Trim

Trim is the longitudinal inclination of a ship, the difference between the forward and aft drafts, stated as trim by the stern when the aft draft is greater and trim by the head when the forward is greater. It is set by the separation between the longitudinal centers of gravity and buoyancy: the trimming moment equals displacement times the distance LCG to LCB, and the resulting trim is that moment divided by the moment to change trim one centimeter, MCT1cm. The change is distributed about the center of flotation, not midships. Trim is controlled within limits set by propeller and rudder immersion, forefoot emergence, bending moment, and the assigned load line.