How does a steady heel affect a vessel’s stability?

A steady heel refers to a vessel being tilted to one side at a constant angle. This condition affects the vessel's stability, primarily by influencing the waterplane area. When a ship heels, the effective area of the waterplane is reduced as the vessel potentially presents a smaller cross-sectional area to the water. This reduces the righting moment, which is the moment that acts to return the vessel to an upright position.

As the effective waterplane area decreases, the center of buoyancy also shifts, leading to a reduced righting arm. Consequently, this diminishes the vessel's stability, making it more susceptible to capsizing under certain conditions, especially in the presence of external forces such as wind or waves.

Understanding this dynamic is crucial for safe vessel operation, as improper management of a vessel under steady heel can lead to hazardous situations. This highlights the importance of maintaining an optimal heel to ensure the vessel remains stable and manageable.