Principles of Naval Architecture is a compulsory fundamental professional course for undergraduate students majoring in Nautical Technology. The course consists of two main parts: basic knowledge and ship performance.The basic part introduces ship geometry and mathematical calculation methods. The ship performance part focuses on the study of six major ship characteristics, namely buoyancy, stability, hull structural strength, speed performance, seakeeping and maneuverability, covering their definitions, evaluation indices, calculation methods, as well as requirements from relevant codes and conventions.This course serves as the foundation for subsequent professional courses including Ship Cargo Handling and Ship Manoeuvring and Collision Avoidance. Parts of its content are compulsory examination points for Ship Structure and Cargo, a subject in the Certificate of Competency examination for seafarers.Through learning this course, students will master the basic laws of ship motion and deformation, accurately determine whether operating ships comply with code and convention requirements, and grasp reasonable measures to improve their safety and economic efficiency. These competencies constitute the essential professional literacy for ship navigators and transportation management personnel, and also serve as an expansion of professional knowledge for port, terminal and freight forwarding practitioners.
