These instruments are crucial for ensuring the stability, safety, and operational efficiency of a vessel, particularly during loading and unloading processes. Whether in the form of software or hardware, loading instruments also help ensure that bending moments and shear forces in still water do not exceed the limits set for any loading or ballast condition on the ship.

Main Functions of Loading Instruments

Based on the explanation above, these tools have several primary functions, including:

• Measuring Cargo Weight: Loading instruments can determine the total weight of the cargo on board. This information is vital for calculating the ship’s moment of inertia from the total weight, which greatly influences the ship’s stability.
• Monitoring Cargo Distribution: In addition to the total weight, these tools can help monitor how cargo is distributed within the ship’s hull. Uneven cargo distribution can lead to instability, endangering the ship both when docked and during the voyage.
• Preventing Overloading: With the help of loading instruments, the ship’s crew can ensure that the cargo does not exceed the permissible capacity. Overloading can make the ship too heavy and unstable.
• Assisting in Stability Calculations: The data obtained from loading instruments can be processed to calculate the ship’s stability. This calculation is essential to ensure that the ship remains stable under various sea conditions.

Types of Loading Instruments

Some common types of loading instruments used on ships include:

• Draft Gauge: Used to measure the depth of the ship submerged in water. Changes in draft indicate changes in the ship’s weight due to cargo.
• Loading Computer: This is a computer with specialized software used to automatically calculate the ship’s stability. The data entered into the computer can come from various sources, such as manual inputs, sensors, tank soundings, and others. An example of loading computer software is iStow, which offers advanced features to enhance cargo storage operations. With further optimization algorithms, real-time monitoring, and a user-friendly interface, iStow maximizes cargo utilization, ensures compliance with safety regulations, and reduces transportation costs.
• Tank Sounding: A tool used to measure the amount of liquid (fuel, ballast water, etc.) in the ship’s tanks.
• Strain Gauge: This instrument is used to measure the stress on the ship’s structure, providing an indication of the cargo condition and the ship’s stability.

Conclusion

Loading instruments are essential tools in ship operations. By using these tools, the ship’s crew can ensure the safety and efficiency of the voyage. Therefore, it is important for every ship to be equipped with appropriate and certified loading instruments, both locally and internationally.