Damage stability of passenger ships—notions and truths

Abstract

A painstaking evolutionary development on damage stability of ships is giving way to unprecedented scientific and technological developments that has raised understanding on the subject as well as the capability to respond to the most demanding societal expectations on the safety of human life and to do so cost-effectively. Within less than half a century, damage stability calculations catapulted from one scenario per newbuilding (QE II, mid-1960s over a few months) to tens of thousands of scenarios (modern cruise liners in 2010s in a few weeks). Given the steepness of the learning curve and the pace of developments, it is understandable that certain notions were accepted as truths without due rigor and, as such, continue to shape contemporary thinking and developments. This paper draws attention to various issues that are emerging as knowledge grows and proposes a way forward for establishing a stronger foundation to safety assurance in the maritime sector and for future developments on the subject.