Ship Construction and Cargo Flashcards

What is meant by 'GM' in ship stability terminology?

Answer: The metacentric height — the distance between the center of gravity and the metacenter

GM (metacentric height) is the vertical distance between G (center of gravity) and M (metacenter), and it is the primary measure of initial stability.

Which type of ship construction uses a series of transverse frames as the primary structural support?

Answer: Transverse framing system

The transverse framing system uses closely spaced transverse frames (ribs) as the primary structural members, common in older and smaller vessels.

A 'tween deck' is BEST described as:

Answer: A deck located between two adjacent main cargo decks within a hold

A tween deck is an intermediate deck inside a cargo hold, dividing the hold into upper and lower compartments to allow separate cargo stowage.

What is the primary purpose of double-bottom tanks?

Answer: To serve as ballast tanks and provide structural protection to the inner bottom

Double-bottom tanks serve as ballast tanks and add structural rigidity while providing a protective second bottom above the keel if the outer hull is breached.

When cargo is described as 'broken stowage,' this refers to:

Answer: The wasted space that cannot be utilized due to the shape or packaging of the cargo

Broken stowage is the unused void space in a hold that results from irregularly shaped cargo or packaging that prevents a perfect fit.

What does the term 'freeboard' mean?

Answer: The distance from the waterline to the upper edge of the main deck

Freeboard is the vertical distance from the waterline to the freeboard deck (typically the main deck), indicating reserve buoyancy.

Which cargo handling equipment is fixed to the ship's deck and uses a rotating drum to haul cargo?

Answer: Winch

A winch is a deck-mounted machine with a rotating drum that winds wire rope or cable to lift and lower cargo.