Emergency procedures, Damaged dtability

Emergency Procedures

Loss of stability can occur for a number of reasons :

Too much weight in the upper part of the vessel due to:
- bad distribution of cargo in the holds (e.g. during loading)
- fuel and/or water consumption in double bottom
- heavy seas on deck due to adverse weather conditions
- in winter, forming of ice on deck
Slack tanks due to fuel and/or water consumption</
Wrong internal transfer of fuel or water in the double bottom tanks
On tankers, tanks that are not sufficiently filled
Shifting of the cargo on ships carrying bulk cargoes (e.g.; heavy swell)
Seawater infiltration due to hull leakage
Pipeline leakage in the holds
Shifting of general cargo due to very bad weather
Very bad weather with vessel laying across the waves
Extreme condensation of cargo
etc.

What to do

Inform Master
Reduce speed
Exhibit "Not under command" shapes or lights
Use minimum rudder angle
Manoeuvre ship according to the weather and external situation
Update vessel's position in radio room, satellite terminal and other automatic distress transmitters (GMDSS)
Check reason of the loss of stability
Sound bilges and tanks
Consider distress call
Consider abandon ship
Inform Company and, if necessary, any third party
Once condition is improved, inform all parties contacted
Duly enter all decisions actions taken in log book.