Intact stability analysis is required to determine the stability limits of your vessel. This is typically for submittal to regulatory bodies for approval. Intact stability analysis involves researching regulations to determine which sets apply to your vessel. This can be a simple and quick process or very long and complicated. For example, within the US coast guard, there are four different levels of regulations:
The output from this task is typically a report. The report normally includes several other types of stability analyses as well. This report is then submitted to the regulatory body for approval. You should expect some additional work from the engineer to address any comments the regulatory body may have.
An experienced naval architect will require 1 – 2 weeks to complete the analysis, depending on available information. The engineer will use hydrostatic software to analyse the vessel for a variety of loading conditions. This also may require developing a hydrostatic model. Model development may require an additional 1 – 2 weeks.
In addition to the engineer’s time, plan some extra time for yourself. The engineer will have several questions that arise as they develop the applicable regulations. You should be prepared with information about typical voyage lengths, burn-ballast sequences, typical load-out, and general marine operations. If you have a shore-side captain they will be very helpful.
The following documents will be especially helpful.