The recent advent of the large tanker and bulk carrier has promoted the requirements for more detailed structural analysis of a ship and the reevaluation of theories for calculating the static, quasistatic and dynamic loads. The paper begins with discussion of the methods available to determine the various types of loads expected, their phase relationship, and ways of superimposing them. It then proceeds to the treatment of sea loads based on theoretical and experimental data, and techniques of determining the ship response in a seaway are discussed. The response to regular waves is reviewed with special reference to the determination of pressure distribution on the hull. Statistical ship response, immediate and cumulative over the life of the ship, is demonstrated in relation to the prediction of long-term bending moment trends, and the distribution of the extremes is discussed. Special loading conditions are described with special emphasis on the transverse pressure distribution, dynamic effects due to motion of liquid cargo in tanks, shipping of green water, wave-induced vibrations, slamming pressures and whipping stresses due to various causes. The paper treats the above subjects in a broad manner and no attempt to illustrate the theory in detail is made.
