BCO (Ballast Control Operator / Mou Stability)

The syllabus covers Ballast Control Operator

Basic Stability Ballast Control operator

• Understanding of general terms, i.e. displacement, draught, trim, heel, freeboard, buoyancy, reserve buoyancy, etc.
• Understanding of centre of gravity, centre of buoyancy, position of metacentre, righting lever and its effect on transverse stability
• Stable, unstable and neutral equilibrium
• Theory of moments applied to stability including the effects of movement of heavy lifts
• Effect of adding, removing and shifting weight; calculation of vertical, transverse and longitudinal shift of centre of gravity
• Understanding of the inclining experiment report and its use
• Effect of free surface on stability and factors affecting same
• General understanding of change of trim, trimming moments, longitudinal metacentre and longitudinal stability
• Use of hydrostatic curves, deadweight scale and hydrostatic tables
• Use of cross curves to produce a curve of statical stability and information from curve;
• Dynamic stability; synchronous rolling and angle of loll; stability criteria for MOUs;
• Effect of mooring system on stability
• Daily loading calculations

Application of stability knowledge, including the relevant theory and calculations

• Deck loads and effect on stability; change in lightweight
• Examination of ballasting systems and procedures
• Response to systems failures including station-keeping systems, damage to structures and subsequent action
• Damage control procedure, watertight compartments counter-flooding, use of pumping systems and cross-connections
• Environmental conditions and their effect on stability
• Unit and environmental limitations and criteria for changing to survival condition
• Zones of reduced stability, precautions to take, unsymmetrical ballasting/deballasting and importance of sequence with regard to stress
• Theory of calculations carried out on daily loading sheet, variations in chain deployed and effect on vertical moment
• Emergency procedures