is conducted to determine a ship's metacentric height (GM) and, consequently, the location of its centre of gravity (CG). Knowing the CG of an empty vessel allows for calculations of its position under various loading conditions.

The inclining experiment is performed on:

• Newly built ships.
• After major alterations to the vessel.
• As required by the classification society.

Conducting the inclining experiment:

• The ship should be in a sheltered location (like a dry dock) with mooring ropes slack, only essential personnel on board, all tanks either empty or full, and any loose weights removed or secured.
• At least two pendulums (one forward, one aft) are used, ideally as long as possible and suspended from convenient points (e.g., under a hatch). A hood filled with water or oil is placed beneath each pendulum bob to dampen its swing for accuracy.
• Four masses are positioned on the deck, two on each side of the midships, their centres as far from the centerline as possible. These masses are moved systematically: all four to one side, then all four to the other, and finally two on each side.
• The pendulum deflection is recorded for each mass movement.
• The average of these deflections is used to calculate the metacentric height (GM).