Some of the regulations relating to tanker damage stability state that if a proposed loading condition differs significantly from an equivalent condition in the Trim and Stability book on board then it must be approved by the authorities for compliance with the damage stability regulations before a tanker sails. Complications arise through having to calculate fluid loss from a damaged compartment which may be filled to any level and carry liquids with a wide potential range of density. When this is allied to an extensive variety of loading patterns and multi-compartment damages, demonstration of compliance, other than by use of an on-board 'direct calculation computer, can be difficult even though the regulations permit the simplifying assumption that all the fluid in the damaged compartment is instantaneously lost and replaced by sea-water up to the outside damaged equilibrium waterline.
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