Define "metacentric height" in ship stability.

Metacentric height is defined as the vertical distance between the center of gravity of a vessel and its metacenter, which is a key factor in assessing the stability of a ship. The center of gravity is the point where the weight of the ship is concentrated, while the metacenter is a point in the waterline, above the center of buoyancy, where the buoyant force acts when the ship is tilted.

When a vessel is heeled (tilted) due to external forces such as wind or waves, the metacenter provides a pivot point about which the vessel will rotate back towards an upright position. The larger the metacentric height, the greater the righting moment generated by the vessel when it is heeled, contributing to its overall stability. A ship with a high metacentric height tends to return to an upright position more quickly and can resist capsizing more effectively than a vessel with a lower metacentric height.

Understanding metacentric height is crucial for ship design and operational safety because it helps predict how a ship will behave in various sea conditions. Knowledge of this parameter enables crews to manage the vessel's loading and balance, ensuring a safer maritime operation.