What device is typically used to check a ship's stability?

The clinometer is specifically designed to measure angles of slope, elevation, or depression, making it ideal for assessing a ship's stability. In the context of maritime operations, stability refers to the ability of a ship to remain upright and balanced, preventing capsizing in various conditions. The clinometer provides real-time feedback on the ship's tilt or listing by measuring the angle relative to the vertical, allowing mariners to make informed decisions about ballast and loading.

Other devices like a gyroscope are primarily used for navigation and measuring angular velocity, while compasses aid in determining direction and barometers measure atmospheric pressure. These devices do not directly assess a ship’s stability in the way that a clinometer does, which focuses specifically on measuring the angles that directly impact balance and stability at sea.