8.1 Genera. A basic characteristic of any ship is the size of the load that it is able to carry.

Thus, two
fundamental questions arise: (a) What is the volume of space available for cargo-or cargo capacity?
(b)What is the weight of cargo that can be carried at full load draft-or cargo deadweight?

Under eonsiderations of capacity are included the volume of all cargo spaces, store rooms and tanks and
the location, vertically, longitudinally, and transverser of the centroid of each such space to allow finding
the weight (and center of gravity) of the van¡able weights, or deadweight of the ship. This information is
needed to check the adequacy of the veseel’s size, and to determine its trim and stability characteristics.
The calculations are called capacity calculation and lead to capacity curves and plans.

The total deadweíght of a merchant ship is the difference between the full-load displaoement weight
and the light ship weight-the latter eonsisting of the weight of hull steel, machinery (wet), and outfit.
The actual “payload” or cargo deadweight is obtained by deducting the typical maximum values of the
variable weights of fuel, stores. fresh water, water (or other removable) ballast, crew and their effects
from the total deadweight.

In this book we must use the term weight loosely, for when using SI units of kilograms or metric tons we
are really speaking about mass. However, ¡f inch. pound units are retained-lbs and long tons-we are
then speaking correctly of weight Similarly, dead- weight and displacement (as explained in section 2.2)
can be in either SI mass units or in inch-pound weight units.

Capacity Plan. Fig. 39 shows, in abbreviated form, the capacity plan for a multipurpose dry cargo ship.
Such a plan is prepared for the use of the ship owner, and summarizes in convenient form the amount
of cargo, fuel. fresh water and stores which the ship may carry, and the spaces into which these will go.
The amount of elaboration on the actual plan varies at difierent shipyards, and depends upon owners'
requirements. There is always an outline inboard profile showing the location of tanks, store and cargo
spaces and frequently there are also deck plans showing the arrangement of these spaces, as well as
sectional views at various frame locations along the ship. The plan includes the principal dimensions of
the ship, and shows, usually in tabular form, the name, location and volume of each cargo Space, tank,
consumable stores space, etc, as well as its longitudinal and vertical centroid when filled, and its
transverse centroid, if the space is unsymmetrically disposed about the vessel's centerline. If large units
of cargo are to be carried. such as shipping containers or cargo barges, the location of the various
vertical tiers and longitudinal rows are shown, as well as how the units are positioned transversely. In
the event that the ship is intended to carry specific amounts of deck cargo, such as deckstowed
containers, these also are shown.

The plan includes a displacement scale alongside a scale of drafts, and draft markings as they appear on
the side at the ship at amidships, for all drafts from the light condition to full load. Also usually shown
next to the draft scale are TPcm and MTcm. Freeboard