Possibility of Capsizing of a Dredger during Towing

Small-size dredgers are used as a standard for dredging and maintaining the depth of the fairways to seaports, as well as of the ports themselves. These vessels are characterized by limited draft and a low freeboard. The safety of such craft, in terms of their stability, in relation to the conducted works is ensured by the observance of appropriate regulations and requirements. The use of these ships requires navigation between the ports in which they operate. Open sea navigation poses a threat to such vessels. The article presents two characteristic cases of overturning of vessels during sea towing. The requirements of existing freeboard regulations regarding the stability and stability of dredgers do not provide them with a sufficient level of safety at sea. Phenomena such as longitudinal and lateral swaying, wave boarding and dynamic action of the wind may lead to their overturning. The article deals with the problem of the influence of particular phenomena that threaten the stability of dredgers during sea navigation. The analysis of static and dynamic stability for various characteristic shapes of small dredgers is presented. The possibility of water entering the watertight compartments was also taken into account. The research was presented on the numerical models of dredgers. The main purpose of this paper was to assess the risks and possibilities of capsizing of small dredgers designated for port work and redevelopment during their sea voyage.