A guide to help fishing vessel owners, operators and crew better understand how vessel stability works, and hazards to look out for.
AMSA 507
Webinar 19 February
Join our upcoming webinar on managing operational stability risks in commercial fishing. Learn more and register.
Contents
The importance of stability:
- The basics of stability: buoyancy and gravity
- How the forces of buoyancy and weight are simplified
- How the centre of gravity moves How the centre of buoyancy moves
- How stability changes as a vessel rolls over
Stability hazards to look out for:
- Modifying a vessel or installing new fishing gear
- Overloading leading to capsize
- Swamping of the deck and ‘free-surface effects’
- Water ingress and downflooding
- Shifting catch or fishing gear Stabilisers Trawling, dredging and towing
- Fouling or snagging of fishing gear
- Lifting, pulling on board or splitting the catch
- Lifting the catch at the stern with an A-frame
- Lifting or winching at the side Risks from heavy seas, breaking waves and broaching
- Planning your stability for the whole trip
- Inclinometers and how they help
Last updated:
3 February 2026