Why is the center of gravity important in stability calculations?

The center of gravity is crucial in stability calculations because it plays a vital role in determining the metacentric height, which is a key factor in assessing a vessel’s stability. The metacenter is a point where the buoyant force acts when the vessel is tilted, and it is critical for ensuring that the vessel can return to an upright position after being heeled. The vertical distance between the center of gravity and the metacenter is known as the metacentric height; a higher metacentric height typically indicates better stability.

When the center of gravity is low and as far from the metacenter as possible, the vessel will have a greater righting moment, allowing it to resist capsizing and return to an upright position when tilted. In summary, understanding the position of the center of gravity enables better calculations of metacentric height, which directly influences a vessel’s stability during operation.