What is the purpose of a stability book for a vessel?

The stability book serves a crucial role in ensuring the safe operation of a vessel by providing essential stability information and calculations. It includes data on the vessel's design, stability criteria, loading conditions, and various calculations used to assess stability under different scenarios. This documentation is critical for determining how a vessel will behave in water, particularly when facing environmental challenges such as waves, wind, and loading changes. The content of the stability book helps crew members understand how to maintain safety by adhering to stability guidelines and knowing the vessel's limits. Proper stability management is vital to prevent capsizing and to ensure the vessel operates safely under various conditions.