Under what condition will a ship maintain stability in water?

A ship maintains stability in water primarily when the metacenter is above the center of gravity. The metacenter is the point where the buoyant force acts when a ship is tilted. When the metacenter is above the center of gravity, the righting moment exerted by the buoyant force will help return the ship to an upright position after it has been tilted by external forces, such as waves or winds. This balancing of forces is crucial for the ship’s stability.

The position of the center of gravity relative to the metacenter is vital in maritime design and stability assessments. If the center of gravity is above the metacenter, it can lead to an unstable condition where the ship will capsize rather than return to an upright position. Therefore, maintaining the metacenter above the center of gravity is essential for safe nautical operations.

While the other conditions mentioned can contribute to the overall stability and usability of a ship, they are not the primary factor that dictates the stability in the same way the metacenter and center of gravity do. The even distribution of weight and the symmetry of the hull can enhance stability but do not independently ensure it without the crucial relationship between the metacenter and center of gravity being favorable.