Stability Curves and IMO Criteria Course
The Stability Curves and IMO Criteria Course provides specialised training in international maritime regulation, focusing on the understanding and application of the stability criteria established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The course covers the calculation and interpretation of static and dynamic stability curves, essential for assessing the safety and behaviour of ships under various operating conditions. It studies the relevant IMO criteria, including intact and damaged stability, and their practical application in the design, construction and operation of ships. It provides a solid foundation for compliance with international regulations, including SOLAS and MARPOL, and prepares professionals for key roles in the naval industry.
The course includes the review of practical case studies, the use of simulation software for stability analysis, and an understanding of the effects of wind and waves on ship stability. It explores in depth topics such as the calculation of the centre of gravity, the free surface effect and transverse stability. In addition, it provides an update on the latest amendments and developments in the IMO criteria, ensuring participants stay up to date with best practice and regulations. The course is designed for naval engineering professionals, merchant navy officers and anyone involved in the design, construction and operation of ships.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Build and interpret stability curves from cross curves.
Apply the general criteria of the 2008 IS Code.
Verify the weather criterion for wind and severe rolling.
Apply ship-type-specific stability criteria.
Calculate damaged stability using the SOLAS probabilistic approach.
Assess ship vulnerability to second-generation failure modes.
Prepare a report on compliance with IMO stability criteria.
Who it's for
- Naval stability engineer wishing to specialise in Stability Curves and IMO Criteria.
- Classification society surveyor wishing to specialise in Stability Curves and IMO Criteria.
- Maritime administration technician wishing to specialise in Stability Curves and IMO Criteria.
- Project naval architect wishing to specialise in Stability Curves and IMO Criteria.
- Maritime regulatory compliance consultant wishing to specialise in Stability Curves and IMO Criteria.
- Fleet technical superintendent wishing to specialise in Stability Curves and IMO Criteria.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter shipbuilding.
What you'll work with
- 2008 Intact Stability Code (IS Code 2008)
- SOLAS Convention, Chapter II-1
- MSC.1/Circ.1627 (second-generation stability criteria)
- International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code)
- 2000 International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft (HSC Code)
- International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk
- MARPOL Convention, Annex I
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Cross curves of stability (KN) and how they are obtained1.2From KN to the GZ arm with correction for KG1.3Righting arm curve and its key points1.4Downflooding angle1.5Angle of zero stability1.6Maximum arm and its angle1.7Areas under the curve up to 30°, 40° and θf1.8Superimposed heeling arm curve1.9Maximum permissible KG curves1.10Workshop: plotting the GZ curve of a container ship
2.1Scope of the 2008 IS Code2.2Criteria relating to the righting arm curve2.3Minimum initial metacentric height2.4Weather criterion for wind and severe rolling2.5Calculation of the rolling angle θ12.6Heeling arm due to steady wind and gust2.7Study of windward and leeward areas2.8Part B: recommendations by ship type2.9Equivalences and exemptions2.10Practice: verification of the weather criterion
3.1Passenger ships and heeling due to crowding3.2Heeling due to turning in passenger ships3.3Cargo ships with timber deck cargo3.4Fishing vessels and specific criteria3.5Offshore supply vessels3.6High-speed craft under the HSC Code3.7Tugs and heeling due to towing3.8Ships with cranes and lifting operations3.9Bulk carriers and grain cargo under the Grain Code3.10Case study: verification of an offshore supply vessel
4.1SOLAS 2009 probabilistic approach4.2Required subdivision index R4.3Attained index A and factors p, s and v4.4Calculation of the survival factor s4.5Passenger ships and additional requirements4.6Deterministic method for specific types4.7MARPOL conventions for oil and chemical tankers4.8IBC and IGC Codes: damage requirements4.9Safe return to port4.10Laboratory: calculation of the attained index A with NAPA
5.1Second-generation failure modes5.2Pure loss of stability5.3Parametric rolling5.4Broaching-to (surf-riding and broaching)5.5Dead ship stability loss5.6Excessive accelerations5.7Vulnerability levels 1 and 25.8Direct stability assessment5.9Operational guidance for the master5.10Case study: vulnerability assessment for parametric rolling
6.1Selection of the ship and applicable regulations6.2Cross curves and loading conditions6.3Verification of general criteria6.4Verification of the weather criterion6.5Criteria specific to the ship type6.6Damaged stability6.7Maximum permissible KG curve6.8Compliance report6.9Written report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake period, which makes it possible to combine the course with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is NAPA, Maxsurf Stability, GHS (General HydroStatics), AVEVA Marine, Rhino, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for plotting and verifying the GZ curve of a container ship, calculating the attained subdivision index, and assessing vulnerability to parametric rolling. Assessment is continuous across each module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Build and interpret stability curves from cross curves.
Apply the general criteria of the 2008 IS Code.
Verify the weather criterion for wind and severe rolling.
Apply ship-type-specific stability criteria.
Calculate damaged stability using the SOLAS probabilistic approach.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish-language proficiency to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of between 10 and 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The course uses NAPA, Maxsurf Stability, GHS (General HydroStatics), AVEVA Marine, Rhino. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
SEIUM's own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the final integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry title.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Please check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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