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Ship Loadicator Test / Ship Cargo Program

Your loading computer (loadicator) must match the approved data for your ship. Surveyors

and vetting teams expect a quick proof that it works.

Ship Loadicator Test / Ship Cargo Program

When to test Ship Loadicator / Ship Cargo Program

  • During annual/special class surveys / as per company requirement

  • After software/data updates, dry dock, lightship/structural changes

  • Any time you see warnings or odd results


What you need (2 minutes to prepare)

  • The approved program + approved data set (ship name/IMO visible)

  • The approved test condition (from your Loading Manual / class test file)

  • Printer or Save as PDF working on the bridge PC

  • Units and water density noted (e.g., kN·m vs t·m; 1.025 vs 1.000)

  • A simple “Loadicator Verification Record” sheet to sign (template below)


The test (step-by-step)

  1. Open the reference test condition

    Use the exact masses, tank levels, LCG/VCG/TCG, density, etc. from the approved document.

  2. Re-enter the same condition in the program

    No “close enough.” Use the exact values and settings.

  3. Calculate and compare

    Check that your results match the approved values within class tolerances for:

    • Displacement, drafts (FP/AP/Mean), trim

    • KM/GM (if used)

    • Shear forces & bending moments at all output points (numbers and % of limit)

    • Any local limits/hold limits; no warnings expected in a valid test case

  4. If something doesn’t match, fix the usual culprits:

    • Wrong density (1.000 vs 1.025)

    • Mixed units (kN·m vs t·m)

    • Frame spacing mismatch

    • Free surface settings or auto-corrections toggled on

    • Rounding or missed inputs (consumables, sea water in DBs, etc.)

  5. Print your pack and sign the record sheet (details below).


What to print (your “survey-ready” pack)

  • Cover page: 

    Ship & IMO, program name/version/build, data-set ID/date, PC/dongle ID, date/time

  • Inputs listing: 

    All masses, tank data, LCG/VCG/TCG, density, frame spacing, tank-table revision

  • Results:

    • Displacement, FP/AP/Mean drafts, trim, KM/GM (if used)

    • SWSF & SWBM — tables and graphs, with permissible limits and % of limit shown

    • Any warnings reproduced on paper

  • Comparison table: 

    “Approved vs Calculated” for key values

  • Sign-off block: 

    Tested by (name/rank/date), result (OK/Not OK), remarks, Master review/signature

  • (Optional) 

    First page of the class approval letter for the program/data set


What to write in “Remarks”

Routine PASS

  • Annual verification: “Verified against Test Condition [TC-ID] (Manual p. [pg]). Program v[ver], Data set [ID] ([date]). Density [SG], units [kN·m/t·m]. All results within Class tolerances. No warnings.”

  • Quarterly check: “Quarterly loadicator check vs [TC-ID]. Displacement/drafts/trim and SWSF/SWBM match approved values within tolerance. OK for service.”

  • Pre-vetting: “Pre-vetting functional check vs [TC-ID]. Program and data set confirmed class-approved. Results within tolerance; pack filed.”

  • Witnessed: “Loadicator test witnessed by [Surveyor/Company] on [date]. Results within tolerance. Evidence attached.”

Minor variance — FIXED and PASS

  • Density corrected: “Initial run used SG 1.000; corrected to 1.025 per test case. Re-run vs [TC-ID] within tolerance. Final: PASS.”

  • Units aligned: “Unit mismatch (t·m vs kN·m) identified and corrected. Re-run within tolerance. PASS.”

  • Frame spacing aligned: “Frame spacing set to [x] mm instead of [y] mm; corrected per manual. SWBM at [Fr.###] now within tolerance. PASS.”

  • Free-surface setting: “FS correction initially OFF; enabled as per approved method. Re-run matches approved values. PASS.”

Warnings / Info — PASS with note

  • UI warning cleared: “Non-critical warning (‘[message]’) shown due to [reason]; setting adjusted per test case; final results OK.”

  • Auto-features disabled: “Auto-trim/auto-balance disabled to match approved test assumptions. Results within tolerance. PASS.”

  • Graph limits visible: “Printouts include SWSF/SWBM limits and % of limit as requested by Class. No exceedances.”

  • Data set confirmation: “Data set [ID] ([date]) verified against class approval letter [ref]. No edits since last survey.”

After updates / dock — PASS

  • Post-update: “Vendor patch [build] installed [date]. Regression test vs [TC-ID] within tolerance. PASS.”

  • Post-dock: “Post-drydock verification (steel renewal [frames]). Updated data set [ID] loaded [date]. Comparison within tolerance. PASS.”

  • Lightship change: “Lightship revised per inclining/drydock [date]. New data set [ID] approved. Test vs [TC-ID] within tolerance. PASS.”

NOT PASS / Escalation (use when needed)

  • Out of tolerance: “Test NOT accepted: [SWSF/SWBM] at [Fr.###] deviates [±x.x%] beyond tolerance vs approved. Program quarantined; operations using manual limits/loading booklets. Class/vendor notified (ticket #[ref]).”

  • Hardware/licence issue: “Unable to complete witnessed test due to [dongle/PC] fault. Fault logged [ref]. Manual calculations used; retest scheduled [date].”

  • Dataset mismatch: “Dataset on PC does not match approved rev. [rev]. Awaiting vendor/class confirmation. Test deferred; control measures applied.”

  • Procedural note: “Partial test only (inputs/results pages) due to [reason]. Full comparison to be repeated [date].”


Keep the evidence tidy

  • Paper: 

    Staple the pack and keep it in a thin binder: “Loading Instrument — Annual Tests” on the bridge/Master’s office

  • Digital: 

    Save a PDF copy to the ship’s Docs/Loadicator folder + a USB backup

  • Keep the last 3 years (or as per your SMS)


Friendly reminder: 

The loading computer supplements your approved Loading/Stability booklets—never replace them. Always work within permissible limits.




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