( NPFVOA Core Safety Training Class Series )

Damage Control Techniques & Vessel Stability (6 hrs)

This course provides instruction in basic vessel stability concepts such as GM, roll period, downflooding, righting arm curve, etc., and other factors affecting stability. Participants have the opportunity to apply fixes to damaged pipes under water pressure. This class can be taught anywhere with access to a water line. (Includes course manual and all damage control materials)

Instructor: Capt. Dave Green, USCG, Ret., Naval Architect for Jensen Maritime Consultants in Seattle, WA

Course Outline

1. Vessel Stability (2.5 hrs)

Overview of Terms: KM, KG, GM; lightship; roll period; downflooding.

Factors Affecting Stability: righting arm curve; load height; lifting weights; free surface; icing; downflooding; reserve buoyancy; draft; excessive trim; water on deck.

Intact Stability

Impaired Stability

Damaged Stability

Grounded Stability

Stability Criteria: Historical basis for criteria (load line mark, initial G); energy methods of evaluation; current criteria.

2. Damage Control and Temporary Repair (3.5 hrs)

Common Damage & Failure Cases

Damage Control/Damage Repair Concepts

Prevention

Identification and Evaluation

Ingenuity

Static Display Repairs and Material Limitations

3. Model Demonstrations

A 3' model of a fishing vessel, floating in a tank of water, is used to simulate the effects that free surface, load height, water on deck, etc. have on a vessel's stability.

4. Hands-on Application of Damage Control Kit Materials

Participants practice repairing pipes with cracks and holes while under water pressure using materials commonly found in a damage control kit.