Lecture Notes – Ship Construction and Stability – Part 1

Based on DNS IMU Syllabus 2024

Introduction: At its simplest, a merchant ship is merely an elongated floating box made
of welded steel frames, beams, and plates, in such a way that the resulting structure
can safely transit oceans in most weather conditions, both, when carrying the pay-load
(Cargo) and when sailing empty - ie: in ballast condition. The body of this structure is
called as the hull and is divided into spaces for cargo, propulsion fuel (ie: bunkers),
fresh-water, ballast, propelling and auxiliary machinery, manoeuvring and cargo
handling equipment, and living space for crew and passengers.

Profile View from Starboard Side

Profile Centreline Section

Plan View

Figure 1.1
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Figure 1.1 shows profiles and a plan of a ship, naming various important features of
the hull. The front end of this floating box, the bow is shaped to facilitate forward
movement; whilst the rear end, the stern, (see Figure 1.3) is blunter, rounded or
squared off. The shape of the hull may be varied by a ship's designer - a naval
architect- depending on preferences towards speed, fuel-economy or cargo-capacity,
or a mixture of all three; or even on physical restrictions such as canal widths or port
depths. Regulatory authorities and Classification Societies, lay down stringent
regulations as to the dimensions of a ship's structure; permitted sizes of frames,
plating, bulkheads, etc, these dimensions being termed the scantlings.

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Draw a neat picture of a Ship and explain the following principal parts of a ship.

1. Bow: Forwardmost part of a ship is called the bow. The bow is shaped to facilitate
forward movement. The upper part of the bow is shaped for reducing the drag
due to air and the lower part is designed to reduce drag due to water and other
operational reasons.

2. Stern: Rear or Aft end of a ship is called as the stern. It is blunter, rounded or
squared off. Its shape facilitates installation of rudder and propeller.

3. Amidships: The central part of the ship midway between the bow and the stern
is called as amidships

4. Port: Left hand side of the ship (when standing amidships facing bow) is referred
to as Port side

5. Starboard: Right hand side of the ship (when standing amidships facing bow) is
referred to as starboard side

6. Bulbous Bow: It is the protruding spheroidal part of underwater bow which helps
in reducing wave-making drag due to water.

7. Hull: The body or structure of the ship is called as the hull. The hull is covered
on the sides and the bottom with steel plates called as the shell.

8. Deck: The hull has horizontal rows of plating which is called as the Deck. The
decks facilitate vertical division of the ship and provide platform for cargo
stowage and machinery installation.

9. Upper Deck / Weather Deck: The deck that covers the hull of the vessel from
its fore to its aft is the upper deck. It is the topmost deck on a ship. The shell and
the weather deck form a watertight boundary to ensure that the inside of the hull
remains dry. In all vessels, the upper deck is the biggest deck amongst all other
decks.

10. Main Deck: As the name suggests, the main deck is the primary deck in any
vessel. The main deck however may not be the topmost deck in a vessel. which
is referred to as the upper deck / weather deck. On most of Merchant ships Main
deck and Weather deck is same.

11. Poop Deck: The poop deck is located on the vessel’s stern. The poop deck is a
raised deck above main deck. At the stern, the poop deck provides an elevated
position ideal for observation. The main purpose of the poop deck is
adding buoyancy to the aft. In addition, winches (or capstans) and bollards (or
bitts) for handling mooring lines are located on the poop deck.

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12. Fore Castle Deck: The area of the bow-section is capped by the forecastle deck.
The forecastle is usually raised above the level of the main deck, and its flared
sides keep as much seawater as possible from washing along the deck of a ship
during adverse conditions.

13. Cross Deck: Many merchant ships have large openings called as cargo hatches
on the main deck to facilitate loading and unloading of cargo. The cross deck is
the portion of the main deck situated between two adjacent cargo hatches, which
are raised structures around cargo hatches.

14. Bridge: The bridge on a ship is the command centre, housing navigation and
control equipment. It's where the captain and officers manage the ship's
operations, including steering, communication, and monitoring systems.

15. Superstructure: The parts of a ship above the poop, main and forecastle-decks
are known as the superstructure and in modern conventional vessels, are usually
concentrated at the after-part of the hull above the engine-room. The exception
to this, is in some specialised ships such as some Ro-Ro ships, cruise ships or
heavy-lift vessels, where the superstructure is either erected along the entire
length of the vessel, or is concentrated towards the forward part.

16. Accommodation: Living spaces of the crew are called as the accommodation.
The superstructure is usually divided into several deck-levels into which living,
eating, and sleeping accommodation for the crew is provided. This place consists
of offices, a salon, a gym, a recreation room, crew cabins, a hospital, a kitchen,
shared spaces, laundry, a dining area, and a galley.

17. Main Mast: This is the primary mast on a ship, often the tallest and most
structurally significant, especially on sailing ships where it supports the largest
sails. In modern ships, it might be referred to as the radar mast and is used for
displaying flags and housing navigation lights, antennas, and other equipment.

18. Fore Mast: Located forward of the main mast, the fore mast is also a significant
mast on sailing ships. On modern ships, it can be a platform for navigation lights,
whistles, horns, and antennas.

19. Jack Staff: This is a small pole at the bow of the ship, specifically for flying the
jack flag. The jack is a flag representing the ship's nationality or affiliation and is
distinct from the ensign.

20. Ensign Staff: This is a pole at the stern (rear) of the ship where the ensign, the
national flag, is flown.

21. Engine Room: Engine room is the compartment where the main propulsion
machinery and the auxiliary machinery are housed.

22. Steering Gear Room: This houses the steering gear mechanism and is located
at the stern of the ship. Steering gear is used to operate the ship’s rudder.

23. Funnel: Funnel is located above the superstructure from where the exhaust
gases are let out into the atmosphere

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24. Mast House: A "mast house" on a ship is a small deckhouse built around a
mast. It serves as a platform for various functions, such as housing cargo-
handling machinery, providing a winch platform, or enclosing electric control
equipment. On modern ships, masts are primarily used for supporting
navigational and communication equipment, and mast houses can be crucial for
housing and maintaining this equipment.

25. Crane: Crane is used for cargo handling. Earlier days, when ports were not
developed ships had cargo gear to handle cargoes. Traditionally they were
DERRICK (BOOM) system with a few variations. Preparing gear was complex
part and needed lot of manpower. Over long period Derrick system was replaced
by “CRANE” system. Today we rarely see Derrick system, but Cranes have
become very common. Cranes became popular as they do not need manpower
for rigging. They are simple to operate and can work around 360 o. Cranes can
handle cargoes efficiently and do not need support from masts.

26. Cargo Holds: These are the compartments where cargo is loaded.

27. Hatch: hatch is the opening provided on the deck to facilitate loading and
unloading of the cargo.

28. Hatch Coaming: hatch coaming is a vertical plating erected around the periphery
of a hatch opening. This is located on the weather deck. The coaming provides
support to the hatch cover and also prevents ingress of water from the deck into
the cargo hold beneath.

29. Hatch Cover: Hatch cover is the lid provided to close the cargo hatch opening

30. Booby Hatch: A "booby hatch" on a ship is a small, often sliding, hatch or opening
in the deck, providing access to the interior of the hull, usually to a ladder or
companionway. It's essentially a small access point for personnel, distinct from
larger cargo hatches.

31. Bulwark: In ships, a bulwark is the extension of the ship's side above the upper
deck, acting as a protective barrier against waves and preventing personnel from
falling overboard.

32. Gunwale: The gunwale of a ship is the upper edge of the hull, where the side of
the vessel meets the deck. It runs along the length of the hull and serves as a
structural reinforcement. Historically, gunwales were associated with the
placement of guns on warships

33. Mooring Winch: A mooring winch on a ship is a mechanical device used to

secure the vessel to a dock or another stationary object using mooring lines.
Mooring winches handle the mooring lines, which are ropes or cables, to keep
the ship firmly attached to the berth. They allow for tightening or loosening the
mooring lines to maintain the desired position and compensate for changes in
tide or draft.

34. Windlass: A windlass is a device primarily used for raising and lowering the
anchor and managing the anchor chain. A windlass is designed to work with
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 anchor chains, featuring a gypsy (a grooved wheel) to grip and haul the chain. It
also includes a brake for holding the anchor securely when not in use.

While both windlasses and winches are used for handling ropes and cables, a
windlass is specifically designed for anchor handling, whereas a winch can be
used for various tasks like mooring and towing.

35. Fairleads: Fairleads are fittings on a ship designed to guide a rope or cable,
controlling its direction and angle. They provide a fixed point for the rope to pass
through, preventing it from rubbing against other parts of the ship and minimizing
friction. Fairleads are essential for safe and efficient mooring and towing
operations.

36. Rollers: Roller fairleads are a type of fairlead specifically designed with rollers to
further reduce friction. The rollers rotate as the rope passes over them,
minimizing friction and wear on the rope. They are particularly useful when the
rope needs to change direction, such as when guiding it from the winch to the
bollard.

Roller fairleads are often positioned at the front of the winch drum to guide the
rope onto the drum smoothly. They help ensure the rope spools correctly and
evenly, preventing tangles and damage. By reducing friction, roller fairleads can
also improve the efficiency of the winching operation.

37. Tanks: These are the enclosed spaces used for storing liquids or gases, or for
providing ballast. These tanks can serve various purposes, including carrying
cargo, storing fuel or water, or maintaining ship draft and stability

Different types of tanks found on ships based on their purpose are given below:
 Ballast Tanks: These tanks hold water (ballast) to adjust the ship's weight and
balance, ensuring stability and proper draft (the depth of the ship in the
water). Ballast tanks can be located in various parts of the ship, including the
bottom, sides, and double bottoms.
 Cargo Tanks: These are designed to carry specific types of cargo, such as
liquids (oil, chemicals, etc.) or gases. Cargo tanks can be integral (part of the
ship's structure) or independent (separate from the hull).

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  Fuel Tanks: These tanks store the fuel needed for the ship's engines and other
systems.
 Fresh Water Tanks: Ships have tanks for storing fresh water for crew and other
uses, as well as tanks for sanitary water.
 Service Tanks: These tanks store treated oil for use in the main engine,
auxiliary engines, and boilers.
 Overflow Tanks: These tanks collect overflowed liquids, such as fuel or diesel,
from other tanks.
 Anti-roll Tanks: These specialized tanks, fitted with baffles, help to reduce the
ship's rolling motion by managing the movement of water within the tank.
 Deep Tanks: These tanks can be used for ballast and maintain stability during
return voyage without cargo or for carrying specialized liquid cargoes.
 Header Tanks: These tanks maintain a liquid level in a system and can also
compensate for system losses.
 Other Tanks: Ships also have tanks for lubricating oil, waste oil, and other
specialized liquids

38. Fore Peak Tank: Located at the forward end of the ship, forward of the collision
bulkhead. Primarily used for ballast but can also store fresh water. Construction
is different from other ballast tanks due to its irregular shape and location.

39. Aft Peak Tanks: Located at the after end of the ship, aft of the aftermost watertight
bulkhead. Typically used for ballast or fresh water. Construction is different from
other ballast tanks due to its irregular shape and location.

Both fore and after peak tanks are essential for maintaining trim and stability.

40. Double Bottom Tanks: Double bottom is the double skin along the bottom of the
ship. Its purpose is to provide a safeguard in the event of grounding, which
happens to about two ships a day. This space is used for water ballast, fresh
water or bunkers.
41. Stores Compartments: Stores on a ship, often called "ship's stores" or "bond
stores," provide essential supplies to the crew. These stores can range from
basic necessities like food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies to more specialized
items like nautical charts, navigational equipment, and safety gear. ship's stores
typically include:

 Forecastle or Fore Peak Store: Located below the forecastle deck, used
for general stores.
 After Peak Store: Situated at the stern, below the main or quarter deck, also
for general stores.
 Deck Store: Small, weather-tight rooms on deck, serving as storage or
equipment rooms.
 Provision Rooms: Dedicated spaces for storing food supplies, often
including separate areas for vegetables and other perishables.

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42. Chain Locker: Chain locker compartment is located beneath the forecastle deck
for use as a storage space for a vessel's anchor chain cable when not in use

43. Propeller: A ship propeller is a rotating device with blades that, when turned,
pushes water backward to create thrust and propel the ship forward. It is a fan-
like structure consisting of a number of blades attached to a central piece called
hub. The hub is mounted on the shaft which is connected to the engine. When
the engine rotates the shaft, the propeller by virtue of its geometry creates forces
which push the ship forward.

44. Rudder: The rudder's primary role is to steer the ship. Therefore, a rudder
enables the vessel to maintain her course. It works by deflecting water and
creating pressure differences that pushes the stern to port or starboard and
consequently the whole ship rotates and changes direction. It is a vertical plated
structure located at the stern just behind the propeller. The rudder can be turned
using the steering gear. When the rudder is held at an angle, it generates a lateral
force which helps the ship to change its direction to either to port or starboard
side, as desired.

45. Keel: is an important structural member of the ship’s hull. It consists of the
centreline row of plates at the bottom supported by a centre girder along the
whole length of the ship from bow to the stern. It is known as the backbone of
the ship

46. Gangway: A gangway on a ship is a walkway, ramp, or platform that provides

safe access between the ship and land or another vessel. It's used for boarding
and disembarking passengers and crew

47. Porthole: A porthole on a ship is a circular window, typically in the hull, designed
to let in light and air. They are also known as "bull's-eyes". They are important
for ventilation and light in below-deck spaces.

48. Bulkhead: A bulkhead is a vertical wall within the ship’s hull that divides the ship
into compartments. These walls serve multiple purposes, primarily to increase
the ship's structural rigidity and limit flooding in case of damage.

49. Collision Bulkhead: A collision bulkhead in a ship is a watertight partition, typically

located at the forward end of the vessel. The primary function of a collision
bulkhead is to limit the spread of flooding in case of a collision or bow
damage. This helps maintain the ship's buoyancy and stability, preventing it from
sinking.

50. Manhole: Manhole is a round or oval hole cut in decks, tanks, etc, for providing
access for survey and maintenance of enclosed spaces.

51. Weather Tight Doors: A weathertight door on a ship is designed to prevent the
ingress of water from weather conditions like rain and waves, but it's not
necessarily designed to withstand significant water pressure from both sides like
a watertight door. These doors are typically located above the waterline and are
crucial for maintaining the ship's integrity and safety in various weather
conditions.
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