A probabilistic analysis of stability regulations for river-sea ships

Abstract

The present contribution focuses on the recent developments in the field of stability regulations for the river-sea ships in Europe. The river-sea ships are primarily inland vessels that operate on the coastal sea routes on a regular basis. Due to their particular service and design, the river-sea ships may be subject to special stability requirements that incorporate seakeeping considerations to an extent. In the present analysis, some of the existing stability rules (Russian River Register) and working proposals of regulations (UNECE Resolution No. 61) intended for the river-sea ships are evaluated from the probabilistic point of view. It is demonstrated that, in some cases, these regulations are insufficient and not strict enough. Critical analysis is followed by some guidelines for possible improvement of regulations and development of new intact stability criteria for river-sea ships.