USCG Exam PracticeVessel stability — metacentric height, free surface
A commercial fishing vessel operates north of 42°N latitude during January. Per 46 CFR §28.550, what minimum horizontal ice loading must be assumed for surfaces above the waterline if the vessel operates north of 66°30'N latitude?
- A. 3.07 pounds per square foot of horizontal projected area
- ✓ 6.14 pounds per square foot of horizontal projected areaCorrect
- C. 3.07 pounds per square foot of vertical projected area
- D. One-half of the standard icing values because the vessel is a small commercial vessel
Why B is correct
46 CFR §28.550(b)(1) requires that for vessels operating north of 66°30'N latitude, the assumed ice weight on horizontal projected areas must be at least 6.14 pounds per square foot (30 kg/m²). The 3.07 psf value applies to vertical projected areas per §28.550(b)(2), and the one-half reduction applies only to vessels operating between 42°N and 66°30'N per §28.550(c).
Cited:46 CFR §28.550