Slemminneprøve

Slemminneprøve is a type of maritime measurement used in Norway and other Scandinavian countries. It is a method of determining the type and quantity of cargo on board a ship. The term literally translates to "lazy cargo test" or "easy cargo test," which refers to the fact that the test does not require extensive calculations or measurements.

During a slemminneprøve, a ship's cargo is categorized into different types based on its density and shipping characteristics. The main goal is to determine whether a cargo is overloaded or if it has been loaded unevenly, which can affect the ship's stability and maneuverability. This test can be performed using various methods, including traditional methods based on the ship's draft and cargo capacity calculations, and more modern systems that utilize instruments such as sonar or radar to assess the ship's cargo distribution.

Slemminneprøve is an important procedure in ensuring the safe transportation of cargo and preventing accidents such as capsizing or uneven cargo distribution. Under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Convention, Norway has adopted the slemminneprøve as an official method for verifying cargo quantities and distribution on ships sailing in Nordic waters, including the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.

While the slemminneprøve may not be widely practiced outside Scandinavian waters, it is an essential part of maritime safety regulations and practices in regions where dense or heavy cargo is transported, requiring specific measurement procedures to guarantee shipment safety and efficiency.