB), Trimming Moment and
Moment to Change Trim 1 cm (MCTC)
 Apply the principles of longitudinal stability to calculations involving the inter-relationship
of draught, trim, weight and their positions

Evidence requirements for this unit

Written and/or oral recorded evidence is required for Outcomes 1 to 4 and will be under
supervised open-book conditions. Outcomes 1 and 2 should be combined for assessment
lasting no longer than two hours. Outcomes 3 and 4 should be combined for assessment
lasting no longer than two hours.

MCA approved formula sheets should be made available to all learners during assessment.

All knowledge and skills within each outcome will be assessed however there is sampling
within some of the knowledge and skills. A different sample should be used on each
assessment occasion.

HR06 34, Ship Stability: An Introduction (SCQF level 7) 4

Higher National Unit Specification: Statement of standards (cont)

Unit title: Ship Stability: An Introduction (SCQF level 7)

Outcome 1

Learners will need to produce written and or/oral recorded evidence to demonstrate their
knowledge and/or skills by showing that they can:

1 Explain terms used in knowledge and skills (b)–(e). One from each must be sampled.
2 Calculate the displacement of a box or shipshape vessel using principles from (b), (c)
and (d). In any calculation:

(a) AW, CW or CB must be given.

(b) Learners must select appropriate components from (b), (c) and (d) and in order to
do this, two components (from either b, c, or d) that are not appropriate must be
included.
(c) Learners must arrive at the correct displacement calculation and be able to show
workings/explanation that intermediate steps have been followed in a logical and
meaningful sequence.

3 Carry out a loadline calculation. Learners must:

(d) Cover all knowledge and skills in (e), (f) and (g). This can be done in any
combination depending on the value of the components that are given. Learners
must calculate the two components from TPC, FWA and DWA which have not been
covered in the explanation in 1. The value of the component (TPC, FWA or DWA)
covered in the explanation in 1 must be given.
(e) Arrive at the correct loadline calculation and can show workings/explanation that
intermediate steps have been followed in a logical and meaningful sequence.
The same box or shipshape vessel used to calculate displacement in 2 can be used
in the loadline calculation.

4 Use a hydrometer to measure the density of water. Learners must:

(f) Demonstrate the practical use of a hydrometer to determine the density of a water
sample.
(g) Explain the use of the hydrometer to the assessor during the demonstration.
(h) Measure the density of the water correctly.

Evidence for elements 1, 2 above will be based on sampling and learners should be provided
with sets of displacement, deadweight and TPC tables. No other materials may be used. A
different sample must be used on each assessment occasion. For this reason, the
calculation of, and value given for, TPC, FWA and DWA may differ on each assessment
occasion.

Outcome 2

Learners will need to produce written and or/oral recorded evidence to demonstrate their
knowledge and/or skills by showing that they can:

 explain the terms relating to statical stability

 interpret GZ curves
 determine a vessel's state of stability

HR06 34, Ship Stability: An Introduction (SCQF level 7) 5

Higher National Unit Specification: Statement of standards (cont)

Unit title: Ship Stability: An Introduction (SCQF level 7)

Outcome 3

Learners will need to produce written and or/oral recorded evidence to demonstrate their
knowledge and/or skills by showing that they can:

 calculate the effect of altering the vertical and transverse distribution of weights
 explain the difference between loll and list and the methods of correction
 explain the dangers of free surface
 allow for the effect of free surface in the calculation stated above

Outcome 4

Learners will need to produce written and or/oral recorded evidence to demonstrate their
knowledge and/or skills by showing that they can:

 calculate the effect of altering the longitudinal distribution of weights

Note: Calculations involving longitudinal stability should be carried out using the method of
taking moments about the after perpendicular. The method of taking moments about the LCF
should be discussed but in assessments only the former method should be given any credit.

HR06 34, Ship Stability: An Introduction (SCQF level 7) 6

Higher National Unit support notes

Unit title: Ship Stability: An Introduction (SCQF level 7)

Unit support notes are offered as guidance and are not mandatory.

While the exact time allocated to this unit is at the discretion of the centre, the notional
design length is 60 hours.

Guidance on the content and context for this unit

The content of this unit reflects the content of International Maritime Organisation’s
Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW ’78 as amended).

The unit is primarily intended for learners who are new entrants to the Merchant Navy via
one of the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) approved deck cadet training schemes or
for seafarers who are enrolled on a rating to Officer conversion course. Ideally learners
would have already accrued some shipboard experience prior to attempting this unit,
although this is not a prerequisite.

The knowledge and skills contained within the unit cover all the requirements as laid down by
Standards for Training and Certification of Watchkeepers (STCW ’78 as amended) at the
operational level aboard ship.

Completion of the unit will also ensure that the learner complies with all the requirements laid
down by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) for the issue of an Officer of the
Watch Unlimited Certificate of Competency as a Deck Officer. The required knowledge and
skills for MCA certification can be found in a document detailing the requirements for the
issue of an Education and Training Certificate (A&B), which is available from the MNTB.
The following notes give additional information on the knowledge and skills for each of the
four outcomes.

Outcome 1

Learners will understand the basic principles behind why vessels float in water and the
relationship between the mass, volume of displacement and water density. This is initially
done for box shaped vessels and the concepts required to transfer these principles to ship
shapes will be developed.

Learners will then apply this basic knowledge in different scenarios which will enable them to
determine the draught at which a ship will float in water of a given density. The rate of
change of draught with changing displacement will also be investigated, using both
theoretical concepts and also information available in hydrostatic tables for a given vessel.

Learners will be shown how the density of water is determined and will be required to
demonstrate practically that they are able to use a hydrometer to determine the density of a
water sample.

HR06 34, Ship Stability: An Introduction (SCQF level 7) 7

Higher National Unit support notes (cont)
Unit title: Ship Stability: An Introduction (SCQF level 7)
Outcome 2

The criteria for vessels being in a stable or unstable condition or having neutral stability will
be investigated. The effect on stability of vessels at small and large angles of heel will be
determined and learners will be able to represent this graphically in the form of a curve of
statical stability given initial information available from hydrostatic tables. Learners will also
be aware of the various factors affecting the transverse stability of a vessel and in particular
the factors which affect the shape of the curve of statical stability.

Outcome 3

This outcome covers the effect of changing the distribution of weight within the vessel, but
only in relation to the changes in the transverse stability of the vessel. The effect of vertical
and horizontal movement of weight will be investigated and the changes to the statical
stability of the vessel determined. The concept of free surface will be introduced and its
importance in determining the final stability of the vessel emphasised. Understanding of the
dangers of excessive free surface and how this may be minimised will be developed in the
outcome.

The concept of list due to a transverse shift of weight within the vessel will be investigated
and learners should be able to determine the angle of list (for small angles).
The implications of a vessel initially being in an unstable condition and the concept of an
angle of loll will be considered and the difference between loll and list differentiated.

Outcome 4

Learners will be introduced to the theory of longitudinal stability and will be able to calculate
the draughts forward and aft using information obtained from hydrostatic data.

The effect of changes in the longitudinal distribution of weight will be considered and learners
will be required to perform calculations involving the loading and discharging of multiple
weights using the method of taking moments about the after perpendicular of the vessel.
(LCB–LCG Method)

Guidance on approaches to delivery of this unit

This unit contains knowledge and skills which are critical to the safe operation of any vessel.

The unit could be delivered by combination of class teaching, tutorial work and practical
application cargo loading equipment.

It is therefore vital that all learners are thoroughly familiar with the principles detailed above.
It is suggested that the delivery follows the sequence of the outcomes as they develop the
required knowledge and skills in a sequential order.

Learners should be able to draw on the knowledge gained from the qualifications or units
recommended as prior knowledge as well as experience gained from service at sea.
Where learners have some seagoing experience the contents of Outcome 1 may be familiar
as they will have witnessed the concepts at first hand whilst loading and unloading the ship
and may have carried out some of the practical work as part of their on-board training.

HR06 34, Ship Stability: An Introduction (SCQF level 7) 8

Higher National Unit support notes (cont)

Unit title: Ship Stability: An Introduction (SCQF level 7)

Those learners with no prior seagoing experience would benefit from practical
demonstrations, where applicable, of the various concepts. This may be possible using
models or simple beams showing the effect of transferring weights in a ship. Wherever
possible diagrams should be used in explaining concepts regarding movement of weights
and the use of presentations and ICT delivery would be of great benefit.

Use of stability calculation software scenarios on loading equipment in the cargo handling
simulators to see the effect as the changes can be shown almost instantaneously and
learners can see for themselves how changes can affect the stability of the vessel in both
numeric and diagrammatic formats. The learner can apply their theoretical knowledge and
analyse the practical application of ship’s stability and trim calculations in various seagoing
conditions of intact stability of the ship.

It is recommended that the hydrostatic data supplied to learners taking the MCA written
examinations at Officer of the Watch level be used in all calculations, in order that all learners
are fully conversant with the contents. MCA approved formula sheets should be made
available to all learners during assessment.

The knowledge and skills developed within the unit should be applied in the context that will
be encountered aboard ship, ideally leading the learner towards the ability to be able to
determine the stability of vessel at the completion of either loading or discharging.

Guidance on approaches to assessment of this unit

Written and or/oral recorded evidence is required for Outcomes 1 to 4 and will be under
supervised open-book conditions. Outcomes 1 and 2 should be combined for assessment
lasting no longer than two hours. Outcomes 3 and 4 should be combined for assessment
lasting no longer than two hours.

All knowledge and skills will be assessed however there is sampling within some of the
knowledge and skills. A different sample should be used on each assessment occasion.

Since this is a safety subject indicated by MCA for STCW Certificate of Competency, it is
suggested that the pass mark for all assessments in this unit should be set at a minimum of
60%.

Outcome 1

Evidence for elements 1, 2 of Outcome 1 will be based on sampling and learners should be
provided with sets of displacement, deadweight and TPC tables. No other materials may be
used. A different sample must be used on each assessment occasion. For this reason, the
calculation of, and value given for, TPC, FWA and DWA may differ on each assessment
occasion.

Outcome 2

Opportunities to generate evidence could include multiple choice assessments to cover the
terms relating to statical stability or alternatively a blank diagram on which a learner must
identify the terms listed in the first section of the knowledge and skills.

HR06 34, Ship Stability: An Introduction (SCQF level 7) 9

Higher National Unit support notes (cont)
Unit title: Ship Stability: An Introduction (SCQF level 7)
Alternatively, all of the evidence requirements may be developed in one or more structured
questions.

Questions may be structured so that evidence requirements from more than one outcome
are combined, if successful completion of the question will ensure that the individual
evidence requirements are clearly achieved.

Outcome 3

Opportunities to generate evidence for this outcome could include a single structured
question in which the learner is required to determine the angle of list acquired when weights
are moved vertically and horizontally within the ship and which also includes free surface due
to slack tanks. The question could conclude with the learner being asked to explain the
difference between list and loll.

Alternatively, all of the evidence requirements may be developed by use of structured

questions. Questions may be structured so that evidence requirements from more than one
outcome are combined, if successful completion of the question will ensure that the individual
evidence requirements are clearly achieved.

Outcome 4

Opportunities to produce evidence may be developed by means of an assessment under

supervised conditions. This could consist of a structured question using hydrostatic data from
tables to determine the vessel’s true mean draught and then calculate the final draughts of
the vessel after loading, discharging and transferring weights within the vessel, using the
principles of longitudinal stability.

Alternatively, all of the evidence requirements may be developed by use of structured

questions. Questions may be structured so that evidence requirements from more than one
outcome are combined, if successful completion of the question will ensure that the individual
evidence requirements are clearly achieved

Every opportunity should be made to relate the questions to tasks that the OOW could
normally carry out on board ship. Questions may cover one or more of the evidence
requirements depending on the nature of the problem set, however there must be
opportunities for a learner to demonstrate that they can satisfy all of the evidence
requirements of this outcome within any assessment.

Learners may be given hydrostatic data tables and be asked to calculate the displacement of
a vessel using a variety of hydrostatic principles, possibly including an exercise to obtain the
draught from a specimen example of draught marks. Learners may then be asked to
calculate TPC, FWA and DWA, using information from the previous section of the question to
determine the final draught and hence determine if the vessel complies with the loadline
rules. Sufficient evidence to ensure that the learner possesses the required knowledge and
skills would be available in such a question. It would also be possible that each of the above
requirements could be tackled as part of a different question.

There are multiple scenarios which could be used to provide such evidence and different
scenarios should be used in each assessment, provided that there are still sufficient
opportunities to comply with all the evidence requirements above.

HR06 34, Ship Stability: An Introduction (SCQF level 7) 10

Higher National Unit support notes (cont)
Unit title: Ship Stability: An Introduction (SCQF level 7)
Outcome 1 may be assessed by means of a practical exercise in which a learner physically
obtains the density of a sample of water or on the use of the hydrometer. Basic hydrostatic
principles and loadline calculations may be assessed using an open-book assessment under
supervised conditions or may be incorporated in an assessment covering Outcomes 1, 2, 3
and 4.

Outcome 2 will be sample assessed by an assessment under supervised conditions on

statical stability and the interpretation of GZ curves. The use of computer software typically
found aboard ship could be assessed by means of an assignment.

Outcome 3 may be assessed by means of an assessment under supervised conditions on

transverse stability calculations, the dangers of free surface and the correction of angle of
loll.

Outcome 4 could be assessed by an assessment under supervised conditions on

longitudinal stability calculations.

Outcomes 1 and 2 should be combined for assessment lasting no longer than two hours.
Outcomes 3 and 4 should be combined for assessment lasting no longer than two hours.
Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4 may be combined for assessment purposes.

Evidence for the above may be reproduced by the learner using typical stability software
packages to investigate a proposed loading plan for the vessel in question. Alternatively
learners could be asked what the input/output parameters are for typical stability software
packages.

Opportunities for e-assessment

E-assessment may be appropriate for some assessments in this unit. By e-assessment we
mean assessment which is supported by Information and Communication Technology (ICT),
such as e-testing or the use of e-portfolios or social software. Centres which wish to use
e-assessment must ensure that the national standard is applied to all learner evidence and
that conditions of assessment as specified in the evidence requirements are met, regardless
of the mode of gathering evidence. The most up-to-date guidance on the use of
e-assessment to support SQA’s qualifications is available at
www.sqa.org.uk/e-assessment.

Opportunities for developing Core and other essential skills

This unit has the Using Number and Using Graphical Information components of Numeracy,
and the Critical Thinking component of Problem Solving embedded in it. This means that
when learners achieve the unit, their Core Skills profile will also be updated to show they
have achieved:
 Critical Thinking at SCQF level 6
 Using Number at SCQF level 6
 Using Graphical Information at SCQF level 5

HR06 34, Ship Stability: An Introduction (SCQF level 7) 11

History of changes to unit

Version Description of change Date

Core Skills Components Critical Thinking and Using Number at 18/09/17
2 SCQF level 6, and Using Graphical Information at SCQF level 5
embedded

© Scottish Qualifications Authority 2017

This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided
that no profit is derived from reproduction and that, if reproduced in part, the source is
acknowledged.

Additional copies of this unit specification can be purchased from the Scottish Qualifications
Authority. Please contact the Business Development and Customer Support team, telephone
0303 333 0330.

HR06 34, Ship Stability: An Introduction (SCQF level 7) 12

General information for learners

Unit title: Ship Stability: An Introduction (SCQF level 7

This unit is about applying the principles of ship stability for box and ship shape vessels to
routine situations and will develop knowledge of the principles of hydrostatics, loadline
calculations, statical stability, transverse stability and an introduction to longitudinal stability.
On completion of this unit you should be able to:

 apply the basic principles of hydrostatics to loadline calculations

 apply the principles of statical stability to interpret GZ curves
 apply the principles of transverse stability to list calculations
 apply the principles of longitudinal stability to draught calculations

Assessment could be two question papers using hydrostatic ship particulars. .Each
assessment should last no longer than two hours.

You will be assessed on the use of the hydrometer and aspects of loadlines, structural,
transverse and longitudinal stability under supervised conditions. The use of computer
software used typically aboard ship may be used.

It’s at the discretion of the centre that some elements of the unit may be assessed on cargo
loading equipment under supervised conditions.

Learners will develop Using Number through calculations involving several variables and
multiple interdependent steps. Using Graphical Information will be developed at SCQF level
6 by constructing graphs to obtain information that will be used in calculations or alternatively
use numerical data to construct graphs and then use the graph to analyse the stability of a
vessel and check that the vessel complies with minimum stability requirements prior to
sailing. This may be assessed with the unit assessment but there is no automatic certification
of Core Skills implied.

This unit has the Using Number and Using Graphical Information components of Numeracy,
and the Critical Thinking component of Problem Solving embedded in it. This means that
when you achieve the unit, your Core Skills profile will also be updated to show you have
achieved:

 Critical Thinking at SCQF level 6

 Using Number at SCQF level 6
 Using Graphical Information at SCQF level 5

HR06 34, Ship Stability: An Introduction (SCQF level 7) 13