A parametric method for preliminary determining of mass characteristics of inland navigation ships

This paper presents a method for estimation of mass characteristics of vessels, elaborated with the use of an algorithm based on requirements of the Rules for the Classification and Construction of Inland Waterways Vessels of Polish Register of Shipping, and on a simplified method [6] for determination of mass of hull plating stiff"eners. The dimensioning method of hull structure scantlings based on this algorithm concerns classical vessels intended for the carrying of general cargo, dry and liquid bulk cargoes, which determine the range of the method application. The method does not cover vessels of different construction, e.g. roll-on-roll-off type vessels equipped with heavy decks, as the dimensioning of their scantlings is based on different relationships and models.