International Association of Marine Aids to

IALA Guideline No. 1099

Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities

on

the Hydrostatic design of buoys

Edition 1

May 2013
AISM Association Internationale de Signalisation Maritime IALA

10, rue des Gaudines

78100 Saint Germain en Laye, France
Telephone: +33 1 34 51 70 01 Fax: +33 1 34 51 82 05
e-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.iala-aism.org
 Guideline 1099 – on the Hydrostatic design of buoys
May 2013

Document Revisions
Revisions to the IALA Document are to be noted in the table prior to the issue of a revised
document.

Date Page / Section Revised Requirement for Revision

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 Guideline 1099 – on the Hydrostatic design of buoys
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Table of Contents
Document Revisions 2  
Table of Contents 3  
Index of Tables 4  
Index of Figures 4  
1   Purpose 5  
2   Scope 5  
3   Introduction 5  
4   Buoyancy 6  
5   Stability 7  
6   Definition - Units – Notation 7  
6.1   Movement of a buoy 7  
6.2   Volume 7  
6.3   Waterline 8  
6.4   Diameter of the waterline 8  
6.5   Water plane area 8  
6.6   Inertia of water plane 8  
6.7   Weight 8  
6.8   Buoyancy 8  
6.9   Displacement 8  
6.10   Reserve buoyancy 8  
6.11   Centre of Buoyancy 9  
6.12   Buoyant force 9  
6.13   Density of water 9  
6.14   Centre of gravity 9  
7   Calculations 9  
7.1   Centre of Gravity 10  
7.2   Centre of Buoyancy 10  
7.3   Stability 11  
7.4   Metacentric Height 11  
7.5   Mass budget and position of the centre of gravity (G) 12  
7.6   Displaced volume 12  
7.7   Verification of the buoyancy 12  
7.8   Position of the centre of buoyancy 13  
7.9   Righting arm 13  
7.10   Angle of heel 14  
8   Practical Measurements 16  
8.1   Centre of Gravity 16  
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8.2   Roll Period 16  

8.3   Waterline 17  
8.4   Metacentric Height 18  
8.5   Towing Trials 19  
9   Stability at small angles of heel 19  
9.1   Mass stability and form stability 20  
10   Introduction to Dynamic Stability 20  
11   Study of Stability Curves (Righting Arm Curves) 20  
12   Stability Safety Check 21  
13   References 22  
ANNEX A Determination of centre of gravity G for components of a buoy 23  
ANNEX B Determination of centre of buoyancy B of a steel buoy 25  
ANNEX C Examples of roll periods of different buoy types 26  

Index of Tables
Table 1 Examples for metacentric height of plastic buoys used by various administrationsError! Bookma

Index of Figures
Figure 1   Buoy types (left to right: skirt, deep tail tube, short tail tube, LANBY, ballasted spar,
tail tube with single mooring attachment) 5  
Figure 2   Spar buoy, articulated beacon 6  
Figure 3   Description of movement of a buoy (from IALA Guideline 1065) 7  
Figure 4   Centre of buoyancy 9  
Figure 5   Centre of gravity of a buoy 10  
Figure 6   Metacentric height 11  
Figure 7   Metacentric height 13  
Figure 8   Angle of heel 14  
Figure 9   Areas of wind- and water forces 15  
Figure 10   A buoy lifted at an off-centre lifting point 16  
Figure 11   Measuring the metacentric height 18  
Figure 12   Towing trials 19  
Figure 13   GZ-curve 21  
Figure 14   Buoy in horizontal position 22  

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1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this guideline is to provide information on calculation of buoy stability for new buoy
designs and for establishing the impact of the installation of new equipment on existing buoys.
Methods of measuring these parameters on existing buoys are also explained.

2 SCOPE

This guideline provides information on those aspects of buoy design that effect the buoyancy and
stability of the buoy. The Guideline 1066 On the Design of Floating Aid to Navigation Moorings [1]
should be consulted when loads due to wind and tidal effects are being considered. It is
recommended that a standard textbook on naval architecture should be consulted if the reader is
not familiar with basic ship stability calculations.
The aspects of buoy design discussed in this guideline provide the basis for designing a buoy from
first principles but can also be used when considering mounting different superstructures and new
equipment on existing buoys or operating existing buoys in different mooring environments.

3 INTRODUCTION

This guideline provides information on the hydrostatic performance of conventional buoys (skirt,
tailtube, ballasted spar) moored with conventional moorings (as described in Guideline 1066 [1]).
Some of the buoy types are illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 1 Buoy types (left to right: skirt, deep tail tube, short tail tube, LANBY, ballasted spar, tail
tube with single mooring attachment)
The illustrations used in the Guideline are those of a tailtube buoy used in the French service.
However the principles and processes described apply to all freely floating buoys with external or
internal ballast.
The stability of articulated beacons and spar buoys depends on the mooring providing sufficient
vertical force to maintain the buoy in an upright position. Details of such calculations are not
included. However the information provided on displacement and centre of buoyancy are relevant
to these buoy types.

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Figure 2 Spar buoy, articulated beacon

The size of the buoy and hence the size of the daymark will depend on the daytime range at which
the buoy must be visible and the height of the daymark or tower will depend on the focal plane
height that is required for the light or for aerial systems (see NAVGUIDE [2] and Guideline On
Daymarks for Aids to Navigation [3]).

4 BUOYANCY

Buoyancy is the upward vertical force provided by the immersed part of the buoy displacing a
volume of water.
It is vital that the buoy will retain sufficient reserve buoyancy for all weather conditions and that the
AtoN will remain effective in most weather conditions. There must be sufficient buoyancy to
support the entire weight of the buoy and the moorings. If it is anticipated that maintenance
personnel will work on the buoy afloat then the buoy must have sufficient reserve buoyancy and
stability for this to be safely carried out. The size and hence the weight of the buoy will depend on
the navigational requirements and the local environmental conditions.
In the case of buoys with several watertight compartments an authority may require the buoys to
remain afloat with one or more sections of the float damaged, and no longer buoyant. Floatation
calculations should then be made with the reduced number of buoyant compartments.
When there are wind forces and/or tidal flow forces acting on the buoy then these will increase the
loads in the mooring and more buoyancy will be required to support the added mooring loads (See
[1]).
If low temperatures are expected estimates of the weight of ice on deck and superstructure should
be included in calculations. Ice forces, due to the freezing of the water surrounding the buoy, are
not considered in the following calculations.
Waves will have some effect on the mooring loads and hence buoyancy requirements. Wave
effects are extremely complex. However if the waves are not breaking then the buoy will follow the
water surface and there will be some increase in the buoyancy requirements in order to cope with
the wave drift.

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5 STABILITY

Stability measures the ability of the buoy to remain upright so that the AtoN will remain effective in
most operating conditions. There are two aspects of stability that will be incorporated in the buoy
design. These are form stability and weight stability.
Form stability is the stability provided by the shape of the immersed part of the buoy. In a normal
cylindrical buoy the greater the diameter of the buoy the more stable it will be. An extreme
example of this is the LANBY buoy which has a shallow 13-meter diameter 'dish' like body. Due to
its large diameter this body provides considerable stability in most situations, however in extreme
conditions even this large buoy can capsize and will then be stable in an inverted position.
The centre of gravity of the buoy being in a position such that it tends to right the buoy provides
weight stability. The deep tailtube buoy provides an example of this type. The ballast on the base
of the tailtube provides righting forces.
Static stability calculations evaluate the combined effects of form stability and weight stability.

6 DEFINITION - UNITS – NOTATION

All units are shown according to SI-System.

6.1 Movement of a buoy

The following Figure 3 illustrates the various movements of a buoy. These are the definitions used
in naval architecture. The horizontal centreline of a ship would correspond to the direction of the
water flow past the buoy.

Figure 3 Description of movement of a buoy (from IALA Guideline 1065)

6.2 Volume
The body of the buoy forms a closed volume that provides the buoyancy of the buoy when
immersed in water. The total volume is defined as V (m³).

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6.3 Waterline
The waterline WLi is the horizontal line between the submerged part of the buoy and the emerged
part of the buoy.

6.4 Diameter of the waterline

The diameter of the waterline D (m) is the diameter of the buoy body measured at the waterline.

6.5 Water plane area

When the buoy is in upright position, then the water plane is usually circular. Water plane area WP
(m²) is the area of the section of the float formed by the waterline.
Note:
The area of any tube passing through the float and open to the surrounding water must be
subtracted from the area of the water plane.

6.6 Inertia of water plane

Inertia of water plane If (m4) is the moment of inertia of the water plane about the axis of the centre
of water plane O. It characterizes the energy needed to rotate the surface around an axis as the
buoy is displaced from the vertical.

1
e.g. I f = ⋅ π ⋅ D 4 for circular surfaces
64
6.7 Weight
Weight W is the vertical force (N) of gravity downwards, applied on the buoy. This is the
summation of the mass of all the individual components multiplied by acceleration of gravity g.

W = mb ⋅ g = ∑ mi ⋅ g
i

mb mass of the buoy in kg

mi mass of each component in kg
g acceleration of gravity in m/s²

6.8 Buoyancy
Buoyancy VB (m³) is the volume of the submerged part of the buoy limited by the waterline. The
buoyancy includes the body (float) and other immersed components such as skirt, mooring eyes,
tailtube, external ballast etc.

6.9 Displacement
Displacement Δ (kg) is the total volume displaced (VB) by the buoy multiplied by the density of
water.
Δ = VB ⋅ ρ
ρ density of water in kg/m³ (see values in 6.13)

6.10 Reserve buoyancy

Reserve buoyancy R (m³) is the enclosed volume of the buoy that is above the waterline. It is
often expressed as a percentage of the total volume.
V = R + VB
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6.11 Centre of Buoyancy

Centre of Buoyancy B is the centroid of the displaced
volume of water. It is the application point of the buoyancy
forces. The position of the centroid varies with loads, roll,
draft and other movements of the buoy.

6.12 Buoyant force

The buoyant force FB (N) is the vertical force applied to the
submerged portion of the buoy, due to the displacement of
water.

Definition
An immersed body in a fluid undergoes a vertical force FB
directed upwards (and opposite to the weight of the
displaced fluid). This is equal to the displacement Δ of the
floating body (see 6.9).

FB = VB ⋅ ρ ⋅ g

6.13 Density of water

Density of water ρ depends on mainly
• Temperature
• Salinity

Typically, we retain the average values of density of

seawater ρ
• North Atlantic seas at 1025 kg / m³.
• Mediterranean sea at 1028 kg/ m³.
• Estuary waters from 1000 kg/ m³ to 1015
kg/ m³.
Figure 4 Centre of buoyancy

6.14 Centre of gravity

The centre of gravity G is the application point of overall weight W.

7 CALCULATIONS

The starting point for the calculations will be a detailed drawing of the buoy along with details of all
the equipment to be mounted on it. The weight budget of the buoy will then be a summation of all
these components. The mass of steel work, aluminium fabrications, plastic mouldings etc. can be
calculated but it is recommended that checks be made by weighing components, where this is
practical.

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Figure 5 Centre of gravity of a buoy

7.1 Centre of Gravity

The centre of mass, usually referred to as the centre of gravity (G), can then be established by
summing the moments of each component about a chosen origin (K). As buoys are usually largely
symmetrical about their vertical axis it is only necessary to take the moments in the vertical (X)
axis. The origin is usually taken as the base line of the keel or skirt of the buoy. The moments are
then always positive. The summation of the moments is divided by the total mass and the result is
the vertical distance of the centre of gravity above the origin. All this information is usually included
in the weight budget (example in 0).

7.2 Centre of Buoyancy

The Centre of Buoyancy (B) is the centroid of the immersed volume of the buoy. It should be
noted that this changes with the depth of immersion of the buoy and the angle of heel.
To calculate the position of the centre of buoyancy, the moments of the volumes of all the
immersed components about the origin (same as used for Centre of Gravity) can be summed and
the centre of buoyancy calculated (example in ANNEX B).

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7.3 Stability

Figure 6 Metacentric height

WL0 initial waterline

WL1 heeled waterline
G centre of gravity
B0 initial centre of Buoyancy
B1 heeled centre of Buoyancy
M metacentre
GM metacentric height
BM metacentric radius

With the total mass (m), centre of buoyancy (B) and centre of gravity (G) being established the
metacentric height (GM) can be calculated. The metacentric height provides a measurement of
the righting moment of the centre of mass of the buoy relative to the centre of buoyancy.
For calculation of stability it is usual to consider the buoy as a free floating body, i.e. without the
moorings. This will usually represent the worst stability case. For small buoys the mooring may be
vital for stability and the mooring weight will then have to be included in stability calculations. The
weight of the mooring varies with water level and wave variations.

7.4 Metacentric Height

GM (see Figure 6) is the metacentric height and BM is the metacentric radius. For small angles of
heel the metacentric radius defines the motion of the centre of buoyancy (B) about the metacentre
(M). When the angle of heel is small, M is the intersection point of the line B0G and the vertical line
passing through B1.

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If metacentric height (GM) is positive, when the buoy is heeled it will return back to its upright
position. If it is negative, then in most cases any displacement of the buoy will result in heeling
further and tending to capsize.
To increase the metacentric height either the body diameter will have to be increased or, more
usually, the centre of gravity (G) will have to be lowered. This can be accomplished by:
• increasing the weight of the ballast and/or placing it lower down;
• reducing the weight of the superstructure and equipment or placing them lower down.
The ideal value for the metacentric height is difficult to define. A guide of 10% of the body
diameter was quoted for standard steel buoys (3 metre diameter) but this is thought to be rather
small for light weight plastic buoys.
Table 1 Examples for metacentric height of plastic buoys used by various administrations
Diameter / m Metacentric height / m Administration
1.80 0.65 NL
2.30 0.40 F
2.45 0.50 F
2.60 0.95 NL
2.65 0.60 F
3.00 1.10 NL

If it is planned for maintenance personnel to climb the buoy superstructure then a value of the
metacentric height and consequent angle of heel should be calculated with the estimated weight of
personnel at the highest working point on the superstructure. This will confirm if the metacentric
height remains positive in this situation i.e. the buoy remains stable with personnel on board.

7.5 Mass budget and position of the centre of gravity (G)

Before starting the calculation of stability the mass and centre of gravity must be calculated by
summing all the masses of the components and equipment on the buoy and the position of the
centre of gravity can then be determined.
Then we obtain the total mass mb of the buoy and the vertical position of the centre of gravity (G)
(example in 0).

7.6 Displaced volume

The displaced volume can be calculated as follows:
The total sum of all forces is zero

∑F = 0
For static equilibrium the weight of the buoy minus the buoyancy is zero.
W − FB = 0

(mb ⋅ g ) − (VB ⋅ ρ ⋅ g ) = 0
mb
VB =
ρ

7.7 Verification of the buoyancy

This calculation ensures that the buoy does not sink. The volume of the buoyancy must be less
than the total volume of the buoy.
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VB < V

The difference between V and VB is the reserve buoyancy. This allows us to estimate the
additional load that the buoy can support.
For the buoy to remain afloat the buoyancy reserve volume needs to be positive (Rb > 0).

7.8 Position of the centre of buoyancy

From the amount of buoyancy and centre of buoyancy of the float and each other immersed part of
the buoy, we calculate the position of the centre of buoyancy B (example in ANNEX B).
Note:
Most 3D-CAD drawing systems provide centres of volume of defined shapes.

7.9 Righting arm

At equilibrium the initial waterline is WL0. The centre of
buoyancy is B0.
The buoy is heeled to an angle θ relative to its
equilibrium position and it floats on a new waterline WL1.
The centre of buoyancy moves from B0 to B1.
M is the intersection point of the line (B0 G) and the
vertical line passing through B1. The point M is called
metacentre.
The distance (B0 M) is called metacentric radius.
The distance (GM) is called metacentric height.
For the angle of heel θ a righting moment noted RM
occurs, such as:

RM = mb ⋅ g ⋅ GZ

GZ is the righting arm

Figure 7 Metacentric height

In the right angle triangle GZM

GZ = GM ⋅ sin θ then
GZ = (B0 M − B0G ) ⋅ sin θ

therefore

RM = W ⋅ (B0 M − B0G ) ⋅ sin θ

Stability Condition
For the buoy to be stable GM must be positive and M must always be above G.

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7.10 Angle of heel

The angle of heel θ that the buoy may assume in wind and current conditions can be calculated
either from the wind and current loading information provided in Guideline 1066 [1] or other
sources of wind and current loads. It is not practical to estimate the extreme loads due to moving
ice.

Figure 8 Angle of heel

The Moment of the area of the buoy which is subject to wind load, about the point of mooring
attachment and the moment of the submerged area of the buoy subject to current load, about the
mooring attachment can be summed and the resulting heel angle calculated. The worst case is
usually assumed when the moments produced by the current and wind forces are both trying to
heel the buoy in the same direction. The direction of heel due to current flow will depend on the
area of the immersed parts of the buoy that are situated above and below the mooring eye.

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Figure 9 Areas of wind- and water forces

The buoy is restrained by the mooring and will pivot about the point of attachment of the mooring
(mooring eye). In Figure 9 the force of the wind will act on the area of the buoy above the
waterline, shaded red. The force will act about the centroid of this area. Current forces on the
submerged area of the buoy (blue) will act about the centroid of the submerged area. Moments
are taken about the mooring eye(s). Water forces acting on the buoy include current (tidal or
stream), wind generated surface current and wave drift.

wind drag [N ] = wind force [N / m²] ⋅ emerged projected area [m²]

water drag [N ] = water force [N / m²] ⋅ immersed projectedarea [m²]

The wind drag moment [Nm] is calculated by multiplying the wind drag [N] by the distance from the
centroid of emerged area to the mooring attachment point [m].
The water drag moment [Nm] is calculated by multiplying the water drag [N] by the distance from
the centroid of immersed area to the mooring attachment point [m].
Moments are taken as positive, if the buoy tends to rotate in a clockwise direction about the
mooring point and negative if anticlockwise. The sum of these moments about the mooring point
provides a value for the overturning moment.

overturning moment [Nm]

tan (θ ) =
weight [N ]⋅ GM [m]

This formula is only valid for small angles of heel (less than ten degrees). These heeling
calculations will provide a guide to the angle the buoy will attain due to the given wind and current
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forces. However as the angle of heel increases the calculated result will become less accurate as
the effective shape and projected area of the buoy body will change.
If a buoy is to be used in a particular current flow situation, these calculations can be also used to
evaluate the position of mooring eyes or mooring attachment if the buoy has several mooring
attachment positions.
Note:
For the model of buoy shown in these diagrams where the mooring attachment is away from the
centre line the heeling moment due to the mooring forces being applied at a distance from the
buoy centre line (the arm) will need to be added to the calculations.
When angle of heel is being considered it should be noted that the anticipated maximum angle of
heel should not exceed half the vertical divergence (FWHM) of the lantern.

8 PRACTICAL MEASUREMENTS

The practical measurement of weight, freeboard and metacentric height may be of particular value
when considering alterations or the installation of new equipment to existing buoys for which
design drawings and calculations are not available.
Practical measurements can also be useful to confirm calculated values of Centre of Gravity.

8.1 Centre of Gravity

Assuming that a crane capable of lifting the assembled buoy is available then the centre of gravity
position can be confirmed by suspending the buoy from one lifting eye that is away from the centre
line (see ). The buoy must hang freely and not be restrained by any
handling lines. The centre of gravity will then be at the intersection of the
line of suspension with the central axis of the buoy. This can be
conveniently recorded with a digital photograph or measured with an
inclinometer on the buoy.

8.2 Roll Period

The natural roll frequency can be estimated by displacing the buoy and
timing the roll period. The buoy must be floating freely and then displaced
as far as is practical in one direction and then released. Timing is started
when the buoy reaches its maximum roll angle in the opposite direction
and timing stopped when the buoy returns to this maximum roll position.
Time can be measured over two or three complete roll cycles to find the
average roll period. Roll period measurement can be easily carried out
from a video recording of the rolling buoy. Acceleration sensors installed
on the buoy will also provide accurate information. An Example can be
found in ANNEX C.

Figure 10 A buoy lifted at an off-

centre lifting point
The amplitude (angle) of heel should not exceed 10° / 15° from one side to the other side. The test
can be repeated with some of the moorings suspended from the buoy's mooring eyes, when some
of the effects of changing in roll frequency due to mooring weight will be demonstrated.

J ⋅ (1 + k )
The natural roll period is T = 2π
mb ⋅ g ⋅ GM

T roll period in seconds

J moment of inertia of the buoy about the axis through the centre of gravity in kg*m²
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k added mass coefficient (which can vary from 0.1 up to 1, depending on the float shape and
the type of skirt or tailtube)
mb mass of the buoy in kg
g acceleration due to gravity in m/s²
GM metacentric height in m
The state of the buoy should be consistent for m and GM.
The added mass coefficient (k) accounts for the amount of boundary water that moves with the
buoy. Note that the mass of the mooring line is neglected in the above formula. Moreover, remind
that this formula is valid only for small angles and static position of the buoy.

8.3 Waterline
When the freeboard is known the effects of adding the mooring loads to the buoy can be easily
calculated and the effective freeboard in service conditions estimated.
If suitable calm water facilities are available, along with a crane capable of lifting the buoy, then
floatation trials can be carried out. The draft can be measured and the line of floatation and hence
the freeboard confirmed.
At this stage weights can be placed on the deck of the buoy, possibly those to be used for the
inclining experiment. These are placed on opposite sides of the superstructure so that the buoy
remains floating in an upright position. The weights should be of sufficient size to sink the buoy by
a significant amount. The displacement (kg) per mm immersion can then be established (or
calculations confirmed). This should be carried out with two or more sets of weights to ensure
accuracy of the results.
Note:
The line of floatation will vary depending on the density of water the buoy is floating in (see 6.13).

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8.4 Metacentric Height

Figure 11 Measuring the metacentric height

Weights will be required that can be placed at the outboard edge of the buoy's deck to heel the
buoy. The angle of heel can then be measured and used to calculate the metacentric height.
Several weights should be used to heel the buoy first one way and then the other. The angle of
heel may be measured with a pendulum (see Figure 11) on the buoy. The movement of the
pendulum can be measured with a horizontal scale.

horizontal displacement
tan(θ ) =
length of pendulum

The angle could also be measured with an inclinometer or by photographing the buoy with a
horizontal or vertical reference line in the background.
The metacentric height should be calculated with several different inclining weights.
The buoy mooring lines must be completely slack and no foreign weights or personnel must be
allowed on the buoy during the inclining test.

weight on deck ⋅ distance x

GM =
weight ⋅ tan(angle of heel )

This is valid for small heel angles (less then five degrees) and the measurements must be carried
out in flat water. These calculated values should all be similar and an average may be taken.

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If the pendulum is used the mass of the pendulum is usually immersed in a container of water to
damp the motion of the pendulum.
If the photographic method is used the photos must be take from a direction perpendicular to the
plane of heel of the buoy.

8.5 Towing Trials

When the buoy is to be used in fast current or river situations towing trials can be carried out to
evaluate the buoy's performance in moving water. The buoy can be towed from its mooring
point(s) with a ballast weight in the towline that is sufficient to maintain a downward slope in the
line from the buoy to the weight.
The towing speed can be recorded from instruments of the towing vessel. The angle of heel can
be conveniently estimated from digital photographs or taken from sensors on the buoy.

Figure 12 Towing trials

Alternatively the propeller wash from a large vessel pushing against the quay can be used to
produce a steady flow of water past a moored buoy.
These towing trials will also provide an indication of the buoy's riding performance in moving water.
Some buoys will sway or yaw or roll when subject to critical water velocities.

9 STABILITY AT SMALL ANGLES OF HEEL

For small angles of heel B follows a circle centred at M with a radius BM (metacentric radius).
GM and KM are calculated in the following formulae:
GM = KM − KG
KM = KB0 + B0 M
B0M is calculated using the following formula that incorporates the Inertia of the water plane (see
6.6)
If
B0 M =
VB
The metacentric height is calculated as follows
GM = ( KB0 + B0 M ) − KG
where the first part is the form stability and the second part is the mass stability.

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9.1 Mass stability and form stability

To improve the stability, we can modify either the mass stability or the form stability.
If form stability is increased, BM distance increases.
To increase mass stability, GM must be increased by lowering G.

10 INTRODUCTION TO DYNAMIC STABILITY

Each buoy has natural periods of roll and heave.

When the buoy is floating oscillations to each side of the equilibrium position result from an
external force. These oscillations are damped over time due to the viscosity of water.
Knowledge of the natural roll period of the buoy allows the estimation of the value of the
metacentric height and also an estimation of the behaviour of the buoy in the wave fields
corresponding to the mooring site.
Resonance is the tendency of the buoy to oscillate at greater amplitude at some wave periods
rather than others.
• sea wind wave period of < 5 seconds, irregular small waves, rare case of
resonance;
• transitional phase swell periods of between 5 and 10 seconds, rare case of resonance;
• oceanic swell swell period > 10 seconds, regular waves, increased occurrence
resonance.
A large value for the metacentric height will result in the buoy returning rapidly to the upright
position in a quick motion (small roll period). A small metacentric height will result in a slow
oscillation motion (long roll period), possibly with excessive displacement from the vertical.
The effectiveness of the visual AtoN on the buoy will depend on these being clearly visible. If the
buoy has a rapid or jerky motion then it will be difficult to clearly recognise the daymark or the light
character. A slow and steady rolling motion is therefore preferred, however the extent of the rolling
must not be excessive.

11 STUDY OF STABILITY CURVES (RIGHTING ARM CURVES)

Stability is the ability of the buoy to return to an upright position when external actions such as
wind, waves and current have displaced it. Stability is considered adequate if the buoy retains this
capacity in all situations.
Factors that may affect the stability are the:
• loading of the buoy;
• presence of overturning moments due to external forces.
Stability can be studied via the curve of righting arm.
It is usual to produce two curves, one without mooring and one with the mooring suspended
vertically beneath the buoy.
Method:
At each angle of heel θ the value of the righting arm GZ can be determined.

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 Guideline 1099 – on the Hydrostatic design of buoys
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Figure 13 GZ-curve

Analysis of the curve:

The total area under the curve of stability is the stability reserve or the amount of righting energy.
Slope of the curve:
The initial slope of the curve is the value of the modulus GM of the initial stability.
Limit angle of dynamic stability ( θ d ):

Angle for which the areas A1 and A2 are equal.

At that angle the restoring energy (area A2) equals the heeling energy (area A1).
There is a danger of capsizing beyond this angle for external loads acting dynamically on the buoy.
Limiting angle of static stability ( θ max ):

The angle θ max is the peak of the curve. It is the maximum angle of stability.
Limit angle of static capsizing ( θ s ):

This angle ( θ s ) is the point where righting arm disappears and static capsizing occurs.

Beyond this angle the righting moment becomes negative and a prompt capsize occurs.

12 STABILITY SAFETY CHECK

The stability curve is difficult to produce by manual calculation because the water plane shape of
the buoy will change as the buoy heels (except for buoys with spherical bodies).
A simple safety evaluation can be carried out by calculating the overturning moments at 90° heel.
This assumes the buoy is knocked down horizontally by wind or waves. It is proposed that this
calculation is carried out without considering the effects of moorings, as this will represent the most
extreme stability case.

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 Guideline 1099 – on the Hydrostatic design of buoys
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Figure 14 Buoy in horizontal position

The centre of gravity G remains in the same position as in the original calculations. The displaced
volume of the buoy is also the same as originally calculated; however, this is now provided by the
new immersed section of the buoy body, parts of the tail tube and possibly part of the
superstructure. The buoyant element of the superstructure may be significant if the superstructure
is enclosed. The horizontal position of this new centre of buoyancy B is calculated and the relative
positions of G and B will show if the buoy will tend to right or to capsize.
The righting arm GZ is now xr. The value of the righting moment will be:
RM = m ⋅ g ⋅ GZ = m ⋅ g ⋅ (xr )

13 REFERENCES

[1] Guideline 1066 On the Design of Floating Aid to Navigation Moorings

[2] IALA NAVGUIDE
[3] Guideline 1094 Daymarks for Aids to Navigation

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 Guideline 1099 – on the Hydrostatic design of buoys
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ANNEX A DETERMINATION OF CENTRE OF GRAVITY G FOR COMPONENTS

OF A BUOY

Aluminum superstructure Quantity Total mass G above base Moment

[kg] of super- [kg mm]
structure
[mm]

Flanging bottom 52,5 14 756

Standard fixing flange 1 50,0 10 500
Gussets 6 2,0 103 207
Gussets under ladder 2 0,5 103 49

Central structure 162,4 1 541 250 344

Vertical amounts 6 80,0 1 660 132 800
Grips 36 5,0 1 660 8 300
Fixed cladding plates 33 30,0 1 540 46 185
6 mm cladding plates 5 9,0 120 1 080
Removable cladding plates 2 2,0 700 1 388
Ladder bars 7 4,0 1 020 4 080
Handrail 1 8,0 1 000 8 000
Top handrail 1 4,0 1 931 7 724
Floor cladding plates 5 7,0 2 040 14 280
Cladding plates near floor, side 1 0,5 2 050 934
steps
Aluminium floor 1 9,0 2 110 18 990
Nameplate 2 4,0 1 650 6 584

Upper parts 18,0 3 149 56 763

Stringers for ladder 2 5,0 2 722 13 608
Upper ring 1 5,0 3 300 16 500
Top plate for light base 1 6,0 3 300 19 887
Light base 1 2,0 3 384 6 768

Support for Day mark 7,0 3 484 24 234

Aluminium pipe 1 3,0 2 825 8 475
Carbon pipe 1 2,0 3 800 7 600
Connection plate 1 0,5 3 825 1 740
Support flange for D Mark 1 0,5 4 300 2 150

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 Guideline 1099 – on the Hydrostatic design of buoys
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Gussets for flange 35x35 4 0,50 4 283 2 142

Flange pipe 1 0,5 4 255 2 128

Miscellaneous bolts 10,0 2 050 20 500

Welds 10,0 1 500 15 000

TOTAL 260 1 414 367 597

The height of the centre of gravity G from the datum is 367 597 / 260 = 1 414 mm.
Determination of centre of gravity G of the buoy: steel buoy + aluminium superstructure

Total mass G above keel Moment

[kg] [mm] [kg mm]
Topmark 10 9 170 91 700
Aluminium superstructure 260 7 320 1 903 200
Equipment 100 7 120 712 000
Insulation plate for steel / aluminium 5 5 815 29 075
Steel float 2 870 4 305 12 355 350
Tailtube 1 105 2 455 2 712 775
Ballast 650 120 78 000
Total mass 5 000 17 882 100

The height of the centre of gravity G of the buoy is from the datum K
17 882 100 / 5 000 = 3 576 mm.

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 Guideline 1099 – on the Hydrostatic design of buoys
May 2013

ANNEX B DETERMINATION OF CENTRE OF BUOYANCY B OF A STEEL BUOY

Components Volumes Buoyancy G above the Moment

[liter] [kg] datum K [kg mm]
[mm]
with water
density of
1,026 kg/l
Float cylindrical part 3 231 3 315 5 439 18 030 285
Float truncated part 1 267 1 300 4 756 6 182 800
Bolts 5 5 4 055 20 275
Connecting flange 24 25 4 146 103 650
Ring on cone 3 3 4 760 14 280
Tailtube 195 200 2 454 490 800
Ballast bolts 2 2 238 476
Ballast 146 150 165 24 750
TOTAL 4 874 5 000 24 867 316

The height of the centre of buoyancy B for the buoy from the datum K is
24 867 316 / 5 000 = 4 973 mm

The diameter of the buoy is 2.65m.

The volume of the buoy is 4.874m³.
B0K is 4.973m
KG is 3.576m
If 1 1
B0 M = = ⋅ π ⋅ D 4 ⋅ = 0.497m
B0M is calculated VB 64 VB

GM is calculated GM = KM − KG = B0 M + B0 K − KG = 0.497m + 4.973m − 3.576m = 1.894m

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 Guideline 1099 – on the Hydrostatic design of buoys
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ANNEX C EXAMPLES OF ROLL PERIODS OF DIFFERENT BUOY TYPES

Steel buoys

Volume 7.50 m³ 12 m³ 26 m³
Mass 5 000 kg 9 500 kg 15 000 kg
Natural roll period 5.80 seconds 7 seconds 7 seconds

Modular plastic buoys A8L B6L C5L

Ballast 650 kg

Volume 9 m³ 7 m³ 6 m³
Mass 3 650 kg 3 400 kg 3 150 kg
Natural roll period 4.85 seconds 4.70 seconds 4.20 seconds

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