Development of Standards and Regulations
Standards and Regulations
We have conducted many projects for the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency and advised them on developments with the stability requirements of the Small Commercial Vessel Codes, the Large Yacht Code, the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) High Speed Craft Code, and the Weather Criterion applied to passenger vessels. In most cases the research projects have incorporated extensive model tests in a towing tank or wind tunnel, and have resulted in innovative methods of assessment. We have been invited to Fishing Vessel Safety (SLF) meetings at IMO to make presentations.
Accident Investigation and Analysis
Accident Investigation and Analysis
We have provided consultancy to owners, insurers and accident investigators who need expert support with stability assessments and have used scale models to simulate accident scenarios. Notable contracts for UK Government agencies have included towing tank tests to simulate the Marchioness collision and capsize on the Thames, model tests at sea to simulate the sinking of the fishing vessel Pescado, and model tests to investigate failures of liferafts to deploy from capsized fishing vessels. We also offer expert advice in legal cases.
Safety Guidance and the Wolfson Method
Safety Guidance and the Wolfson Method
The Wolfson Unit has developed a simple method of safety guidance that can be applied to any vessel. It can be applied to the normal operating conditions, when conducting specific operations such as loading a heavy cargo or lifting over the side, or when damaged.
The method is based on the vessel size and its residual stability characteristics in the situation of interest, and provides guidance on the level of safety from capsizing in various seastates. The method has been developed further for application to fishing vessels.
Current Vessel Safety Services
Current Vessel Safety Services
Stability assessments, model testing and research, accident investigation, safety guidance and the Wolfson method.