Real-time decision support system for managing ship stability under damage

This paper presents a decision support system, named Bridge Officer Support System (BOSS), that constantly monitors the load and draught conditions of a ship, using data available through the ship´s platform control system, via OPC. The system has a user-friendly interface, and in normal conditions provides the user with two types of information: the stability situation (showing alarms when a stability criterion is not met), and current maneuverability conditions. If damage occurs, the system switches to damage control mode, and advises the crew as to which actions should be taken to gain maximum stability. The tests performed show that the system works correctly, and can provide good advice for simulated damage conditions.