What does a ship's 'list' indicate?

A ship's 'list' refers to the inclination of the vessel to one side, typically caused by an unbalanced weight distribution or shift in cargo. When a ship lists, it indicates that there is a permanent or semi-permanent angle of lean towards one side, which can severely affect its stability and safety at sea.

In maritime terminology, a list can arise from various factors, such as uneven loading, an imbalance in cargo, or water accumulation on one side of the vessel. While it may be a temporary condition, an uncorrected heel, which is the term used for the angle of the ship caused by the ship's weight distribution, directly contributes to a list.

Understanding this concept is crucial for ship operators as a significant list can lead to capsizing if not addressed promptly, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balanced weight distribution and checking for conditions that may cause the ship to heel or list excessively. This is why identifying a ship's list addresses issues with uncorrected heel and weight distribution during operations.