Calculation of stability prior to departure
43.—(1) On completion of the loading of the ship and prior to its departure, the master shall determine the ship’s trim and stability and also ascertain and record that the ship is in compliance with stability criteria in the relevant regulations. The determination of the ship’s stability shall always be made by calculation. Use of an electronic loading and stability computer or equivalent means may be accepted for this purpose.
(2) In the case of ships of Class II or II(A) the actual weights of goods vehicles and other items of cargo required to be provided for this calculation shall be in accordance with the Merchant Shipping (Weighing of Goods Vehicles and other Cargo) Regulations 1988(1). In the case of ships of Class I, the actual weights of goods vehicles and other items of cargo shall be used and shall be determined in accordance with those Regulations as if that ship was a ship of Class II. For items not required to be so weighed, the declared weights or weights estimated as accurately as possible shall be used.
(3) Where the calculation is made by means of a shore-based loading and stability computer system, a print-out of the calculation shall be presented to the master before the ship proceeds on its voyage. It shall be the duty of the person responsible for that system to ensure that the calculations are substantially correct.