The stability conditions of watercraft are the various standard loading configurations to which a ship, boat, or offshore platform may be subjected.
They are recognized by classification societies such as Det Norske Veritas, Lloyd's Register and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).
The vessel is complete and ready for service in every respect, including permanent ballast, spare parts, lubricating oil, and working stores but is without fuel, cargo, drinking or washing water, officers, crew, passengers, their effects, temporary ballast or any other variable load.
The vessel in the assessed "Worst Intact Condition" is analytically damaged by opening various combinations of watertight compartments to the sea.
The number of compartments and their location are dictated by IMO regulations, SOLAS conventions, or other applicable rules.