CMI Vessel Stability & Structural Integrity 3

Question 1

To reconstruct a vessel's loading condition at the time of a sinking, a CMI investigator should obtain which combination of evidence?

Accepted Answer

Cargo manifests, tank sounding logs, fuel consumption records, and witness accounts of the vessel's loading

Answer

The vessel's original stability booklet issued at time of construction

Answer

The shipyard's hull construction drawings and original weight estimate

Answer

Classification society records from the vessel's most recent special survey

Question 2

In a marine investigation, 'progressive flooding' is defined as:

Accepted Answer

Sequential flooding of compartments as watertight boundaries successively fail

Answer

Flooding limited to a single compartment through a localized hull breach

Answer

Rapid complete inundation caused by catastrophic structural failure

Answer

Flooding that is actively controlled and managed by the vessel's bilge pumping system

Question 3

What is the significance of the 'angle of loll' in a stability investigation?

Accepted Answer

It is the angle at which a vessel with negative initial GM reaches a precarious stable equilibrium on its side

Answer

It is the maximum permissible operating heel angle specified in the stability booklet

Answer

It marks the angle at which deck edge immersion first occurs during dynamic rolling

Answer

It is the heel angle corresponding to the peak of the GZ curve

Question 4

In capsizing investigations, the 'angle of vanishing stability' (AVS) is a critical threshold because:

Accepted Answer

Beyond this angle the righting lever becomes negative, meaning the vessel cannot self-right and capsize is inevitable

Answer

It is the angle at which deck-edge immersion first allows water to enter the hull

Answer

It is the heel angle where the metacenter first descends below the center of gravity

Answer

It marks the maximum angle recorded by the vessel's inclinometer before capsize

Question 5

Damage stability calculations performed during a marine investigation are used to determine:

Accepted Answer

Whether the vessel could remain afloat and maintain positive stability with flooding in one or more specified compartments

Answer

The vessel's remaining propulsion speed capability after structural damage

Answer

The cost estimate for hull repairs following a grounding or collision

Answer

The crew's ability to conduct damage control operations under actual sea conditions

Question 6

When a vessel's cargo suddenly shifts transversely during heavy weather, the immediate stability consequence is:

Accepted Answer

A permanent list toward the shifted cargo as the center of gravity moves off-centerline

Answer

An increase in GM as the center of buoyancy shifts toward the low side

Answer

Automatic engagement of the vessel's passive anti-rolling tank system

Answer

A reduction in draft as the weight redistribution changes displacement

Question 7

Under the ISM Code, what stability-related documentation should a CMI investigator expect to find aboard a well-managed vessel?

Accepted Answer

Approved stability booklets, loading computer records, and stability management procedures within the Safety Management System (SMS)

Answer

Original classification society certificates issued at the time of vessel construction only

Answer

Manufacturer's hull structural specifications from the shipyard design files

Answer

Proficiency certificates confirming crew completion of stability calculation training courses