On the alternative approaches to stability analysis in decision support for damaged passenger ships

Abstract

A decision support system with damage stability analysis has been recognized as an important tool for passenger ships. Various software applications have been developed and taken into use over the years, without a direct link to any compelling requirement, set forth in the international regulatory framework. After the Costa Concordia accident, new regulations have been established, setting minimum requirements for a decision support system, as an extension to a loading computer. Yet, more advanced systems have been developed recently, aiming at providing valuable additional information on the predicted development of the stability of the damaged ship. This paper presents these alternative decision support systems with damage stability analysis methods for flooding emergencies on passenger ships. The technical background, usability, and usefulness of the various approaches are compared and discussed, taking into account the important statutory approval point of view. In addition, practical examples, including past accidents, are presented and discussed.

A framework for onboard assessment and monitoring of flooding risk due to open watertight doors for passenger ships

“…The required input data (actual loading condition, WTD status, AIS data for nearby ships, bathymetry and weather now-cast) is already available through various systems, but not yet integrated into a single system for risk monitoring. In a case where flooding is detected, the flooding risk assessment tool should automatically switch into a decision support system (DSS) [83]. The adopted risk metric, combining susceptibility and vulnerability into a qualitative measure, is considered suitable for screening purposes and for discrimination among the given operational situations.…”

Damage Stability Behavior Analysis of a Cruise Liner Using Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

“…Younis et al 2019 studied the sensitivity of both the intact and damage stability properties and the limiting KG for intact and damage stability after changing the main dimensions of a passenger ship. They discovered that the stability properties are certainly dependent on the dimensions and shape of the vessel, and accordingly, determining the Limiting Deadweight moment and the limiting KG standards that meet specific criteria for damage and stability in the initial stages of vessel design KG are very important to measure the vessel's ability to withstand severe damage during service, requiring that the designer is aware of the relationship between this measure and the ship's dimensions [37] [38].…”

Effect of Database Generation on Damage Consequences’ Assessment Based on Random Forests

“…Nevertheless, most of them relate to a standard loading condition that is not likely met during navigation or to Safe Return to Port (SRtP) recovery actions and damage control in the final stage of flooding [2,3]. Besides, all modern ships are equipped with loading computers capable of carrying out damage stability calculations by applying the lost buoyancy method [4]. These tools might be capable of assessing the ship's survivability; however, they cannot consider physically consistent intermediate stages of flooding, which might lead to excessive heeling angles or to the ship capsizing.…”