Stability Theory

Welcome to the Stability Theory Course.

The prime objective of the course is to enable students with little or no knowledge of basic stability theory to become familiar with the calculations required to assess the stability of a Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit and to manage the stability of such a unit in a safe condition.

The course content meets the requirements of the IADC/NI.The IADC, in conjunction with the Nautical Institute, has developed a standard for a comprehensive stability training course based on IMO Assembly Resolution A.891 (21). The programme – Class A – Comprehensive stability instruction utilising digital simulators to replicate extreme wind and sea conditions and emergency situations;  would comply with regulations in the United Kingdom and Canada; flag state requirements, US Coast Guard (USCG) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Stability Theory is part 1 of a 3 part course, part 2 is the ‘Offshore Stability and Ballast Control for Semi-Submersibles (Stability 2)’. The semi-submersible simulator course (Stability 3) completes the suite of courses.

Students will be provided with a set of course notes; the notes have ample space to enable students to enter details of the worked examples and the notes are intended to serve as a reference document for students intending to progress to the  next course (Stability 2). Please make full use of the course notes and the worked examples.

There will be an assessment on completion of the course and the award of an internationally recognised course certificate is dependent that students obtain a 70% pass mark in the assessment. Attendance on the Stability 2 course requires that Stability 1 has been successfully completed, or the candidate holds a STCW Certificate of Compatency

Reference to the course notes is allowed during the assessment; all the formulae required during the course will be provided.

It is hoped that the content of the course will be relevant to the work that students presently carry out or intend to take up and students are encouraged to request from the lecturer full explanation of any points that they are unsure of.